Looking back through history, gardens have always been emphasized. From the Garden of Eden to modern times, writers have placed the principal characters of their stories and sometimes the most exciting events in gardens. Romantic interludes in garden arbors or in shady nooks are a common occurrence.

One does not, however, have to be a writer to envision a restful, romantic and beautiful garden. In todays over-developed suburban landscapes, the land is scalped, trees are removed, and the natural vegetation is destroyed, to be replaced by manicured lawns, demanding unlimited water and polluting chemicals.

Professional landscapers frequently continue this trend, replacing native trees with exotics. Fortunately, there are native plant societies which can give good advice about plants for each planting zone, and law makers are beginning to realize that the destruction of the native vegetation allows unwanted plants to take over. In Florida this has happened with the incredible incidence of Brazilian Pepper trees.

A shady tree, a garden bench, a beautiful birdbath and a tinkling wind chime make for a pleasant place to spend an afternoon, and with the addition of a solar lantern, a setting for a romantic evening interlude. Statuettes and a waterfall also add to the ambience. For a relatively small investment and some good planning, a suburban tract can become an artistic haven for both humans and small wildlife. Decorate your garden and add to the enjoyment of nature.