Plant it up. (Barry Block)

Southampton - After the recent heat wave, the summer is in full swing here in the Hamptons. Town centers are flourishing with shoppers, there's always a gala to be found, and local produce overflows from the many East End farm stands. The season is at its highest and seems endless!

By now, our gardens are primped and ready for entertaining. But what if you are missing that final touch to bring it all together? You might feel that there is an area in your yard that doesn't seem finished. Here are some garden elements to incorporate within your landscape and achieve that polished look:

 • Plant It Up: While your poolscape might be lively with splashy planters, don't forget to maximize on color by adding some pizzazz to your window boxes. Don't have them? Not a problem, as they are easy to find locally or online, and do not require many tools to install. The view into your yard of trailing, vibrant plants cascading from your windows will create a stunning effect! Like your planters, window boxes can be changed out seasonally, creating a uniform theme within.

 • A Room Within A Room: Instead of thinking outside the box, sometimes you do have to think within and how to maximize on space, creating different moods. Here, a custom arbor not only provides a unique walkway, but its billowy curtains create framed views inside and outside the space. Looking one way, you see a lush perennial border, while looking the opposite opens to a verdant croquet lawn. At night, lanterns give off soft light into the space for an intimate feel.



 • Set The Stage: Do you have a patio that has beautiful masonry, but seems to float by itself? Adding a decorative lattice fence accent not only establishes an elegant backdrop, but also brings the space together with form and structure. Here, a white scalloped lattice fence with a keyhole gracefully stands in front of feathery evergreens, giving the space definition and creating a focal point. White was chosen for this setting because it provides a striking contrast to the dark evergreen vegetation, enhancing the visual appeal. Additionally, the same material was repeated for an arched arbor gate that invites you into the space.

 • Through The Garden Gate: Perhaps you have a woodland setting with a meandering path flanked with spreading color and texture, but it lacks transition through the space. You don't need a fence to have a gate. Simply tuck an arbor gate into the landscape, as shown here with a rustic wooden finish, which will draw you into the garden to discover what lies ahead.

 • Take A Step Back: While your garden may have all the necessary elements for your outdoor needs, it is key to step back and see what might be missing. We want our spaces to effortlessly flow into one another. Incorporating the right garden structures will be the icing on the cake for your already beautifully designed landscape!