Photos: Tour These Designer Gardens

It doesn't matter whether you have a big yard or a small one, a little money or a bundle, or if you're working on your first garden or your 12th. As the following success stories demonstrate, paying homage to a few key points can make the difference between a garden you love and one you won't show the neighbors.

• Read More: Good Bones Make Great Gardens

Symmetry rules this garden. A center line (axis) passes through the fountain and the middle of the arbor.

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Designer: Norman Kent Johnson, Mountain Brook, AL; 205/960-8902

Removing the lower limbs of these tall crepe myrtles reveals the beauty of the trunks. A fountain adds the peaceful sound of splashing water. Bright green grass stands out when edged with dark green boxwoods.

Large American boxwoods growing in containers anchor the planting beds. Low maintenance and drought tolerant, boxwoods can take the South's harsh temperatures and still look great.

A courtyard planted with shade-loving plants fills the backyard where grass wouldn't grow.

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Designer: Carrington Brown, Manakin-Sabot, VA; carrington12@comcast.net or 804/784-6146

Caladiums, ferns, and espaliered English ivy accent the carriage house wall.

Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, adds a bit of whimsy.

An ornate urn fountain serves as this garden's focus while pavers bordered by dwarf mondo grass lend a riveting pattern to the space.

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Designer: James Farmer, Kathleen, GA; jamesfarmer.com

Bright yellow creeping Jenny accentuates the caladiums and impatiens, helping them stand out above the dark green mondo grass and bluestone pavers.