There are many things to consider when you are planning your landscape but most of us only consider the basics such as soil and sun requirements and if it is maintenance free. But there are many other things we should consider such as layering, scale, order, balance, proportion, line, flow, focal points, and sticking to the theme of a garden. In addition, we often forget about contrast or just have too much contrast due to lack of planning. By too much contrast I mean having every flower color there is in your flower beds or landscaping. Having every color of the rainbow is almost too much for our human brains to handle and rather than admiring the flowers we tend to turn away.

Since most of us aren't professional landscapers there are some simple things you can do to bring contrast into your garden. Like in the photo to the left, there are two trees with fall colors that are strikingly different. The result is stunning. So do your research before purchasing big ticket items such as trees. And don't forget to consider your neighbors. Ask your neighbors if they would mind if you walked around their property to see from their perspective and take notes about what may add interest and contrast for them.

The photo below they thought about contrast by using a light mulch that made the bold red stand out. I guess it is really just common sense you wouldn't use a red cedar mulch with this bush. So it is important to think about what your plant will look like during all seasons.

If you are planting next to your home be sure to consider the color of your home and be careful about clashing colors (like a pink toned house and orange flowers) but do use contrasting colors (like a blue toned house and yellow flowers).

You can create pleasing contrast by finding backdrops. Do you already have a hedge, a retaining wall, or outbuilding? Use those things to create some pleasing contrast.

If you live in colder climates think about what your landscape and garden will look like covered in snow. Some plants that have red bark will bring interest and much needed contrast to your garden when it is covered in snow. The Dogwood shrub or red-twig dogwood (Cornus alba 'Sibirica') are great choices for your winter garden. Plants that have very dark stems with interesting seeds heads will look great in the snow.Choose plants that have berries, such as, Winter-berry (Ilex verticillata) or American Holly (Ilex opaca). And of course planting evergreens will provide lots of winter interest and contrast.

But using color, darks and lights isn't the only contrast you can incorporate into your garden. Consider an outcropping of rocks (hard) with airy bachelor buttons (soft) tucked between the rocks waving in the wind. Or using texture such as a plant with smooth leaves next to a plant with frilly foliage will create interesting contrast.

Planning your landscape or flower garden can be a challenge and even overwhelming with all the things one has to consider. But simply choosing plants with their basic needs in mind and then go from there by narrowing your selection down to contrasting color, darks & lights, texture you will won't be disappointed with the end results.