1. Emerald Green Arborvitae - great evergreen tree growing ten to twenty feet high. This upright is a great privacy shield. Grows well in zones three through seven. Great in the sun but will also take some shade.
2. Loropetalum - superb evergreen shrub with a varieties of different height and width. Great in zones five though eight. I am suggesting the Purple Majesty and Burgundy varieties as they will get a little more height to them. Once matured, these two species will be an eye catcher to the back drop area. To see some pictures of the Loropetalum family take a look at the Loropetalum page in the the gallery of plants section.
3. Crepe Myrtle - deciduous tree with beautiful blooms in the summertime throughout early fall. Many varieties to choose from. They are adaptable to many zones and will do very well in zones six through nine.
4. Planters - Two planters on put on either side in the center of the berm. Plant a dwarf evergreen shrub in each of them with some perennial flowers. Add some ivy for a complete look. Another suggestion is to do the planters with just all annuals or perennial flowers.
5. Trellis - a natural looking trellis will fit perfectly in the center. This can act as one focal point of the berm. My client requested New Dawn Climbing Rose and this would be a perfect spot of this plant.
6. Bench - A nice wooden or natural style bench placed underneath the trellis. The Bench provides a visual access to the entire backyard.
7. Globe Arborvitae - this evergreen shrub will start the actual berm area on either side. Great shrub for many areas and known in colder climates, the Globe will do well in warm geographic locations. The shape represents a globe.
8. Little Zebra - my clients requested a couple of types of ornamental grass. Great evergreen grass that will grow well in zones five through ten. My suggestion is to have the Little Zebra in between the Globes.
9. Creeping Rosemary - Wonderful evergreen herb that looks great in any garden setting . Tiny striking soft purple flowers appear throughout the summer and fall months. Great specimen for a berm or slope area.
10. Ruby Chinese Pizazz - dwarf evergreen Loropetalum. Ideal for banks and the purple and green tone leaves add so much to a landscape area. Notice how the flow of the purple tone is taken from the backdrop down into the berm area.
11. Mop Cypress one of the most popular small evergreen plants sold today. Does great in zones five through eight. I always enjoy making suggestions to put the Mop next to the Ruby Chinese Pizazz.
12. Series of Rocks - a series of three rocks on each side of the berm will give the berm the natural feel the clients are looking for.
13. Lemon Drop Jasmine - great evergreen shrub for draping over the rocks. Beautiful yellow or white flowers appear in late spring throughout the summer months. Will do well in a variety of zones.
14. Variegated Boxwood - this shrub is also a clients request. I decided to put two of Boxwoods near the center top of the berm. The couple wanted the dwarf version and this particular type, will do well in zones five through nine.
15. Steps or Stepping Stones I will give this couple two different suggestions for the center of the berm coming down to the level part of the backyard. Building natural stairs or putting in decorative stepping stones.
16. Festival Grass - This striking purple tone ornamental grass is more warm climate base for zones eight through eleven. It will survive in zone seven but I will suggest to the clients to keep in a pot and bring in throughout the colder months. I love the matching purple tones with the Loropetalums.
17. Ground Cover - an area of ground cover would fill in nicely and add some good color. Creeping Thyme is real hardy and adds a wonderful aroma to the sides.
18. Maple Trees - Since my clients are starting from scratch, they really wanted a couple of Maple trees to be planted on the sides. Their goal is to get shade in a few years and plan on buying two good size ball and burlaps to get some shade in the near future. Maples grow in many geographic locations and are best known for the glorious show of colors in the autumn months. I will be putting up a gallery page this week on different pictures of fall foliage.
19. False Cypress - this is also another request and a great spot to plant this variegated evergreen next to the Maple. I put two on each side of the backyard. False Cypress can grow anywhere from thirty feet up and also can be topped off and kept under control. Great in zones five through eight.
20. Japanese Maple - This deciduous tree was also requested and giving the suggestion in between the False Cypress trees. Great in zones five through eight, but it will depend on the variety. Can grow up to 25 feet tall. Great purple leaves compliments once again the Loropetalums.
21. Tea Olive (Osmanthus) - beautiful evergreen small tree growing to eight to ten feet tall. Fragrant tiny white flowers can appear on and off all year. Will grow well in zones seven through ten.
22. Dogwood - wonderful deciduous tree known for its mass of beauty in the springtime. White or pink flowers cover the entire tree. Dogwoods will do well in zones four through nine.
23. Fire Pit - Another request, and decided a idea would be a defined bed near the berm. An option is to add another bench in front of the fire pit as well as a few other figurines or ornaments.
24. Rose or Flower Bed - To balance out the other side near the berm, a full rose garden or a variety of flowers will add so much color to this backyard design.
25. Walkway - there are several options for the walkway or path area. To keep the natural setting, you can do it in all pine straw, mulch or tiny stones. Another option would be to put stones in the entrance way and up the main path. Change over to mulch or pine straw for a nice contrast.
26. Pond - The couple have some fish and want to incorporate a natural pond area. Installing a pond closer to the patios, will give them the ability to enjoy their fish and the sound of the water.
27. Patio - There is an existing patio and the couple wants to enlarge it with a printed pattern. An idea is to add a few different color tones to match the new patio with the shrubs.
28. Herb Garden - the final bed for this base phase is a small herb garden. This bed can be planted in a sunny location and close to the house for easy access.
29. Grass Area - The client didn't really want much grass, so I defined two areas where he will have no problem mowing.

This is just the base design for a berm and full backyard area. I will be working in stages with the clients in developing over the next year or so their total landscaping for this part of their property. Phase planting is very commonly used these days and if you haven't read plan, prep, and plant method this article may help you if you are doing your own prep and planting. I plan on updating you with the progress of this project as well as show you my suggestion for filling in the side areas with a variety of flowering shrubs and other native plants. I will also include some photos so you can see over the next year how things are developing for this one family. Many of these plants I have mentioned above are shown in photos in the gallery of plants section. I hope this has given you a few suggestions if you have a berm area that needs color and some life put into it.