Question
I live at the end of a cul de sac with a circle containing in the center a tear drop shaped area that needs landscaping. How do I get ideas and get started? Haven't been able to find examples online.

Answer
Hey, Everett.

I've seen many things done with such islands:

--formal hedges that require regular pruning to continue looking nice

--a specimen plant in the middle surrounded by smaller shrubs

--a small bush in the middle surrounded by bedding plants specific to the time of year, such as petunias for the hot summer and pansies for the winter months (depending on your location, of course). This usually requires quarterly maintenance to replace old bedding plants with new bedding plants.

--just gravel, sometimes in different colors

--gravel and a few larger boulders with just a few small plants

--a cactus garden that takes no maintenance whatsoever if created properly to help prevent weed growth.