It may seem weird to talk about a garden having “architecture,” but it’s an essential component of a good design. Plants with stunning form—be it shockingly upright, or maybe acutely weeping—are what tends to draw the eye in a landscape. These plants are often focal points, and we like to think our gardens can never have enough of them. In today’s episode, Steve and Danielle talk about their favorite architectural plants; surprisingly, they’re not all trees and shrubs.

Expert testimony: Susan Morrison, owner and principle designer for Creative Exteriors Landscape Design in Concord, California.

STEVE’S PLANTS

‘Sparkling Burgundy’ pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’, Zones 7–9)

‘Black Magic’ elephant’s ear (Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’, Zones 8–10)

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus, Zones 7–9)

Yucca (Yucca filamentosa and cvs., Zones 5–10)

DANIELLE’S PLANTS

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta, Zones 9–10, and Zone 8 with protection)

New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax and cvs., Zones 8–11)

Bandwidth™ miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis ‘NCMS2B’, Zones 5–9)

‘Wissel’s Saguaro’ false cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’, Zones 4–9)

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The insect nest box provide a safe environment where garden creatures can shelter, hibernate and lay their eggs, the insect house can also keep insects from entering your warm room. The insect hotel makes it easy to find and observe fascinating creatures. the butterfly, bees and ladybugs can use this product as habitat. Dry wood and Bamboo can be home to many insects such as ladybirds and lacewings which eat aphids and help keep your plants pest-free. the insect hotel improve the growth of plants in your yard by attracting beneficial insects. The iron design on the top can keep the insect house from rainwater. Let the insect house have a longer useful life and make the insects more comfortable. If you only have a balcony or yard, the hanging garden shelter is ideal as it provides a choice of suitable habitats in a small area.

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The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition

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Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.

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Buffalo-Style Gardens is a one-of-a-kind, offbeat garden design book that showcases the wildly inventive gardens and gardeners of Buffalo – and offers readers "the best of the best” ideas to use in their own small-space gardens.

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