Plant Lush Layers

“I would rather the edge of my property look like the edge of the woods than look at someone else’s property or a wall,” says Raymond. From towering shade trees to midsize shrubs to low-lying ground cover, using different-size plants creates textured layers. Here’s one of Raymond’s favorite combinations: a low layer of deep-purple ground cover that won’t exceed 12 inches tall, a medium layer of flaming orange bromeliads and feathery green cycads, and an uppermost canopy of palms. “I like a garden that, if not tended, still looks good―almost like nature took over,” he says.

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