Hedging Their Bets

Evergreen borders, snug spaces, and lots of pots help this small Alabama landscape live large

- STEVE BENDER

WHAT DO YOU DO if you're a garden designer and your clients tell you they know nothing about plants, don't want to learn anything new, and would just like a yard that's pretty and simple to maintain? If you're Anthony Brewington (shown at right), you begin by determining what the Florence, Alabama, backyard requires to be transformed into the homeowners' vision, which they described as "a cozy town garden." Here's what he advised to give them a low-effort, high-reward place to relax with friends.

Go Big with Containers