A picture is worth a thousand words and when thought out properly the garden too should create a palette of interest.

The numerous variations of colour, shape and texture found in the plant world are the basis for creating such interest. Bermuda properties are in general small which limits the use of large trees, but one can still create interest with a mix of plantings ranging from small trees to ground cover material. With the right mix the interaction of growth should, especially during the growing season, create a covering over the soil surface of the plant bed to the point that weeding is reduced by a good ninety percent.

To achieve this goal it is important not only to know details of each plant - height, width, flowering time etc - but also put in place a proper maintenance programme. A MAJOR ELEMENT TO ACHIEVE GOOD GROWTH IS SIZE OF PLANTING HOLE, ROOTS NEED SPACE TO SPREAD AND SUSTAIN TOP GROWTH.

The intent of the design is to create interest with layers of height from trees, shrubs and ground covers, and colour of foliage and flower with a selection of texture usually from foliage. To assist in the design process use graph paper and work to a scale, e.g. one square equals one foot, and thereafter layout the plant types with the information obtained regarding height spread etc.

The following is a list of plant types to consider, but are only a few examples of what should be available from the plant nurseries.

Trees:

Lagunaria pattersonii - a small tree, evergreen in sheltered locations, puce/purple hibiscus like flowers, good for small gardens.

Parkinsonia aculeata - Jerusalem thorn; small tree - needs protection from wind - to eighteen feet, semi-evergreen ethereal like foliage yellow flowers in summer; spines on branches; if planted in close proximity forms a clumping effect, highlight with an under-planting of Penisetum setaceum rubrum - fountain grass.

Sabinea carinalis - Caribwood; feathery foliage deciduous habit to twenty feet; red/scarlet flowers appear before foliage; needs sheltered location.

Shrubs:

Clerodendrum ugadense - Butterfly bush; a great addition to the mixed border having blue/violet flowers for much of the year; reaches six feet if kept pruned and has greenish silver foliage. A good contrast plant when used as a single specimen planting.

Schefflera arboricola variegata - Variegated dwarf schefflera: compact habit green/yellow foliage attains its compact habit even to ten feet; good for screening or as a contrast specimen.

Breynia disticha and B. disticha roseo picta - Snow bush; two shrubs with really stunning foliage - in protected locations - the former with green/white foliage and the latter green/white/pink foliage, use as a single specimen or group planting they create a colourful splash. Use against surrounding green foliage to make a bold statement.

Holmskiolda sanguinea - Chinese hat plant; needs a protected location and careful pruning to flower profusely, flowers late summer with red/orange flowers mimicking a Chinese hat. Plant can be 'trained' to grow against a wall to show flowering habit to full advantage.

Pyracantha 'vars' - Firethorn: not the easiest of plants to grow but when successful is well worth the effort. Medium height this evergreen shrub produces white flowers, followed by red seeds which give a brilliant display during the Christmas period and beyond.

Hamelia patens - Mexican fire bush; a small shrub, best kept to four feet, with fiery red blooms and reddish hue to the foliage. Needs protection from wind; plant amongst solid green foliage material to create contrast.

Grewia occidentalis - Lavender starbush: medium sized shrub producing star like mauve flowers for most of the year; If pruned carefully will produce a compact specimen plant with very showy blooms.

Ground Covers:

Dianella tasmanica variegata - Variegated Flax Lily: a low clumping - to two feet - ground cover, with green white foliage, excellent for under-planting large trees or in the mixed border as a contrast plant.

Leymus arenarius - Lyme Grass; metallic grey foliage to the creeping grass; good on open areas and banks when erosion is a problem.

Barleria repans - Coral Creeper; a low mounding evergreen - in protected areas - with orange flowers, good for the front of a border.

Scaevola 'varieties'; ground hugging found in several colours from yellow to purple, tolerates full sun.

Ruellia brittonia & 'varietes' - Mexican petunia: various heights are attaine within the genus, the common form reaching three feet whilst the newer varieties create mounds to twelve inches. Flower colours range from white, pink, purple.

Cuphea llavea - Batface: a trailing low habit produces bright red flowers from spring to fall, good in drifts to highlight the front of a border.

Vines:

Senecio confuses - Mexican Flame Vine: Bright orange flowers for most of the year make this a great candidate for use as a vine or as a ground cover; quick growing almost free from pest and diseases.

Trachelospermum asiaticum - Asiatic jasmine: also a good candidate for use as a vine but will also act as a ground cover; produces fragrant white star like flowers.

Beaumontia grandiflora - Easter Lily Vine: not easy to find but magnificent when it matures, bold white Easter lily like flowers hanging amidst solid green foliage.

Wisteria frutescens - American Wisteria: seen in one of the local nurseries looking very good, it prefers a protected area in full sun or partial shade and moisture; not always easy to grow but a challenge, with the possibility of great reward!

These are but a few of the many species of material found in the nurseries, and ones which I have found to be of proven ability; it is always worth trying and being challenged is part of the satisfaction of success!