What inspires you?

What do you consider beautiful? What elements are must-haves in your landscape? Rocks? Water? Architectural foliage? Color? Pristine, perfectly symmetrical spaces or plants that bloom with abandon in every corner of the yard? An abundance of one type of flower or maybe no flowers at all? 

Whatever you favor, NOW is the time to turn your intentions into reality. This is the height of the blooming season, and the best shot you'll have at plotting out what's going to look fantastic in your garden spaces.

It all starts with an idea. That idea should center around what FEEL you want your yard to have, and how you plan to utilize the space. Many of my friends have lovely built-in swimming pools. They like to have summer gatherings around them, so they go for the "resort" look. Perennial beds line the fence surrounding the pool and oversized planters are strategically scattered around patio furniture and built-in bars. The planters are chock-full of annuals, since they give the most colorful blooms all season long.

I opt for a different atmosphere (above), since I tend to use my yard differently. My style is more of a "retreat", with a pond and lots of greenery. The screened-in porch off to the side is the optimum place to start my day, with my cup of morning coffee. I spend many a summer afternoon writing alongside the pond, watching the frogs dive and swim and catch flies. The only people who ever enter this water feature are my kids' friends, on a dare.

Perhaps you like a rustic, woodsy style, which calls for ferns and shade plants. Maybe a beachy look appeals--with wide-open spaces and 10 different types of perennial grasses. Does a fenced garden with old-fashioned flowers make you swoon? Consider roses, hydrangeas and hollyhocks. Whatever your style, head to your nearest nursery and ask the experts exactly what you need to achieve the look you desire. Before you plant your new garden gems, move them around the yard, letting them reside in different areas until you come up with the exact spot that speaks to you. It should tell you "plant me here!"

But don't wait too long. It's best to get your selections in the ground before the hottest days of summer hit us, just a few weeks from now. You want to give plants the best possible chance of success.