Mariani Landscape

Frank Mariani, Jr.’s own vegetable and cutting garden

We don’t hide vegetables in the backyard, we design them into the garden,” says Mariani client representative Shari Precht. The key? Structure. Well-defined beds might be bordered with boxwood and separated by pea gravel or crushed granite walkways. Alliums, thyme, and other “steppable” plants add interest and soften paths. Herbs and annuals in containers are often part of the picture, as are fences, bamboo tepees, and obelisks to provide support for vines and to add vertical interest. “In one garden we used rosemary in an X pattern and paired it with purple coral bells,” Precht says. “It’s clipped like a hedge.” Yum!

300 ROCKLAND RD., LAKE BLUFF, 847-234-2172, MARIANILANDSCAPE.COM

Photograph: Linda Oyama Bryan