Southern homes have a character all their own—from stately brick colonials to charming Acadian cottages. Your landscaping should enhance that character, not fight against it. Here are some of our favorite design ideas that work beautifully in Louisiana's climate.
Embrace Evergreen Structure
In the South, your landscape is visible year-round, so evergreen plants are essential. Boxwoods, hollies, and loropetalum provide structure and color even in January. Use them to frame entryways, line walkways, and create defined garden beds that look polished in every season.
Add Layers for Depth
Great Southern landscapes have layers: tall trees in the back, mid-size shrubs in the middle, and low groundcovers or perennials in the front. This creates visual depth and makes even a small yard feel lush and established. Consider crepe myrtles for height, azaleas for mid-layer color, and liriope or mondo grass for borders.
Use Native Plants
Native Louisiana plants are adapted to our soil, rainfall, and heat. They require less water, fewer chemicals, and less maintenance than exotic species. Some of our favorites include Louisiana iris, purple coneflower, coral honeysuckle, and beautyberry. They also attract pollinators and local wildlife, adding life to your landscape.
Create Defined Outdoor Spaces
Southern living is outdoor living. Think about how you can use your landscape to create functional outdoor rooms—a shaded seating area under a large oak, a fire pit surrounded by ornamental grasses, or a stone patio with container gardens. These features extend your living space and increase your property value.
Don't Overlook Mulch and Edging
Clean edges and fresh mulch can make even a simple landscape look professionally maintained. We recommend 2–3 inches of hardwood or pine bark mulch in all bed areas, refreshed annually. Crisp bed edges along sidewalks and driveways give your property instant curb appeal.
Work With a Professional Designer
A good landscape design considers your home's architecture, sun exposure, drainage patterns, and your lifestyle. Our team creates custom landscape plans for homes across West Monroe, Monroe, and Ruston. Whether you want a complete redesign or just need to refresh your existing beds, we're here to help.