I have over the last couple of months discussed the selection of numerous candidates for the garden. I would like to discuss the use of plants in the garden, that is, as part of the garden design. To create a beautiful landscape, the designer must know what he is doing, but more importantly, why he is doing it.

We all visualise gardens within our own minds eye, basically seeing what we want to see, which invariably is when everything is in bloom and looking at its best. But what about the rest of the gardening year? Maintenance also comes into play when designing, in that a poor design can increase maintenance, and controlling the level of maintenance is difficult at best. The garden is a link between man/women and the world through their aspirations, surroundings and ideals. It is a place in which to hide, be frivolous, structured and creative. The building blocks are all around us, plants with many characters and styles, lush lawns, statuary of complex forms, footpaths, drives and follies.

Why would we choose a tree instead of a shrub, or a flowering plant for a clipped hedge? Do we really give much thought to such questions, or are we guided by an inherent desire for impulsive decisions. What you see is not always what you get! What makes you decide to visit a nursery? When you do visit, do you know what you want, have you determined what you want to ask? Have you made any notes or drawn a small sketch as to the area in need of attention.

A tree may be a tree, but does it grow large or is it small in habit, does it have attractive flowers and if so when does it flower. Does it have a canopy to form a shade tree or is too pyramidal in shape. What is its eventual height and spread? Is it evergreen or deciduous?

The same questions can also apply to shrubs, and in addition, one can ask the question, does it flower and when, is hardy to salt and wind or does it require protection? Will it grow in full sun or shade, and what height does it attain? Does it produce seed or fruit and does it have spine or thorns? Flowering plants are attractive but can be labour intensive, as can hedges that do not fulfil the desired need. Constant clipping of flowering hedges seems to be an unproductive exercise, why plant a flowering hedge, if you intend to constantly trim it.

Focal points are important in any garden, and a good design should concentrate on displaying the best of the garden from as many angles as possible. I am not a great believer in using plants around the house, unless it is to hide an architectural nightmare! As we view the garden from inside the house of patio, I prefer to make bold statements by creating beds in the lawn, or running around the boundary. Using specimen plantings — usually single plants — with multiple plantings of flowering material, creates bold statements or material that has interesting leaves, colour or shape.

By using the full spectrum of plants from trees to bulbs one can create interest for almost the whole year. Careful planning is however the key, as is pruning, fertilising and spraying for pest and disease. Collectively all the above are part and parcel of a successful garden.

No garden is complete without a good lawn, which in most homes cover a high percentage of the property, many lawns are green, but are they grass green? One of the biggest mistakes with lawn maintenance, is purely and simply the height of cut.

The type of grass determines the height of cut. St. Augustine and its hybrids should be cut at a minimum of three inches, which creates a heavy thick sward that will choke out most lawn weeds. St. Augustine is however, not a good lawn for pedestrian traffic, but it is tolerant to drought and partial shade. Bermuda grass does not tolerate shade well, but thrives in full sun, and stresses quicker than St. Augustine during dry periods. Height of cut can vary from half an inch to two inches. Zoysia is also a summer grass, but is a high maintenance if required to look good, as it thatches over a period and requires verti-cutting, and cutting short to keep in order. For a tight knit lawn a reel machine should be used.

Hard landscaping is now a fundamental part of any garden, as the function it brings relates to many parts of the landscape. Such areas under this heading cover driveways, patios, gazebos, seating, fountains, sculptures etc., which when brought together bring out the best in any design. To add the final touch, consider using one of the most unused assets in any landscape....lighting, which comes in many different forms from up lighting to spot lights and even to the gentle wash effect against the house itself. A glowing tribute to any design.