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A unique challenge faces those of us who design landscapes in regions of the world where there are four distinct seasons- creating a landscape that has elements that shine in each of those seasons. The importance of plant selection can't be over emphasized. Without careful planning, a stunning summer perennial border can easily become a boring, blank space during the drab winter months. Plants should be considered not only for their size or bloom, but also their bark, berries, structure, and seasonal foliage. Any good designer should have developed a catalog of "four season" plants they use successfully in their landscapes. Below are some examples of how the plantings can change with the seasons (click on any photo to bring it up larger): Consider including structure to fill in the gaps between seasons, such as pergolas, trellis work, fencing, fireplaces, water features, and sculpture. A strong backbone of hardscape can add that odd season interest your garden needs. Do you find yourself looking out the windows at your landscape and feeling uninspired? Give us a call today, and we can come up with a plan to give you a spectacular view, regardless of what season it is.
 The days are counting down to the winter solstice. Only 12 more days until they start getting longer again! Winters can be so long here in Southwestern Michigan. We seem to have that perpetual cloud cover, the days are short, and it gets cold. It's like the weather sucks every bit of color from the landscape, leaving us with nothing but a gray sky, gray trees and a dirty gray snow cover. Yuck! To help combat that nasty SAD (seasonal affective disorder) that seems to hit me so hard every winter, I've been making a point to get outside every day and walk or run. On my walks, I look for color....
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