Grouping fixtures in zones determined by the length to the transformer. By selecting quality, lasting fixtures installed by the knowledgeable professionals, you acquire all of these benefits while nullifying the hassles of perpetual maintenance fees. Excavating shallow ditches for the low-voltage cable takes some exercise, simply installing the light fixtures is a piece of cake. The fixtures we would like to use are guaranteed for ten years and the transformer has a lifetime warrantee.

Landscape lighting plan is very similar to the design of the landscape itself: we must ascertain focal points, use areas, traffic patterns, outside "rooms," trend, mood, etc. Low voltage landscape lighting systems are dependable, frugal, energy cost-effective and offer numerous benefits for innovative homeowners. Landscape lighting may help turn your depressing garden into a place of beauty at nighttime, making it both a charming place for parties and entertaining, in addition to as an restful place for you to relax in when the evening falls. Landscape lighting should copy starlight and moonshine, the more delicate the better.

Common Landscape Design Features

If you want to build an attractive landscape, but do not where to begin, there are
plenty of common landscape design ideas and features available for you to gain inspiration. You can use the ideas yourself or add a little twist to make the landscape design all your own. There are any number of conventional landscape ideas that can help you get started on your own projects and provide inspiration for future projects.

Some of the most common landscape design features are decks and patios. These can either be professionally installed or you can build one yourself. Patios and decks provide a great deal of enjoyment on many levels as part of the use of space in the landscape design. You can use decks and patios for family gatherings or for entertaining. They can also be used to great effect as places to just sit and relax and enjoy. While a basic square shape is the most common of these landscape features, it is also possible to get them in different shapes, depending on your preferences and your needs. However, if you care for your landscape yourself, the square is very convenient for other activities, such as mowing and trimming the lawn.

Rock gardens are features that are rising in popularity as well. These landscape features can provide a great deal of attractiveness, but make use of fewer plants. Landscapes that include rock gardens need less water and less attention. Additionally, the plants that often go with rock gardens are usually hardier and need a little less care. These are easy to care for, and can save money. Additionally, it is possible to build your own rock garden in the landscape, saving you even more money.

English cottage gardens are known for their lack of formality. There is no rigidity in their designs, and because they are more or less allowed to “just grow” require less maintenance than some other types of gardens. These are common gardens because they evoke a sense of charm. They are most common in backyard landscaping, for those who want to enjoy the garden and show an informal sense of elegance while entertaining. In the United States, of course, the lawn remains the most dominant landscape feature, especially in the front. But an English cottage garden can be very fine due its riot of flowering plants. Most landscape features of this sort include rose bushes, perennials and vines. Sometimes they are even allowed to go across pathways. Because perennials are so used, they grow back every year, without much effort.

An increasing trend in landscape design is incorporating elements of the Japanese garden. Of course, in Western circles, many of the times this is interpreted to mean showy flowers. These showy flowers grab attention, and many times landscapes will center around these plants. They can be difficult to take care of, as they are often non-native. They can also be expensive. However, some people are turning their backyard landscapes into gardens that are more in keeping with traditional Japanese garden principles of simplicity including more foliage and design structures. These types of gardens are less expensive and can be equally attractive.

And, of course, the most common landscape feature is the lawn. This is because the lawn allows a platform for family activities. Additionally, overall, it is also fairly easy to care for. It need only be mowed by machines that are relatively easy use, and it can be fertilized and watered fairly inexpensively, if one does so properly and with common sense. Different people do a variety of things with their lawns, and it has become increasing popular to add a small flowerbed in the middle of the lawn for decoration. Having trees on the lawn is also another popular way to adorn the lawn and make it more inviting and attractive.

Creating a beautiful landscape is a matter of enjoyment for many people. However, many of them find it difficult to know where to begin, and know what is possible. But it you are hesitant about where to begin or what to do, trying a tried and true landscape feature can help you succeed in your endeavors to beautify the home environment. ORDER YOUR DESIGN TODAY!

