Test Garden Tip: Use arbors, fences, and even trees or shrubs to highlight key elements in your yard. Here, the arbor’s pointed shape mimics and frames the rooflines of the cabin—creating the perfect view. Test Garden Tip: Accenting the garden with art can be a fine line. If you have too much, it can feel cluttered. Consider each accent piece and where you’ll place it before adding it to your garden. Test Garden Tip: No matter what kind of container you use, make sure it has drainage holes so excess water can escape after watering or heavy rains. This is especially important for succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. Test Garden Tip: If you want to put a pot on top of your scarecrow like this, look for a sturdy pot holder to sink your pot into. The holder attaches to the post holding up the scarecrow. Test Garden Tip: Keep in mind the angles at which objects are viewed in the garden. You can create fun and interesting surprises if you hide things from main view so they’re only seen when you turn a corner. Test Garden Tip: Keep in mind the power of color. This garden wouldn’t work as well in front of the cabin because it would take attention away from it. Test Garden Tip: Hydrangeas do best where they get some morning sun followed by afternoon shade. In most climates, they’ll sulk and stay wilted in full sun. Test Garden Tip: Use the power of scale to your advantage. When you have a big container like this, you can create a big impact with bold, tropical foliage like elephant’s ears, cannas, or angel’s trumpets. Test Garden Tip: If you want to help a small space seem bigger, put light colors such as white or pale blue at the far end of the garden. Because they’re so light, they’ll seem even farther away. Test Garden Tip: Big trees help nestle this barn into the landscape. You can do the same thing with a garden shed, albeit on a smaller scale. Just tuck it in among small trees or large shrubs to create a cozy, established feel. Test Garden Tip: Leave a spot for a deck or patio in your yard—even if it’s just a small one. Adding outdoor living space not only makes your yard more comfortable, but it also increases your property’s value.
