There are a number of reasons why perennial bedding plants, as opposed to annual ones, are used in garden designs. Perennials by growing beyond a single season, are thought to demand less care and maintenance than annuals that have to be replaced every few months or so. In dry climate gardens especially, annual flowers consume significantly more water than any other group of plants, requiring at least 1000 liters per square meter a year, in comparison to some perennial species, which can often grow on a third as much water.

Yet many home gardeners end up being disappointed with their flowerbeds. One reason for this is that in many cases, too many short-lived perennials are planted in the border. Plants like Verbena, Bidens, and Nierembergia, may be splendid specimens, but rarely add much value to the garden after about a year from planting. The answer is to back up the short-lived species with flowering plants that live and look good for a number of years.

A Landscape Designer with an education in Landscape Architecture has the skills to work with all facets of the landscape. Not only can they create beautiful designs, but also keep you from making costly mistakes. Areas of expertise can range from horticulture and planting design to the more intricate areas of paving materials, grading, drainage, and lighting design. A good Landscape Designer will look at the entire property and create a design where all elements are not only attractive, but also one which functions well, creating a cohesiveness to the entire project.

A professional Landscape Designer has knowledge and expertise in the areas of grading and drainage. An assessment should be made of drainage issues, as water must be guided away from the house and kept from pooling on the property. There are many ways to accomplish this. Some of the common solutions are the creation of swales or the utilization of drains with connecting pipes, leading water to a lower area. Grading is normally looked at in conjunction with drainage considerations. One trained in Landscape Architecture can utilize various techniques to re-form the terrain of the land, if appropriate. The land can simply be re-graded, altering the existing slopes, or retaining walls can be designed into the landscape. Often a combination of both is used, depending on the goals of the Client.