I suggested placing some of the amazing rocks found on her property in a couple of anchoring positions and softening them with the Hinoki Cypress which bring in that chartreuse color as well as the golden thread Cypress.

I chose the the hydrangea paniculata for their bold color that lasts a long time and to add a soft feminine feel in between the evergreens. The dark green shiny leaves of the Cherry Laurel (evergreen)  is also a nice splash of bling and contrast. The Cherry Laurel is near the porch and walkways because of its incredible smell early in the season. I also tried to pick a “foundation” of plants with lots of color not only during the growing season, but also throughout the winter; the cypress, the cherry laurel, the abelia, and junipers are all evergreen.

The smoke bush is also a favorite of mine and I thought would be an incredible pop of color to contrast the yellow greens. The choices I’ve made also have layered rhythms of heights that create a mystery and intrigue as you travel on the walkways. The Smoke bush is a large bush but not as large as the trees. The trees however are perfect for the front yard because they are small trees and won’t overpower the shape, size  and frame of the house.

The Abelias and Junipers are both evergreen shrubs but they would be considered ground cover. The Abelia will only get 2’ tall and spread out to 3’ and the junipers (notice the blue color that will go really well with the yellows and the purples) will only get about 8-12” tall and spread to 18” or so.

This is a nice foundation that spreads out and creates a garden area but leaves ample room for perennials and annuals along the edges of the walkways and around the porch. I also suggest a couple foliage perennials: Black Mondo Grass and The Heuchera Obsidian. These would be gorgeous bold accents all season in between your plants. I would suggest any annuals that are in the blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange, or chartreuse color families would just make this incredible! “