Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Pictured in the forefront is a Chinese Fringe Tree. Blooms in spring.A highly prized small tree with upright branches forming a dome shape. Soft green leaves back magnificent clusters of fragrant, fringe-like blooms. A terrific accent for small yards. Deciduous. Grows 15-20' tall Photo by Julia Stewart Acer Landcape Services

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Denver for spring.

Oregon grape draws the eye to these flashes of yellow too! In spring, its dense, dark green foliage fills with bright sun-yellow clusters of blooms.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard metal fence flower bed in Los Angeles for spring.

Continual blooming abounds. Vast numbers of swaying grasses and swaths of colorful perennials are enhanced by the late day sun in this calming scene.

Patio container garden - mid-sized contemporary backyard stone patio container garden idea in Los Angeles with no cover

Quick Fire™ Hydrangea (Tree Form) Deciduous shrub with clusters of pink blooms in summer that mature to white by fall. Blooms on new wood. http://www.bcnursery.com/HYDRANGEA-QUICK-FIRE-TREE-FORM-7-GAL-P8981.aspx

Common Thrift (Armeria marítima) forms grasslike mounds. It's enchanting blooms sit atop long, slender stems that dance in the breeze. They are charming in clusters and as edges for meadows. Lesly Hall Photography

Derik Olsen Photography

Brunnera 'Silver Heart' - a 2014 introduction Skagit Gardens

Low growing, spreading, American native with light lavender flower clusters. Incredibly heat tolerant. Use as ground covers or in planters. Southern Living® calls this perennial “bambi-proof.” FEATURES Bloom/Feature Lavender flower clusters from spring until fall Plant Type Annuals Evergreen or Deciduous Deciduous USDA Zones 7,8,9,10,11 Zone Detail Hardy to 0°F Key Features Heat tolerance, attracts birds/butterflies, water-wise, dwarf Use Border, container, groundcover, mass planting Exposure Full sun Bloom Season Spring, summer Dimension 12-14" H x spreading Growth Rate Moderate to fast growth CARE Water Keep on the dry side of moist Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Monthly in garden; bi-monthly in containers Pruning Prune as desired, but not required PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun to part shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

Low growing, spreading, American native with light lavender flower clusters. Incredibly heat tolerant. Use as ground covers or in planters. Southern Living® calls this perennial “bambi-proof.” FEATURES Bloom/Feature Lavender flower clusters from spring until fall Plant Type Perennials Evergreen or Deciduous Deciduous USDA Zones 7,8,9,10,11 Zone Detail Hardy to 0 F Key Features heat tolerance, attracts birds/butterflies, water-wise, dwarf Use border, container, groundcover, mass planting Exposure Full sun Bloom Season spring, summer Dimension 12-14" H x spreading Growth Rate Moderate to fast growth CARE Water Keep on the dry side of moist Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Monthly in garden;: bi-monthly in containers Pruning Prune as desired, but not required PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun to part shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

Dragon Wing™ Pink Begonia Summer annual with clusters of pink blooms over dragon wing-shaped waxy green foliage from spring to frost.

Emily Followill
Mid-sized elegant formal and enclosed carpeted living room photo in Charlotte with green walls, no fireplace and no tv

Texas Mountain Laurel This beautiful Texas native can be used as a shrub or a small tree. Plants produce lustrous oval leaves that are evergreen. The glossy foliage is complemented by clusters of highly fragrant purple blooms in spring. While this is a slow growing plant, they eventually can grow up to 35-feet tall; however you typically find them in the 15-foot range in urban environments. Get a head start by planting as large of a specimen as you can find. Plant in a sunny location with good soil drainage, in USDA Zones 8 or warmer.

The stunning modern architecture of this Paradise Valley residence is highlighted by pocket gardens and showcases unique specimen cactus in desert botanical garden style. Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett

Photo of a traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Philadelphia.