The composition's overall look is anchored by a variety of foliage colors, textures, and shapes. Evergreen shrubs like Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' and the golden dwarf hinoki provide year-round structure, adding vibrant notes with their yellow foliage. The strongly upright form of weeping white spruce draws the eye skyward and contributes significantly to the scene throughout the year. Deciduous shrubs, Berberis 'Concorde' at ground level and Sambucus 'Black Lace' in the canopy, create a striking contrast with their dark foliage against the yellow partners.

Amid the easy-care perennials and flowering shrubs, a profusion of beautiful flowers can be enjoyed from late winter through summer and into fall. With careful placement, these plants can be arranged into various formations, such as creating a mixed hedge for privacy, enhancing curb appeal in a front yard garden, or establishing an all-season garden for year-round enjoyment.

The composition achieves a pleasing balance between repetition and variety. Repetition ensures continuity, while various accents contribute to a lively and dynamic arrangement. Threads of color weave through the individual elements, creating a cohesive scene. By following the various threads of red, yellow, or burgundy, your eye is guided around and through the composition. Repetition is complemented by contrast to break the visual thread and capture attention. For example, the simple yellow daylily beautifully contrasts with the Fire Alarm heuchera. Another instance is the deep burgundy foliage of Berberis 'Concorde,' creating a striking combination with the sharp yellow of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope.' Textural contrasts add further interest, such as the coarse, leathery foliage of the Corsican hellebore juxtaposed with the fine texture of Miscanthus 'Morning Light.' The impact of these plants is magnified through their interaction, making it the secret sauce of the composition!

In especially hot locations, consider subbing a more heat-tolerant conifer for Picea glauca 'Pendula'. For instance, the sun- and heat-loving Juniperus 'Blue Arrow' would achieve similar results.