Plantings are , of course, one of the key ingredients of a garden. Plantings can form the walls (shrubs, grasses), ceiling (trees), and floor (grass, groundcovers, annuals and perennials) of the garden. Plantings create line and form in the landscape moving the eye around. Plantings are designed according to mood. Coarse textured plants are relaxing, fine textured plants formal. Warm colored foliage and flowers are exciting while cool colors are..well cool. Plantings can provide color and fragrances in all seasons.

Key considerations for determining a specific plant are soil type, drainage, exposure, the size of the space, needs for evergreen vs. deciduous, texture, color, fragrance and season.