Designing and Building A Pond

Building a pond is a big undertaking that involves a fair amount of hard work and, as it will be a permanent feature of your garden, it is worthwhile spending some time in the planning stage. So before you rush into the garden with a shovel, pause for a while and think about your fish pond design and the type of pond that you want ... Natural Pond - follows the curves and forms of nature and may include an outcrop of stone or a natural beach. This will often allow planting at the edge of the pool and can create the impression that the pond was there long before the rest of the garden or the house were constructed. Formal Pond - a geometric design works best when there is a relationship in design and materials with the buildings that are close by. It will usually be symmetrical in design and could be rectangular or square in shape and may have a paved edge. Formal ponds are often planted but usually with artfully chosen plants rather than the wilder plantings of a natural pond. Raised Pond - a formal pond can also be constructed above ground from bricks, blocks or stone. There will be less waste to carry from the site, however the cost of the construction materials will be higher than an in-ground pond. Once you've decided on the type of pond spend some time working out possible locations and mark out the locations with a garden hose or a length or rope. Take into consideration the amount of light in different locations. If you want to grown water lilies you will require four to six hours of direct sunlight on the pond during the day.

Shade is fine for fish-only ponds. Check the overhanging trees as these could also be a source of pond pollution. If you must build a pond beneath a tree at least try to avoid deciduous trees - the leaves will create a lot of pond waste. When deciding on the location of your pond avoid the temptation to locate the pond in the lowest point in the garden. The low point can be subject to flooding in heavy rain and will often collect runoff from the garden. This may carry fertilizers and organic debris into the pond. A pond for goldfish or aquatic plants need only be around two feet deep although more depth may be required in very cold areas to prevent the pond freezing in winter. If you want to keep koi in your pond it will need to be at least three feet deep or more.

The biggest mistake that water gardeners tend to make is to build a pond that is too small. Your finished pond will appear much smaller than your original layout! If your pond is to be dug out rather than raised consider how you will remove the excavated material. It may be possible to use it in another part of the garden, alternatively you may need to have it removed which can be difficult and expensive.

Assuming you are going to build a sunken pond the next step is to start digging! Dig the pond to the desired shape and dig a shelf around the perimeter of the pond about one foot deep and one or more feet wide. Dig the remainder of the pond. If you are planning a waterfall dig the pond with a slight slope away from the waterfall. Line the excavated pond with underlay. This is to stop the flexible liner from being pierced by sharp stones.

Pond underlay can be made from geo-textile or old carpet, providing it is non-organic and non-rotting can be used to save money. A butyl rubber pond liner is laid on top of the underlay. Position to liner evenly in the pond and try to minimize the folds and wrinkles. Leave an overhang of at least six inches. Avoid walking on the newly laid liner as much as possible. If you must walk on it wear socks! Fill the pond and try to ease the wrinkles out of the liner while the pond is filling.

Arrange coping stones around the edge of the pond and fold the liner up behind the stones ensuring the edge of the liner is above the water level. A more natural edge can be created by planting shallow-water plants around the edge of the pond. You may need to consider cementing the coping stones in place if the pond edge will be subjected to much foot traffic.

Lawn Curb Appeal

You have heard the term "Curb Appeal" in reference to houses. In order to enhance your home's "curb appeal", a great looking lawn is a must. Easily said, but how do you get and keep that great looking lawn? Here are some tips that are sure to create and keep a great looking lawn and enhance your property "Curb Appeal".

1 . Have your soil tested by your local Cooperative Extension Service. Find out what your lawn needs.

2. Fertilize 3 to 5 times per year on a regular schedule that is appropriate for your lawn grass. Each type of lawn grass and area of the country will have somewhat different requirements. Fertilizers available today are high in Nitrogen or (N), low in phosphorus (P) or the middle number of the fertilize analysis on the fertilizer bag and medium amount of potassium (K). Look for a fertilizer with a analysis like 25(N)-3(P)-11(K). Most experts would recommend from 1/2 to 1 lb of actual N to the application.
Example, with the 25%(N) from above (25% x 1/2(N)lb = 2 lbs of a fertilizer 25-3-11 be applied to 1000 sq ft or 25% x 1 lb = 4 lbs per 1000 sq ft.
If you have any question or concern, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for your local requirements.

3. Mow your lawn as high as you can during the hot summer. This will provide protection from drying out and help to shade the ground to prevent water loss. This saves on watering and helps to crowd out weeds. Mowing at a lower height during early spring should be fine as it is usually a wetter time of the year.

