Even though colder weather is here, it is still a great time to plant.

In cold weather, plants go through less stress so the survival rate is much greater. What you need to consider is the type of landscape you want to achieve in your yard. Think about how a formal look would work in your yard. Formal landscaping is where you have symmetry, such as the same type of plant on the corners of the house, with the same shrubs on each side of the entry. It also includes curvature planting using one type of shrub.

For some good examples of formal landscapes look on the Internet under formal gardens, this is a easy way to see if that is the effect you want. Some good examples of formal plants are tight growing forms such as: several varieties of Boxwood; Soft Touch, Compacta, Carissa and Helleri holly; Otto Luyken Laurel; Indian Hawthorn. For corner plants you can use: Nellie R. Stevens; Fosteri and Emily Brewner Holly; Tea Tree Olive; Camellia; Arborvitae. For entry ways use larger boxwoods, Steeds Holly, Emerald Arborvitae, Sasanqua or Dwarf Alberta Spruce.

It is always good to have an idea of how you want to lay out the plant material. Draw up a sketch of where the plants are to go or have a professional landscape design drawn for your yard. A good idea is to go to the plant nursery to see the different types of plants that work for creating a formal landscape. Picture them in your yard. If you are unsure you can always ask a nurseryman to help you in you decisions.

Happy gardening!