See how some creative front lawn landscaping ideas resulted in dashing new looks for two yards.

Gravel is one of the cheapest ways to make a durable path with good drainage. Here are different ideas to design such pathway with pros and cons.

Get creative with 15 decorative and functional ways to make good use of leftover builder’s bricks in your outdoor landscape, right here on Gardener’s Path.

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.

' Lime Zinger ’ is the lightbulb of the garden with its 2-foot-long, heart-shaped leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze. With a motto that seems to be “the hotter, the better,” this plant’s chartreuse foliage holds its color in a hot North Carolina garden. Read on to learn more about the Lime Zinger.

I can spot a garden designer’s garden a mile off. It’s the experiments that generally give it away. Designer’s gardens (in my experience) don’t tend to be the perfect havens that we create for our clients. Rather they are the try out zones for the latest of ideas. My own garden is mish mash of […]

I might be biased, but what better plants for a summer garden than tropicals? Tropical plants happen to thrive on the very same heat and humidity that makes even the most red blooded southerner miserable, so I never have to worry about my garden flopping during a heat wave. Here are some ideas from my trip to Winter Park for incorporating some temporary tropical displays in your own garden, be it in soggy Seattle or sultry Savannah. Temporary Tropic Tempo Incorporate both annuals and bulbs for a nearly instant blast of pizazz to your beds. Bright annuals like coleus fill in quickly like a technicolor red carpet while architectural crinums and cannas erupt from the ground like modern sculptures. RepeatGet clever when using color. This photo is actually from Disney but it illustrates my point perfectly. Pair plants with similar colors like these caladiums and New Guinea impatiens for a colorful and classy one-two punch! I just love how both the black and pink are mirrored in the spots and blush of the caladiums. Complementary ColorsRed and green aren't just for Christmas anymore. You might remember your art teacher teaching you about how complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) make each other appear to be even more vivid than they normally would. This caladium and bird's nest fern combo works especially well since the green is found both in the ferns and on the margins of the caladiums. Give Color Some HeightBring the color to eye level. There is no excuse for a temperate or tropical gardener to not plant gingers, especially these deliciously scented Hedychiums. They can be grown like bulbs and overwintered indoors, so like I said... no excuse. After all, who could resist a close up gander (and whiff) of these tall and gorgeous ginger headed beauties? Floor to Ceiling ColorUse root hardy vines like this passionflower to for fast tropical color. Many of the most tropical looking vines at the nursery (again, like this passionflower) only look like they'd perish after a frosty winter and will actually return from the roots in subsequent years. Don't be afraid to prune mercilessly though! Everything in ModerationIt's okay to use every color in the rainbow, as long as it's not in equal parts. For example, this idea garden at Leu Botanical Gardens might combine purple with yellow, pink, orange, red and green, but the dark and heavy purple is in balance with the the lighter and brighter colors. The Persian shield is incorporated as carefully as it would be in a vivid expressionist painting. Plant Some PurpleWhen in doubt, plant some purple. Plants with vivid purple flowers and foliage look undoubtedly tropical, work well with green and create the illusion of receding into space. As the second and third photos demonstrate, purple is also a great choice for a dramatic edging as it clearly delineates between the lawn and garden. Pop in Some BromeliadsBromeliads are totally underutilized in gardens. They're just as easy as temporary plantings as annuals or bulbs, but they look great in your home all through winter too! Just submerge the bromeliad's container or rootball in the soil and cover the lip of the container with mulch. Be sure to choose a shady spot for your bromeliads so that they don't get sunburned during the move!

The Purple Daydream Loropetalum is a fantastic new addition to the Southern Living Plant Collection. Boasting a rich, deep purple hue, the leaves of the Purple Daydream Loropetalum remain captivating throughout the year. Unlike other plants, whose colors might fade with seasons, this gem keeps its striking appearance, making it a favorite amongst gardening enthusiasts. As if the purple foliage wasn't enough, come spring, the Purple Daydream surprises with pink ribbon-like flowers! The Purple Daydream® is a dwarf variety of Loropetalum, conveniently reaching a compact size of 2-3' in height and 3-4' in width, making upkeep a breeze. Use them as low hedges or borders along pathways, driveways, or garden beds. Their compact habit ensures they won’t overgrow the path but will provide year-round interest. Plant them in large groups to cover vast areas, especially slopes where erosion might be a concern. Their roots will help stabilize the soil, and their consistent color provides an appealing ground cover. Given its dwarf size, it's a great candidate for pots. Place them on patios, balconies, or by entrance ways for a splash of color. Caring for Purple Daydream Loropetalum Sunlight The Purple Daydream Loropetalum is a versatile low maintenance shrub that will not require much from you to survive. While it thrives best in full sunlight, it can also adapt to partial shade. This adaptability ensures that it finds a home in various parts of your garden, be it a sunny patch or under the light shade of taller plants. Soil Type While the Purple Daydream does prefer well-drained soil it is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions. Be sure to avoid areas where water may stand to avoid waterlogged roots. Planting tips for Acid-Loving Plants