4. Water 1" to 1-1/2" per week, depending upon rain fall. amounts watering lightly promotes a shallow root system which is not good when the hot, dry summer arrives. Over watering will cause roots to rot. So, a soaking once per week is much better for a good lawn. Remember, adjust
the amount of water you are adding by the amount of rainfall.

5. Aerate at least once a year. This will promote root growth and allow water, fertilizer and other nutrients to enter the root system more readily. It will help to reverse the soil compaction that has taken place the result of mowing with a large riding mowers. If you add the weight of the large mower and the person riding, you have several 100 pounds running around your lawn. If you have a low growing small leafed weed, it is knotweed and you have a compacted soil condition.

6. Keep the mower blades sharp. Dull mower blades rips the ends of the grass blades and causes a gray looking condition across the yard. If you don't have a electric grind stone, find a local mower shop or hardware store to sharpen the blade at least a couple times a mowing seasons.

7. Mowing more often will encourage your lawn to grow a thicker turf. Don't cut more than 1/3 of grass height off at one cutting.

8. Control weeds with a lawn herbicide throughout the growing season. For homeowners, Ortho weed-B-gone works great. The best defense against weeds is a lush, thick lawn that crowds out weeds.

9. Mulch or not the grass clipping that is a big question.
a. Bluegrass - NO
b. Bermuda - NO
c. Zoysia - NO
d. Fescue - Maybe if the grass is not too long cutting.
e. St. Augustine - YES
f. Centipede - YES
In Bluegrass lawns, I have seen a layer build-up of thratch to 1- 1/2"-2" thick. When this happens the roots become shallow with 2" thick. When this happens the roots become shallow with no
roots into the soil at all. Insects and diseases like a thick thratch layer as well. If you want to mulch your grass, you may find problems overtime.

10. Try to mow in different directions each time you mow. This will help prevent compaction and ruts from the mower's wheels.

11. Watch for dead patches in your lawn. This may indicate insect or disease damage.
Treatment should be made only after you know for sure what is causing the brown areas. Again, your Cooperative Extension Service can shed some light on what the problem is and the proper cure.

TREE PRUNING

General tree pruning is done during the winter or early spring. During early spring, the cambium or the or the layer just below the bark is most active and the pruning cuts will heal much more quickly, then if it is done at any other times of the year.

NOTE: Maple tree’s will tend to bleed more during the winter and early spring that is the reason why maple sap is flowing in Vermont at this time of the year. They turn Maple Sap into Maple Syrup.

Tree trimming, may be done at almost any time of the year with out damage to the tree. Take a little precaution by painting all wounds 3/4inch or more in diameter with a Tree Wound Paint.

Flowering trees like Flowering Dogwood, Redbud, Cherry or Crabapple should be pruned after the blooming season is over, so you can enjoy their flowers.

Extensive tree surgery should be done by a Certified Arborist. They have the knowledge and the right safety equipment to get the job done right.

Make sure that the Arborist has the proper License, is Bonded and has Insurance. When you ask for proof of Insurance, get it in writing from the Insurance Company. If he gives you a phone number to call for proof, it might be that you are calling a person that is not an insurance agent at all. You may be talking to his friend that will declare that he has $1,000,000 insurance policy.

When tree work is going to be done on your property, make sure you have checked out the company. Don’t take the cheapest price because he may not have insurance.

Don’t try removing a large tree by yourself. I had a homeowner call me for a recommendation of a Arborist. I gave him a couple of companies to call. Both prices were too high.

The homeowner and son decided that they would cut the tree down themselves on a Saturday afternoon. Which was a costly mistake be-cause the tree hit the corner of the house, landed on the large deck, put a hole on the roof, siding destroyed and a broke down the deck. This cost the homeowner a lot more than if he had the Arborist do the job correctly in the first place.

TREE AND SHRUB INSECTS

If you have noticed small branches with a few leaves laying in the your yard, this could be caused by two different insects. May or June beetles clip the leaves. But more likely it is the fine work of the Petiole borer, this insect burrows down the center of the petiole, which weakens it and the next windy day the branches fall to the ground. The insect remains in the portion of the petiole that remains on the tree. Fortunately, the petiole borer and the beetles are not serious enough to warrant control measures. By the way, the petiole is the area of a small branch where it is attached to a larger branch.

