1016 Outside

3. Banks of Blooms in BostonWhile technically a bed bordering a Boston driveway rather than the street, this three-tiered combination of perennial purple coneflowers, tawny ornamental grasses and low-growing tufts of day lily foliage would also work as a sidewalk combination. The purple coneflowers are particularly long-blooming and, in combination with the tall ornamental grasses, will carry the garden through fall.Plants in this garden bed include: ‘Magnus’ purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’, zones 3 to 8)‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, zones 4 to 9)‘Stella de Oro’ day lily (Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’, zones 4 to 9), after bloomingWater requirement: ModerateLight requirement: Full sun

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Create a picture. Take indoor design skills outside to brighten a dull fence. This display of planting works just like a gallery wall, with the individual elements arranged to create a pleasing whole in terms of shape and color. Just as with framed pictures, the best approach is to arrange them on the floor until you’re happy before hanging them.In blues and grays, these frames tie in easily with the planting, while an accent of red at the center is a real eye-catcher.

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Pack a punch. Red and green is a scrumptious natural combination — think strawberries, poppies and red berries nestling amid glossy green leaves. The designers of this yard exploited the powerful pairing with tall planters and cascading foliage, plus lush grass planted below. If you’re copying this idea, make sure your version isn’t lost against the backdrop. Opt for tall planters (these reach halfway up the fence) and fill the entire width of the space.

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3. Downplay brick’s red tone. The original brick on this home is painted dark and recedes to the background when paired with corrugated metal siding after this home’s modern renovation.MoreGreat Home Project: Replace Your Exterior SidingChoosing Color: See 1 Cute Home in 3 Exterior Paint PalettesGreat Home Project: How to Get Your Home’s Exterior Painted

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Louvered pergolas can work on traditional homes as well as other styles.See more of this entertaining area

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Louvers. Louvered pergolas allow you to control the light at will. With the flick of a switch you can close the louvers completely if you and your guests are caught in a downpour in the middle of lunch.

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A simple and relatively inexpensive roofing option is transparent Colorbond. Pair it with a black wood frame for a contemporary look, or opt for a tinted version if you want to keep out those harsh summer rays.

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