Annuals

Annuals are the flower children of the flora kingdom due to their vibrancy and energy, and like children or rather their clothes, annuals usually have to be replaced every year.  Just as a child’s youthful energy burns through their clothes,  an annual burns through their youthful energy and perish for good when their season is over.   

Examples of annuals are :

• Coleus
• Geraniums
• Pansies/Violas
• Petunias

Perennials

Perennials, the workhorses of the flora kingdom, may not always be the show ponies of the season like their annual counterparts. However,  what they lack in pizazz, they make up for in reliability. Perennials are sound investments for plant enthusiasts seeking long-term value like a winter coat. They emerge when it’s their time and go dormant when their season has passed, demonstrating their dependable nature. 

Examples of perennials are:

• Hellebore, Rudbeckia, Cone Flower, Bee Balm, Phlox (Flowering Perennials)
• Creeping Jenny (Vining Groundcover)
• Autumn, Painted, Christmas Ferns (Perennial Ferns)

Foundation Shrubs

Foundation Shrubs, the fixer-uppers of the flora world, play a practical role in landscaping. Just as contractors have various tools for different projects, landscapers keep several foundation shrubs in mind for decorating yards or landscapes on the fly. Whether it’s a new housing complex or a homeowner sprucing up their yard for a sale, foundation shrubs like boxwoods or Sky Pencils are versatile and quick fixes for enhancing outdoor spaces.  

Examples of foundation shrubs are:

• Baby Gem Boxwood
• Knockout OR Drift Rose
• Loropetalum, Abelia, Azalea
• Holly (Carissa, Soft Touch, Gem Box, Hoogendorn, Compacta, Sky Pencil)

Shade Trees

Shade trees serve a vital function in landscaping. Landscapers rely on shade trees to anchor outdoor designs and provide essential cover. Whether it’s cooling down a sunny backyard, framing a large estate, or adding dimension to parks, shade trees like oaks and maples are the go-to options. These natural canopies beautify spaces and create inviting environments by reducing heat, softening harsh sunlight, and offering relaxing spots.

Examples of shade trees: 

• Maple
• Oak

Flowering Trees

Flowering trees bring bursts of color and seasonal charm to any setting. They add colorful flair and character to outdoor spaces. Whether lining streets, framing entryways, or adding interest to a garden, trees like cherry blossoms, crepe myrtles, and redbuds deliver striking displays year after year. Their blooms brighten landscapes and signal the changing seasons, creating picture-perfect moments and elevating the outdoors.

Examples of flowering trees: 

• Cherry
• Crepe Myrtle
• Redbud