Evergreens and broadleaved evergreens could have a good crop of mites and you may need to be spray. Take a piece of white paper and hold it under a branch and shake the branch over the paper. Mites are small insects that are the size of small dust particles. Hold paper still for a few moments and watch to see if any thing starts to move around. Mites continue to increase in number because of the high summer temperatures . They like about every plant around so keep a check on them. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for spray materials to use for control. The Cooperative Extension Service is the adult education arm of the University of your State and offices are located in most counties in the USA.

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

1. When buying landscape lights buy quality!!! 2. Quality light should provide light without seeing the source. They should not shine at you. They should up light a small tree, down light a flower area, walk or steps or maybe all three. 3. Low voltage lighting will be your choice for residential landscape use. 4. Up lights include different small fixtures that have 35w to 75w bulbs. They have a soil spike included or they may be sold separately to install the fixture at the base of a tree. Adjust the angle of the fixture to light area of the tree that you want. Larger tree may require two fixtures. 5. Flower area lights would include down lights or mushrooms types. They come in different heights and sizes of the fixture top. Select the proper bulb size from 10w to 20w depending on the desired light.
Landscape lighting can provide safety around the home as well as a great new dimension to your landscape. Night time beauty that you won't believe and you will enjoy your home landscaping even more

What is required to light up your landscape? 1. Select the fixtures. 2. Determine the amount of watts your fixtures will be using. 3. Based on the total watts, select the transformer for your job. Transformers come with a electric eye or a clock to turn the lights on and off. The clock type is generally cheaper to buy. The Transformer is most costly item to buy, but you must have it to run the lighting system. 4. Low voltage wire size will depend on the number of fixtures and the length of the wire needed. Your supplier should be able help you select the proper wire size for your project. Use silicone wire nuts to water the proof the connections. 5. You must have outdoor electric outlet for the hook- up.

PLANTING SOLUTIONS

The big question has to be what type of soil do you have now? Is it sandy soil or is it clay soil? When planting trees and shrubs in sandy soil, you must incorporate some type of organic matter to help hold all of the moisture that you can. In heavy clay soils, it is better that you use the same clay soil because you are creating a planting hole that may not drain well. The addition of organic matter will act like a sponge and may result in a dead plant because of too much water in the root area.
Flower areas must have a well prepared soil mix. Soil, manure, nature helper or any local organic material that is available in your area. Mix the soil and materials well and I like to raise or mound the flower area because it adds to the landscape look. After planting the flowers, mulch with mini-bark or other mulch material to help hold moisture and help to maintain a more even temperature.

Perennial and ground cover areas should have a good soil mix for proper growth. The soil needs to be loose by incorporating organic materials. Thoroughly mix the soil and the organic together before planting. With a good soil mix, you have happy plants for years to come for your enjoyment.

Conserve Water in Your Landscape: Xeriscape

Xeriscaping is the act of landscaping using plants that do not need a great deal of water. It is also the more efficient use of water to take care of your landscape. Xeriscaping is becoming more popular in areas that are naturally dry and areas that are prone to drought. The West is an excellent place for applying Xeriscape principles, as much of the land west of the Rocky Mountains is considered semi-arid, and it is especially prone to drought. By applying the principles of landscaping for drier areas, it is possible to enjoy a beautiful landscape without running up the water bill or spending a great deal of time trying to keep your landscape from wilting.

Many people, when they think of landscape with Xeriscape think of cactus and rock gardens. The truth is that these types of landscape designs are very efficient and make interesting landscapes. Cacti come in many varieties and can be quite beautiful. Many cactus plants bloom with lovely flowers as well. Cactus can add an interesting look to your landscape, and add a uniqueness and distinction to your yard. If you have young children, however, it is a good idea to choose cacti without spines. There are different types of cactus plants that do not have the harp spines we think of, and there are plenty of other plants, related to cactus, called succulents that are great for Xeriscaping.

