Formal plantings are used, but the pruning technique kept natural to soften the amount of stone used. A custom wrought iron gate provides access to the auto courtyard.

Yes, we plant vitex for several reasons first and foremost it's a beautiful flowering tree that attracts both honey bees and butterflies. Keep them pruned tightly to control growth.

Since the completion of the home our company has maintained this property. Originally built by a local builder as a speculation home, it was purchased by two busy professionals. Why is this important? Let's just say the clients are particular and like it when things aren't just so. Both have high level careers, travel often and expect their landscape to be pristine. Year after year our company rises to this challenge. When originally installed, the builder wanted larger plant material to provide a full and mature look. The continued growth provides a pruning challenge, especially when the client prefers a clean, neat and "compact" landscape. We continually monitor growth and hand prune accordingly, including yearly winter pruning. The backyard is particularly difficult due to the shade, moisture run-off from neighboring properties. The turf requires constant monitoring and adjustment to the irrigation system. The trees create a mess requiring clean up along with yearly power washing of the stone. While the challenges are many, the fine maintenance has led to happy clients and numerous referrals.

Phormiums or New Zealand Flax are great low water and low maintenance plants. This one is Phormium 'Maori Queen'. They offer year round color and add a dynamic interest with the blades reaching up and some of them then arch. The only real maintenance is to remove or prune back the dead leaves at the base. Do not crew cut this plant. Many gardeners do not spend the time to hand prune as this plant deserves to maintain its beauty year round. Chopping it takes away from its natural form and it takes a long time to get it back to its natural shape. once given a crew cut.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in New York.

Winter jasmine. Creative commons license. Photo credit Daniel/dadoobe

This palatial River Oaks estate embodies a neoteric, mediterranean influence. The front landscape is centered around an elaborate parterre garden, offering elegance and sophistication. Pruned boxwood hedges, dwarf monkey grass, and season color beds make give this entry a luxurious appeal.

Kitchen garden enclosure and path with shed in background, careful pruning over time to allow foliage colors to show in layers: late spring yellows and greens.

Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Albuquerque.

Trimmed hedges and the addition of mulch reinvigorated this drab area.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary shade side yard landscaping in Cleveland for summer.

Performs well in full sun. Ideal as a low-growing hedge and fast-growing in the landscape. This sterile cultivar will not re-seed into the landscape. Sunny, year-round golden foliage makes for a beautiful garden. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Bright yellow foliage Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6,7,8,9,10 Zone Detail Hardy to USDA zone 6-10 Key Features Use Exposure Full sun Bloom Season N/A Dimension 3-4’ H x 3-4’ W Growth Rate Moderate CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Fertilize in spring Pruning Not necessary; prune as desired PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun dig hole 2X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants; fertilize in early spring

The front of this property was a morphed vegetation of bittersweet, honeysuckle, rose, and weeds. The homeowner wished to reconstruct the original landscape which claimed a ledge area and none of the current plant material which required constant pruning to keep under control and to maintain a neat appearance.

The holly bushes were pruned using a technique called "limbing up". The result was two 2 holly "trees". This provided a more spacious and airy feeling which the client desired. It also provided a sunnier space below for desired perennials and herbs. The end result was a layered look with 4 seasons of color. Italian cypress were added on each side of the hollies in groups of 3 for an Italian flair. Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.

This formal garden exhibits a beautifully trimmed and sculpted hedge and trees.
Design ideas for a large victorian front yard formal garden in Toronto.

Because it is so easy to prune, boxwood is a satisfying hedging material because it can be trimmed into architectural shapes. In this garden it acts as a low enclosure for shrubs that billow behind it. This garden requires regular maintenance and upkeep.

A classic gothic concrete container from Campania International is planted with a spiral pruned boxwood and filled with an abundance of natural holiday embellishments!

This front yard was totally ripped up to put in a new city water line. Starting from scratch, new compost was added and the walk was reconstructed. Existing plants were pruned and feed.

A barberry like you've never seen before. Sunjoy® Cinnamon will stand out all season with it's dark orange foliage and compact branching. This low maintenance shrub makes a unique hedge or foundation planting. Prune to shape in summer. Deer resistant. Prefers well-drained soil. 4-5' (1.2-1.5m) tall and wide. Full sun. USDA Zone 4.