To the Birds

Think of plants that attract birds all year long.

e.g.: wrap your pergola with creeping honeysuckle that will attract hummingbirds.

An Antique Look

To give an antique aspect to stones, concrete benches or bricks, spread them with a mixture (in equal proportions) of yoghourt and moss (from the forest). The moss will soon cover the whole surface.

Diversion

To camouflage unesthetic areas, put a sculpture, a sundial or a terra-cotta pot in the foreground to catch the attention, and therefore divert it from the less interesting looking areas..

Room with a View

Think of directing the water garden so that one can see it from the house or the terrace. Thus, avoid planting high plants in front of the water

Soft Music

The sound of a waterfall or a stream has an alleviating effect and also camouflages the noises in the vicinity (the heat pump of your "lovely" neighbour).

A Natural-Looking Spring

Camouflage the artificial character of a water garden by recreating the impression that the water is coming from nowhere. A spring between two plants or in a small island of vegetation recreates this impression.

A Midsummer's night dream

When the evening comes, a judiciously placed lighting under the waterfall gives a unique atmosphere to the garden: the moving water animates the light which is reflected on the surrounding area.

Optical Illusion

You can make a small backyard look bigger by incorporating a door or a window in the fence at the back. Even if they lead nowhere, or perhaps to the neighbour's garden, they create the illusion of an opening towards new green areas.

Tropical Ambience

Choose tropical-looking plants and flowers: ones with large and palmate leaves such as rhubarb or with "cut-out" leaves such as ferns. Avoid using varieties commonly associated with cold climates such as evergreen trees.

A Longer Spring

After the spring bulbs' flowering (narcissus, tulips...), hide the maturing foliage (not very decorative) with summer-development perennials that will gracefully decorating this stripped space.

Intimacy in Your Garden

You may isolate yourself from inquisitive glances by creating a natural screen made of your favorite trees or trellis.

Mobile Garden

Punctuate your garden with potted indoor plants (hibiscus, palm trees) that can then be brought inside when colder times come. Use terra-cotta or wooden planters and cache-pots for this matter.

Like a mirror

The reflection of the sky on the surface of water makes a tiny backyard look bigger. Moreover, you may find it beneficial that this charming element attracts birds. Finally, a waterfall would also be a decorative element adding interest to the pond.

Foliage Contrast & Sobriety

Put together dark and light foliages. They will bring each other out even when not in blossom.

Gather the plants in masses rather than in an isolated manner. This is to avoid that "pizza-all-dressed" effect..

Little Maintenance

A well designed garden requires little maintenance. By laying the plants out in the proper areas, they will grow quickly, thereby preventing weed from developing and harmful insects from appearing. Preferably choose fast growing plants.

A Blossoming Symphony

Choose and lay out the plants so as to offer a succession of flowerings which will go from spring to the end of fall.

A Thorny Subject

If you have young children, avoid plants and trees with thorns such as roses.