SHaque Designs

May's arrangement is an ecstatic profusion of flowers and foliage, reflecting what's happening in my garden right now. Branches and blooms of spirea, Canada anemone, lady's mantle, forsythia, and deutzia are all at the party to complement the showy bearded iris in the center. While it's a limited color palette of white, pale yellows, and greens, the fullness and variety of the plants keeps it from being one-note. When I went into the garden to cut the stems, I wasn't sure it would all come together, but now I love it.

Design tip: Make "curb appeal" work for you. Curb appeal makes it sound like the only people who could be enjoying the view of your front garden are passersby who see your house from the sidewalk. I'd argue the most important person is actually you. The person who walks up the path to the front or side door. Whatever your view to your garden is, it should make you love the short but beautiful trip from the sidewalk or driveway to your house. How do you amp up curb appeal? Add layers - ornamental flowering trees and shrubs, perennials that bloom successionally in each season, and foliage that grabs your attention. Don't settle for the sad shrubs you inherited from generations prior, who seemed to love their overgrown yews and rhododendrons. It's going to be a beautiful spring weekend - go plant something in the front that makes you happy!