When I first started designing I had this habit of using every unique and new plant that had just been introduced to the market, this led to a few disappointing outcomes. Now my designs use certain plants that always do well growing in many different locations and soil types. A very important thing to remember that our midwest winters last 4-5 months. Deciduous plants are quite dismal so evergreens are very important. The use of holly, yews, and of course my favorite, boxwood.
