SLOW DOWN THE APPROACH

While a direct route to the front door might be the most practical option, it is good to have an excuse for a small detour around some interesting planting along the way. Where space allows, an island bed provides a good focal point and offers different layers of interest. Use a majority of foliage plants with contrasting leaf shapes to provide a basis, supplementing them with seasonal flowering plants to punctuate the greenery. Even in a shady area you can create a lush green space with ferns, hostas, heucheras and pachysandra to give low-maintenance ground coverage. In a smaller space, a single topiary bush or a flower-filled pot would work just as well. A change of hard surface helps to define areas and gravel is a good option as it is permeable, allowing water to drain away, which is an important environmental factor to consider.