Rock gardens are also excellent for Xeriscape landscaping. They take up space that bushes and lawn would use, but require less care. Additionally, rock gardens can look very interesting and there is no reason that that a variety of plants cannot be planted among the rocks. There are many flowers, ornamental grasses, and small shrubs and groundcovers that can grow in the midst of your rock garden. Be sure to choose hardy plants, preferably native plants, which can tolerate living in close proximity to the rocks.

But just because Xeriscape is about conserving water does not mean that your landscape has to be all cactus and rock gardens. It is possible to create and maintain a landscape using Xeriscape principles with more traditional flowers, and even with lawns. The key is to carefully choose your plants and then to care for them more efficiently, especially as it relates to water use.

Some plants that are excellent in most Xeriscapes are perennials (they store a great deal of nutrients in their roots and bulbs, and do not need as much water), ornamental grasses, vines, shrubs, and groundcover. As mentioned before, the use of native plants in your Xeriscape landscape design is essential in having a landscape that is not too high maintenance and one that conserves water. It can be very interesting to combine these more traditional landscape plants with plants like cacti and succulents. It adds variety and makes your yard that much more interesting.

Efficient use of water can help your plants become part of the Xeriscape. If you water intelligently, you can help your plants become stronger, utilize the moisture in the soil better, and consequently better withstand drought, insects, and disease. These watering tips even work when watering the lawn. The reason efficiency is so desired is because most people use twice as much water as is necessary to water their lawns. Instead of water frequently and quickly, water occasionally and deeply. It may take more time, but the water will soak into the soil and encourage the roots of your plants (including the grass) to reach down into the soil. Things like mulch and wood chips can help the soil hold moisture better as well, and aeration ensures that the water gets down closer to the roots.

You Xeriscape can be a beautiful landscape that also conserves water. If you keep in mind the basic principles of Xeriscaping, chances are that you will be able to save yourself money in water costs, and that you will be able to enjoy healthier plants. Additionally, you will find that you spend less time on maintenance when you incorporate the principles of Xeriscaping. Native plants that are deeply watered stand an excellent chance of blooming again and again — and giving you much pleasure over the look of your landscape.

Feed Your Plants Today!

Choose The Right Fertilizer For Your Plants

In your garden

Twenty nutrients have been identified that are required by plants. Of these, nitrogen phosphorus, and potassium are required in relatively large amounts. Nitrogen is associated with lush vegetative growth, adequate phosphorus is required for flowering and fruiting, and potassium is necessary for durability and disease resistance. Calcium, sulfur, and magnesium are also required in comparatively large quantities. These six nutrients are referred to as macro-nutrients. The other nutrients, referred to as micro-nutrients, are required in very small amounts. These include such elements as copper, zinc, iron, and boron. While both macro and micro-nutrients are required for good plant growth, over-application can be as detrimental as a deficiency. Over-application of plant nutrients not only may impair plant growth, but may contaminate groundwater by leaching through the soil or pollute surface waters by washing away.

Soil testing

Testing your soil for nutrients and pH is important to provide your plants with the proper balance of nutrients while avoiding over-application. If you are establishing a new garden a soil test is strongly recommended. The cost of soil testing is minor in comparison to the cost of plant materials and labor. Correcting a problem before planting is much simpler and cheaper than afterwards. Once your garden is established, continue to take periodic soil samples. While many people routinely lime their gardens , this can result in raising the pH too high. However, since many fertilizers tend to lower the pH, the pH may drop below desirable levels after several years, depending on fertilization and other soil factors. Home tests for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are available from garden centers. While these may give you a general idea of the nutrients in your soil, they are not as reliable as tests performed by the Cooperative Extension Service at your local land grant University and other commercial testing services will provide more detail and you can request special tests for micro-nutrients if you suspect a problem. In addition to the analysis of nutrients in your soil, they often provide recommendations for the application of nutrients or on adjusting the pH. The test for soil pH is very simple– pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline your soil is.

A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. Since pH greatly influences plant nutrients, adjusting the pH will often correct a nutrient problem. At a high pH, several of the micro-nutrients become less available for plant uptake. Iron deficiency is a common problem even at a neutral pH on such plants as rhododendrons and blueberries. At very low pH, other micro-nutrients may be to available, resulting in a plant toxicity. Phosphorus and potassium are tested regularly by commercial testing labs. While there are soil tests for nitrogen, these may be less reliable. Nitrogen is present in the soil in several forms and the forms can change rapidly. Therefore, a precise analysis of nitrogen is more difficult to obtain.

