Thicken the air with fragrance, and the same old yard seems suddenly romantic. Fragrance is a powerful tool in garden design. Load up on scent or use fragrance-laden plants in high-profile areas: along a path, near a bench or patio, or by the front and back doors. Consider Daphne, Datura, Nicotiana, herbs, jasmine, gardenia, roses, wisteria, tulips, and hyacinths.

Tiny puddles: Here's to April showers. Water can be one of the cheapest, yet most dynamic, elements in a landscape. While saving up for a fountain, pond, or pool, try a low or no-cost alternative. Stones with naturally hollowed out areas can become instant water gardens, or buy a processed stone. Saucers of water can be an interesting foil amid container plants. Or, invest in a work-of-art birdbath that can be positioned near where you sit.