Column: New landscape “triple threat” energizes lifestyles

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A stone wall and steps on a driveway provide the “triple threat” elements to improve landscaping. (Submitted photo)
A stone wall and steps on a driveway provide the “triple threat” elements to improve landscaping. (Submitted photo)

Imagine the ideal landscape designed especially for you – packed with vibrant colors, seasonal interest and incredibly simple to maintain.

Ever heard of the “Triple Threat?” It refers to a basketball player’s stance that allows them to immediately pass, dribble or shoot. We’ve developed a landscape “Triple Threat” that brings color, seasonal interest and low maintenance together.

COLOR

Green is the foundation of the landscape palette but the real personality is generated from the remaining color wheel. Massing flowering shrubs (fothergilla, potentilla, hydrangea, sweetspire) elevates drama with perennial strokes of spring flowering electric pink phlox or full sun yellow moonbeam coreopsis. A well-placed ornamental tree serves to anchor a corner with my favorites being the Serviceberry, Dogwood or Redbud and occasional Crabapple. Fall color explodes from the aforementioned shrubs and trees, too, with competing yellows, oranges and reds all merging together. It’s imperative to employ plants with multiple attributes: spring flowers, summer berry, fall color and winter interest.

SEASONAL INTEREST

There are required strategies to create seasonal interest beyond flowering beauties. Dramatic bed shapes are a huge contributor to winter interest as unique shapes emerge from the frost and light snow cover. Toasty ornamental grass fronds are strong performers as are simple boulder outcroppings, an occasional elegant teak bench and the general bones of the outdoor space.

LOW MAINTENANCE

Sure, we all love playing in the dirt but frankly most of our schedules or aching knees don’t correlate with that passion. Planting the right plant in the right place is the key to low maintenance. Plants that require minimal pruning – that thrive (not just survive) in difficult conditions and don’t drink a lot – are other primary low maintenance living components.

Welcome to the new landscape “Triple Threat” for energized lifestyles that encourage luxurious outdoor living, grilling, entertaining and family dreams.

Randy Sorrell is founder of SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks+, a Carmel design, build, landscape firm and may be reached at 679-2565, [email protected] or www.choosesurroundings.com


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