Colorful Plants at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Garden trees; Hedges; Shrubs for year-round interest; Rhododendrons; Climbing and screening plants; Clematis; Colorful perennials; Annuals and biennials; Bedding plants; Fuchsias; Bulbs; Rock-garden plants. Climate, more than any other factor, determines the success or failure of the gardener. A garden requires adequate sunshine and rainfall if plants are to thrive in it, but it also needs protection against extremes of weather.

Then, of course, there's the not inconsiderable matter of your own personal preferences. Everyone has their own favorite plants. Think about what it is that attracts you most about them. Do you like them to be exotic, dramatic, pretty, colorful, graceful or unusual? Do you want them to provide a peaceful relaxing background or do you want attention grabbers? These are all considerations that will greatly influence your choice of plants. The pages that follow look at all the different types of plant that are available to you, including trees, hedges, shrubs, climbers, perennials, annuals and biennials, bedding plants, bulbs and rock-garden plants.

Colorful plants, or perhaps herbs, in simple pots by the door will look right. Make the most of vegetables and fruit bushes, letting them be part of the garden design. Do not be afraid of using rows of vegetables, herbs, bedding plants, or flowers for cutting, especially alongside a path. There is no need to grow only old-fashioned flowers because it is how the flowers are used and grouped that creates the rustic style, not what type they are. Choose as many scented plants as can be fitted into the space available, especially the many varieties of climbing rose and honeysuckle. The overall effect should be well-tended "disorder," a comfortable mix in which all the plants are allowed to run together. There will be plenty of weeding, but also a great opportunity to grow all your favorite plants in rich profusion.