Most university soil test labs do not routinely test for nitrogen. Home testing kits often contain a test for nitrogen which may give you a general idea of the presence of nitrogen, but again, due to the various transformations of nitrogen, the reading may not be reliable.

Organic matter is often part of a soil test. Soil organic matter is highly desirable. Organic matter has a large influence on soil structure. Good soil structure improves aeration and water movement and retention. This encourages increased microbial activity and root growth, both of which influence the availability of nutrients for plant growth. Soil organic matter also affects the availability of plant nutrients and how pesticides react in the soil. Soils high in organic matter tend to have a greater supply of plant nutrients compared to many soils low in organic matter.

Organic matter tends to bind up some soil pesticides, reducing their effectiveness. Tests for micro-nutrients are usually not performed unless there is reason to suspect a problem. Certain plants have greater requirements for specific micro-nutrients and may show deficiency symptoms. Iron deficiency is common on blueberries, unless the soil is quite acidic. On these plants, the younger leaves will usually show signs of the deficiency first. The areas between the veins will be yellowish while the veins remain green. Other plants growing in the same soil will show no signs of a deficiency. In this case, altering the pH will often correct the problem

Butterfly Gardening
What is butterfly gardening? Simply put butterfly gardening is the art of growing flowers and plants that will attract these colorful and dainty creatures to your garden. Delight your family and visitors with beautiful butterflies, but be sure to create a safe habitat for them. If you own cats rethink your plans, because it would be a shame to attract these lovely insects to their death.

The design your butterfly garden is a matter of personal preference. Typical points to consider are the size of your garden and the types of flowers and plants you want to grow. Pick a style of garden that appeals to you, but ensure it also contains the plants and flowers that appeal to the butterflies you wish to attract.

It is important to find out which plants and flowers will attract the species of butterflies. that live in your area. This information can be found at the local library
To create the kind of environment that they find attractive, you will also need water of some kind. A birdbath will look attractive and keep the butterflies up off the ground, away from stray cats or mischievous puppies. A shallow dish on a post or hung in a tree will do just as well.

When planting your butterfly garden be careful how you coordinate the colors you choose for your flowerbeds. Although butterflies do not care about your choice of color, you don't want your garden to be a hodgepodge of unrelated colors and textures. Butterflies are attracted to those flowers that have nectar rather than pollen, like honeysuckle, milkweed, summer lilac, Valerian, daisies, Purple Coneflower, Yellow Sage, day lilies and lavender.

Some people find it helpful to draw and color a layout of their butterfly gardening plan to see what the finished product would look like. Keep in mind that warm colors like red and orange are flashy and showy. These colors have a greater impact against a strong green background. Cool colors such as blue and purple are soothing and toned down and would work better with a white contrast to create the look of freshness and brightness.

Container Gardening Tips for Newbies

Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colorful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in a group for a massed effect or highlight a smaller space with a single specimen, you'll be delighted with this simple way to create a garden.

Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leaved plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.

Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you'd rather make something really modern with timber or tiles. If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don't want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores.
Cheaper plastic pots can also be painted on the outside with water-based paints for good effect. When purchasing pots, don't forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will save cement floors getting stained, or timber floors rotting.
Always use a good quality potting mix in your containers. This will ensure the best performance possible from your plants.

If you have steps leading up to your front door, an attractive pot plant on each one will delight your visitors. Indoors, pots of plants or flowers help to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, then buy plants that suit the situation. There is no point buying sun lovers for a shady position, for they will not do well. Some plants also have really large roots, so they are best kept for the open garden.

If you have plenty of space at your front door, a group of potted plants off to one side will be more visually appealing than two similar plants placed each side. Unless they are spectacular, they will look rather boring.
Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type. To tie the group together, add large rocks that are similar in appearance and just slightly different in size. Three or five pots of the same type and color, but in different sizes also looks affective.

With a creative mind and some determination, you will soon have a container garden that will be the envy of friends and strangers alike.