Anything that blooms is going to attract insects, so use blooming plants sparingly for spots of color. Rely on variegated plants for texture and visual interest. Use native plants they are hardy, pest-resistant and easy to grow. Use your plants to help create privacy. Hollies and shore junipers are two more good choices, as are evergreen vines such as honeysuckle, which attracts hummingbirds, and ivy and creeping fig.
Camellias work well in the South and in California.
Line an attractive fence with large lilies such as canna lilies or ginger lilies. Besides offering a tropical look, these are tough, low-maintenance plants that not only come back each year, they also multiply. Create a formal poolscape with sculptural plants such as rosemary or juniper topiaries or small trees such as a dwarf Alberta spruce. Plant a garden with white or pale flowers for a nice effect at night. Anything white or pale blue, pink or yellow will show up well at night, Ms. Greer says.