Bed Design 101

I've been perusing this forum for about two months. It seems that most people who post about "what to do in 'this or that' particular bed" need help with the basics of design before selecting certain plants. I see people planting beds that they are going to look at in the winter and say...."Wow...it looks empty!" because they have not been told to do "4 seasons design" nor are they planting any permanent plants (shrubs). Could some of you designers or people who are experienced in this area just give us some tutorials on the basics, WITH pics to illustrate if possible? (I've been looking for magazines and books that show the basics, but they are few and far between.)

Some questions that I have that you might start with:
1. Does every bed need shrubs at the back if it's against a house or fence?
2. Should beds be planted with alternating plants...a "swath" of one thing and then a "swath" of another?
3. And...should the 2 ends of the beds have the same plant? (My DH things so...)
4. Should there be a "center piece" for each bed?
5. Is it true that plants look better in 3's?



(This posting is an example of why it was a 'good thing' to change the name of this forum, because this need does not just relate to "Curb Appeal.")

This message was edited Jun 14, 2006 12:03 AM