Opt for Clean Lines and Minimal Colors

The only curves you’ll find in this garden are on the planters that flank the front wall. Straight lines tend to take up less room. To maintain visual flow, he balanced voluminous bottlebrush on the right with dwarf Alberta spruce, variegated elderberry, and mugo pine on the left. Boxwoods lead the eye up the walk to the front door. “I love gardens with shades of green and white,” he says. “It’s classic.” Purple accents play off the neighbor’s crepe myrtle.

A round planter of purple heart softens a corner of the front wall.