The Plan

Although designed for the Kansas City, Missouri, area (USDA Growing Zone 5), most of the plants here will thrive throughout most of the U.S. For best results, plant in full sun; most of the plants will also perform well in partial shade. To ensure good results in your area, purchase plants from local garden centers, substituting similar plants for those varieties not well suited to your zone.

The main portion of the plan measures approximately 28 feet across by 20 feet deep, but the garden could easily be expanded or reduced by altering the number of each type of plant.

See below for a planting diagram and plant list.

A. Boxwood (Buxus koreana var. japonica 'Winter Gem') B. Alberta spruce (Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica') C. Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy') D. Yew (Taxus x media 'Hicksii') E. Korean lilac standards (Syringa meyeri 'Palibin') F. Artemisia arborescens 'Powis Castle' G. Goldenrod (Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece') H. Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky') I. Pincushion flower (Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue') J. Buddleja davidii K. Coreopsis lanceolata 'Baby Sun' L. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire') M. Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Blue Danube') N. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) O. Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night' P. Daylilies (Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns') Q. Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Bell' Series R. Baptisia australis S. Maidengrass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus') T. Assorted annuals