My design philosophy is based around the (crazy) notion that gardens should be beautiful all year round. My gardens begin in early Spring, evolve throughout the Summer, bloom long into Autumn, and even look good in the Winter.
	Gardens that rely too heavily on annuals miss out on months of color, texture and interest. Perennials awaken early, and Fall-planted bulbs punctuate the garden with welcome bursts of color well before the nurseries have annuals ready for planting.
I've grown quite fond of stone in the garden and I often use it in my design. A dry stream bed suggests that a sudden downpour might awaken the brook once more washing away any young plant that would dare grow there. As a folly, this stream bed is borne of a downspout.
	A New American Garden has broad sweeps of native plants for a naturalistic garden that is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance as well as beautiful. Purple coneflowers play well here with black-eyed susans.
Sculpture, water features and outdoor lighting can be the finishing touches that bring a garden to life and I use them wherever and whenever appropriate. A simple bamboo fountain draws your attention with a gentle bubbling sound.