How to Use 7 Plants in 7+ Ways to Create a Beautiful Garden

Let's say you've assembled a palette of plants that you think work well together. It doesn't really matter how you arrived at it—maybe you dreamed it up yourself, or perhaps you followed one of the many road maps to success you'll find here on eGardenGo. Whatever the source of your inspiration, though, getting your plants laid out in an organized and logical fashion can be daunting until you get the hang of it.

Not to worry: I've got your back. In this post, I show seven plants arranged in a variety of different layouts, suited to a variety of garden situations, that you can adapt and use as a guide. The layouts are based on a description of the plants so that, with some practice, you can adjust them to work with a variety of different plants.

IMPORTANT: All the plants in your palette must share the same cultural requirements—i.e. hardiness, exposure, soil and water needs, etc. So if you're searching for plants on eGardenGo, you'll want to make sure to adjust the search filters to reflect your zone and the cultural conditions of your site, so that only plants that'll thrive in your conditions will be included in your results. In addition, you'll want to add on top of these criteria any aesthetic and functional qualities you desire—for example, size and shape, texture and color, persistence of foliage. Is there something you need the plant to DO for you? If so, make sure it's up for the job.

DESCRIBE, THEN SEARCH

The graphic symbols below are used in the planting layouts in the following section and each symbol corresponds to the description of that particular plant. The images and the descriptions link to a search where you can peruse a variety of plants that meet the description. Click through to see even more possibilities for plants that may fit the bill—do be careful to make sure that any that you consider as alternates match the description, paying special attention to size and, as mentioned above, the cultural requirements.

	Small-scale tree with four-season appeal— attractive bark in winter is especially desired. Optimal size" 12-16' tall and 8-12' wide.
	Evergreen shrub or conifer with enough height and density to make a suitable backdrop, though still remain relatively narrow. Optimal size: 4' wide and 5 to 8' tall.
	Evergreen conifer or shrub with fine texture. Optimal size: 3-4' wide and 2-3' tall.
	Flowering shrub with strong three-season performance. Optimal size: 6' wide and 4-6' tall.
	Bold, coarse foliage (ideally evergreen) to provide contrast to finer textures of its partners. Optimal size: 2½-3' wide and 18-30 inches tall.
	Flowing, billowy, grassy texture. Presumed deciduous, but evergreen would be A-okay too. Optimal size: 18-24 inches tall and wide.
	Hard-working, low-maintenance, and long-flowering perennial to mingle and bob throughout.

Seven Different Planting Plans

Flip through the slide carousel to see the seven plants laid out in a variety of different ways. An important consideration is whether your garden scene will be viewed only from one side or will you be able to walk all around it?

Describe the Plants — DESCRIBE THE PLANTS. Notice the scale, which will give you an idea of the relative size of each plant.

Meet the Plants — PLANT PALETTE #1 — Learn about them below.

alternate plant palette — PLANT PALETTE #2 — Learn about them below.

alternate plant palette #2 — PLANT PALETTE #3 — Learn about them below.

rectangular 16 x 10 — Rectangular planting bed 16 feet x 10 feet, designed to be viewed from one side.

ell shape rounded corner — Ell-shaped bed with 15 foot legs that is designed to be viewed from all sides.

ell shaped square corners — Ell-shaped bed with square corners that is designed to be viewed from one side, the interior of the curve.

rectangular 30 x 8 — Rectangular bed 30 feet long and 8 deep that is designed for viewing from all sides. Pass-through path makes it perfect for along front sidewalk or in the parking strip.

rectangular 30 x 10 — Rectangular bed 30 feet long and 10 deep that is designed for viewing from all sides. Pass-through path makes it perfect for along front sidewalk or in the parking strip.

rectangular 40 x 10 — Rectangular bed 40 feet long and 10 deep that is designed for viewing from all sides. Pass-through path makes it perfect for along front sidewalk or in the parking strip.

island bed 20 x 12 — Irregularly-shaped island bed designed to be viewed from all sides.

6 x 12 without tree — Some planting beds are too small to accommodate a tree, even a small one. This planting layout omits the tree.

Plant Palette #1

This planting combination has a planting plan with SEVEN different layout options available to download for a small fee. Even if you don't anticipate planting this combination in your garden, examining the layouts is an excellent way to get a sense of how this method works. Click through for details!

Acer griseum

Paperbark Maple

Type: Deciduous Tree
Exposure: Full Sun, Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Morning Sun
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

5 Simple Steps to Pretty (and Practical) Plant Combos

You can do this! Our tip sheet will help you create the garden you're imagining!