Since Jay and I moved into our house, the intersection near our backyard has grown in popularity.

p.s. that's not my trampoline or shed

And we have this awesome Arbel patio that Jay installed last summer, along with our party sized deck that we’d like to enjoy without the traffic peeking in.

So last night I “painted” out what I thought would compliment our existing landscape and style, while serving the sole purpose of creating a “barrier”, Fort Knox if you will, between us and the intersection.  The tricky part is finding plant material that can create coverage for the patio and deck, at the same time.

First I started with the general outline, using spray paint.  Then I analyzed the mature size of the plants I wanted to incorporate and drew circles accordingly.  Here is my work of art:

Come summer, spray paint is my best friend.  I’ve been known to go through a couple bottles, working towards that masterpiece.  Sketching in the lawn like this gives you the opportunity to vision the landscape, before you even get the plants.

I’m still working out the details, but I’m pretty sure this little bed will encompass some ornamental grasses, Ninebark (for the foliage color and height), Knockout Shrub Rose (because we love the flower power it brings) and some perennials~yet to be determined.  We will also bring in an ornamental tree that hopefully reach roughly 25×25.’

If you’re just getting started with your own garden design, check out how Carol Johnson outlines the basic steps in creating your landscape.  And if you’re still struggling…well you know…I know a few landscape designers.

Next step~removing the sod and positioning the plant materials…once I get that part figured out.  Got any suggestions?

Happy Planting!