Check out this innovative approach to landscaping a low-slung ranch-style home. Lexington, Kentucky, designer Joseph Hillenmeyer's solution can be broken down into three primary plants and three easy steps.

1. "First, we put a boxwood hedge outside the front walk, following the lines of the house," Joseph says. He planted ‘Green Velvet' boxwoods two deep for immediate presence and to strongly mirror the architectural lines of the home. "This planting looks as if it has been there a long time when, actually, it's only several years old," he says. Where the driveway meets the walk, the hedge turns 90 degrees to lead the eye down the path, and at the far end, another turn takes you to the front door.

2. Behind the lush shrub border, Joseph lined both sides of the walkway with Chinese pennisetum (Pennisetum alopecuroides). "Boxwoods bring structure to the garden; the grass is pure icing on the cake," he explains. Great plant partners such as these combine textures, allowing plants that are strong on their own to be even better together.

3. At the corner of the drive, seven native smooth sumacs (Rhus glabra) anchor the entry. "This plant links the front landscape with the woods behind the house," Joseph says. Fall color is a bonus with sumac. When it's combined with the Chinese pennisetum, the seasonal display lasts throughout autumn.

Notice the backless bench, which is placed off the walkway but is still totally accessible. It fits in beautifully with the plant selections without dominating the landscape.	This design is as pleasing from the front door as it is from the street--a win-win combination.

Finishing Touches
The original walkway needed a new face once the plants were in place. Along the way, Joseph removed some of the brick and filled the space with a large rock. Near the front door, he added a stone landing below the step to cozy up the entry. The square planters fit in with the angular nature of the house and garden design. By staggering their locations, he created a warm invitation to the front door.

This article is from the September 2005 issue of Southern Living.