The number one landscape plant tends to be the azalea. But there are native azaleas that can be a wonderful addition to your landscape. You can get colors and scents unheard of in evergreen hybrids, and they are much more tolerant of our weather conditions--both summer and winter. The only downside for some people, is that they aren’t evergreen. These shrubs can grow quite large in time, and typically bloom in mid to late spring. One of the most fragrant of these is Rhododendron alabamense, the Alabama azalea. It produces white flowers, blotched in yellow and can grow up to eight feet in height. Rhododendron arborescens or the Sweet Azalea produces white to pink azaleas with red styles, grows five to six feet in height. The Flame azaleas, Rhododendron calendulaceum produces some wonderful yellow and orange varieties. So instead of opting for all evergreens, plant some of these or other wonderful deciduous varieties. They will pay you back with graceful blooms every spring without the fuss of the evergreen type.

To continue with the homeowner's landscaping guide, go to Roses

For more information, see New Landscape in 5 Days.

If you are looking for some software to help you design your project, you might check out the two below. At only $5 each, it may be worth it to get both and compare.

3D Home Landscape Designer 4.0 SE $5 ... more

Sierra Home: Land Designer 3D ver. 5.0 $5 ... more