3 Planting Plans from a Mature Garden

In his article featured in the 2026 spring issue of Fine Gardening, designer Scott Endres discusses how different categories of plants can help enliven a staid landscape. These species can be preexisting woody plants that just need a good haircut to shine, or a brand-new cadre of flashy perennials and annuals.

In this companion plant-ID guide, Scott highlights the standout trees, shrubs, and perennials that shaped the thoughtful reinvention of an aging garden—plants chosen not only for their beauty but also for their durability, seasonal interest, and ability to knit old and new elements seamlessly together. Use this reference to explore the key performers featured in the article, discover what makes each selection valuable in mature landscapes, and find inspiration for breathing fresh life into gardens that are ready for their next chapter.

Read More: Top Plants for Reinvigorating a Mature Garden

Ensure the gap fillers are show-stoppers

The drifts of plants in this front yard grouping draw the eye down the entire length and deliver waves of blooms from one season to the next.

Plant list:

1. ‘Summer Beauty’ allium (Allium tanguticum ‘Summer Beauty’, Zones 4–8)
2. Dalmatian iris (Iris pallida ‘Variegata’, Zones 4–9)
3. Russian sage (Salvia yangii, Zones 4–9)
4. ‘Profusion Orange’ zinnia (Zinnia ‘Profusion Orange’, annual)
5. ‘Talent Orange’ gazania (Gazania rigens ‘Talent Orange’, Zones 9–11)
6. Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 3–9)
7. Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens, Zones 4–9)
8. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, Zones 5–9)
9. ‘Ballerina Purple’ datura (Datura metel ‘Ballerina Purple’, Zones 9–11)
10. ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’, Zones 5–9)
11. Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa, Zones 3–7)

Edit existing plants to enhance garden views

Gangly woody plants were taken out and replaced with dwarf evergreens, such as creeping Colorado blue spruce (above), that stay low and allow clear sight lines to the water beyond.

Plant list:

1. ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint (Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’, Zones 4–8)
2. ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’, Zones 4–8)
3. Creeping Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Procumbens’, Zones 2–7)
4. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris, Zones 10–11)
5. ‘Silky Gold’ tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica ‘Silky Gold’, Zones 8–11)
6. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, Zones 5–9)

Mix bold foliage

The glowing, cut-leaf foliage of Tiger Eyes® sumac was one of the few holdovers from the original planting. Its sculptural form inspired the addition of more deciduous trees and shrubs and brightly colored annuals for their contrast and seasonal interest.

Plant list:

1. Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3–8)
2. SunPatiens® Compact Fire Red (Impatiens × hybrida cv., annual)
3. ‘Inferno’ coleus (Coleus scutellarioides ‘Inferno’, Zones 9–11)
4. ‘Fireworks’ fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’, Zones 9–10)
5. Tiger Eyes® sumac (Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’, Zones 4–8)

All photos by Tracy Walsh

Related Articles:
Read the Full Feature: Strategies for Reinventing a Mature Garden
See More Planting Plans Here
Check Out Our YouTube Channel!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Featuring gorgeous photography and advice for landscapers, Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West is dedicated to the idea of a new nature—a hybrid of both the wild and the cultivated—that can nourish in our cities and suburbs.

Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Quick and easy to put into operation and is less noisy and lighter in weight than gas-powered hedge trimmers.
– 38 x 7 x 7 inches
– 6.9 pounds
– 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)

ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.