Accent Plants – They grab your attention.

The goal of landscaping is to transform the land and the lives of the people who dwell there. In doing so we alter the terrain of the land and grow new plants and trees. We add lawns to green the earth and add pathways, covered areas, water bodies and even more elements to add utility and beauty. Landscaping is both art and craft, in moulding the land for us to appreciate its loveliness and create utilities for our well being and enjoyment. Every element of landscaping has focus elements in them for the and when it comes to plants the focus elements are accent plants.

First impressions count. Accent plants are meant to catch your attention to the diversity and beauty of nature which has, to the discerning eye, peppered the earth with majesty in the midst of desolation. Similarly accent plants transform an ordinary area into a remarkable one by their presence.

An accent plant is a plant, tree, bush or grass that captures the eye and acts as a focal point in an outdoor landscape or indoor display. Accent plants can be used to draw attention to a particular feature or features in the landscape such as an entryway, stairs, water, seating, statuary and among other plants. They should contrast with the surrounding plants or other elements to create emphasis or focal points.

Indoor accent plants should coordinate with the interior, while plants to accent the exterior should coordinate with the outside ambience. Color and texture are the main qualities an accent plant may have to stand out.

A variety of plant characteristics should be used to achieve this effect.

• Color
• Texture
• Size
• Placement
• Form

Accent plants can be used singly or in groups to add emphasis or draw the eye through the landscape.  They can be placed in either a symmetrical or asymmetrical fashion and can be climbers, shrubs or trees. Potted plants can also be used as accents too and provide remarkable effect. All these should have a contrasting color, form, flowers, texture and size compared to the adjacent plants.