Beat the Heat #2 Design Template

Ornamental Grass

Grasses are not often given the credit they deserve. They bring year-round shape and texture to your yard, they can thrive in a vast range of temperatures and environments, and they can grow in (and improve) almost any type of soil.  Many grass varieties are drought-tolerant and can also prevent soil erosion and water runoff. They’re incredibly easy to care for, come in all shapes and sizes, and require very little maintenance. Grasses can also help provide shelter for pollinators and other wildlife in your yard–which then increases flowers and fruit yields, too. In this template, most of the plants are small and full of colorful blooms. The grass adds visual contrast in size, shape, and color–this contrast brings balance to the design.

‘Paint the Town Fuchsia’ Pinks - Dianthus

This dianthus hybrid from Proven Winners has cheerful pink/lavender blooms atop silvery green foliage. It can reach about 8 inches high and 14 inches wide, and grows in zones 4-9. The flowers are fragrant and last through the summer season. This dianthus variety is great in potted planters or flower beds and prefers full or part sun (4-6 hours). Though it produces charming, cute flowers, this plant is also tough as nails–it can handle heat, drought, and salty soil. Dianthus is low-maintenance and waterwise. Additionally, pollinators love dianthus, which improves everything else in your yard!  

‘Amazing Daisies Daisy May’ - Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisies are one of the most classic flowers to have in your landscape–and for good reason! They’re low maintenance, long-blooming, and waterwise. They are such a bright, fresh white flower with a cheerful yellow center. One of the best parts about Shasta daisies is that they will produce more blooms if you deadhead the spent ones. They’re also great for attracting pollinators and this variety from Proven Winners is especially full to the brim with blooms!

This template is such a cheerful one, and it’s incredibly simple and streamlined, as well. It’s full of cheerful blooms, contrast, and charm. These plants also boast some of the most desirable landscape attributes–they’re waterwise and low maintenance!

Plants used in this design template:

Ornamental Grass

‘Paint the Town Fuchsia’ Pinks - Dianthus

‘Amazing Daisies Daisy May’ - Shasta Daisy