Even individuals who enlist designers to aid in the installation and upkeep of their gardens remain deeply engaged in the selection and construction of standout features within their outdoor spaces.

We take great pride in contributing to the uniqueness of our gardens. Noteworthy plants or standout trees, water elements, structures for support and shade, and garden antiquities are among the favored elements that garden enthusiasts opt for when personalizing their green spaces.

Wherever I travel, my gaze is inevitably drawn to gardens—both private and public, large and small. Gardens of various styles and varying degrees of completion offer insights into the people and places, largely due to the distinctive features chosen to set each garden apart. While some prefer statues, others opt for intricate topiary designs. Fountains and sculptural benches are abundant, yet the process of selecting the right feature remains a deeply personal choice.

Water Features

A few years back, I had the privilege of touring Bryan Cranston’s Los Angeles garden alongside his landscaper, Jon Goldstein. Familiar as the science teacher-turned-meth producer on Breaking Bad, Cranston possesses a softer side that has taken root in his yard.

Warmly greeted by the down-to-earth Cranston and his wife, Robin, I was met with a lush display of blooming plants in the front yard. Just around the bend, a captivating waterfall caught my eye, striking me as the centerpiece of the garden. Interestingly, Cranston himself had designed and constructed it.

Water features represent substantial undertakings when built from the ground up, with far too many remaining unfinished.

Randy Gregory of Salisbury, Md., a client, reached out to me seeking assistance in selling components for a custom fountain he had initiated.

“A few years ago, I had a concrete fountain built with intricate concrete bull-nose edging imported from California, and… I never completed the project and have since sold the home,” he wrote. “At this point, I’d rather allocate funds to my son’s braces than embark on another fountain project.”

My advice: For landscaping novices, opt for a ready-made fountain that’s easy to install, and save the custom endeavor for when you can enlist a design-build firm to handle the process comprehensively.

Prominent Plants

In her recent book, “The Tropical Cottage: At Home in Coconut Grove,” Beth Dunlop, along with photographer Claudia Uribe, presents an exploration of the residences and gardens in Miami’s stunning Coconut Grove neighborhood. Adorned by the homeowners, these homes are rich in detail both indoors and out.

The strategic use of flowering plants that thrive in Florida’s hot, humid climate underscores the importance of statement plants and trees. One particular plant that stood out was a vibrant hot pink bougainvillea situated at the end of a pathway. It guides the gaze with its lushness and vibrant hue.

Large planters also serve as captivating focal points. Envision an oversized container teeming with plants at a poolside corner or adjacent to patio steps, elevating an otherwise mundane setting. This not only provides a resting point for the eye but also introduces contrast to the garden.

Specimen trees offer a lasting means of defining your garden. By planting them correctly and ensuring proper maintenance, you can enjoy decades of style and beauty in return. In selecting a specimen tree—a potentially costly investment—visit a local arboretum to determine which trees you favor and which are most likely to thrive in conditions resembling your own.

In the Northeast, the Arnold Arboretum showcases a splendid collection of specimen trees organized into themed groupings. A visit there not only offers a day of plant appreciation but also imparts valuable knowledge through the on-site staff. While arboretums are scattered across the country, if none are nearby, explore your town’s parks instead. Most arboretums maintain informative websites tailored to your landscaping needs.

When the time comes to purchase your chosen tree, exercise discernment. Arrive at a reputable nursery armed with a shortlist of preferred trees and closely inspect them for signs of disease and pests. Ensure the health of the root ball and consider hiring a professional to handle planting, as a tree’s initial success hinges largely on proper planting techniques. Lastly—and crucially—do not neglect consistent watering.

Functional Art

Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture and garden antiquities is well worth it, especially if you position them thoughtfully. A historical bench tucked away in a secluded spot is fitting for a secret garden, but when placed where it’s both accessible and visible, it transforms into a true centerpiece. Even a distinctive piece of flea market furniture adorned with bold strokes can anchor attention in a bustling garden.

One of my personal favorites in terms of functional art is the custom-built fire pit. Laura Morton conceived the idea of a “firestar” as part of the patio design for a California client.

Inspired by the expert craftsmanship seen in the brick and early California tile prevalent on Catalina Island, Boston Brick & Stone replicated this artistry, incorporating authentic old tile to create the firestar, a focal point visually and socially in the landscape.

Shade and support structures possess both functionality and beauty. Pergolas and trellises play a pivotal role in establishing the garden’s stylistic theme.

Given their substantial presence often rivaled only by trees these structures serve as defining elements. Opting for bamboo constructs imbues a garden with an island ambiance. Iron trellises evoke classic elegance, while redwood pergolas exude charming craftsmanship.

A simple and cost-effective gazebo can support flowering vines and, when combined with plants like jasmine, honeysuckle, and clematis, yields an archetypal garden vista.

Whatever elements you choose for your garden, success hinges on careful placement and material selection. Dedicate time to research and choose items that authentically reflect your persona, fostering an outdoor environment that resonates with you for the long haul.