Black plastic mulch, first introduced in the 1950s, is a useful addition to your garden. This tool helps increase plant production, reduces the time to harvest for many plants and acts as a useful form of weed control. This material is applied to garden rows in the form of sheets. Then, seeds or seedlings are planted in holes in the sheets, allowing only enough space for desirable plants to grow. Used correctly, black plastic sheets can help you have a healthy, low-maintenance garden.

Native to the eastern Mediterranean basin and western Asia, the edible fig (Ficus carica) grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree that matures 10 to 30 feet tall and wide. Thousands of years ago, man began cultivating figs and selected types for ease of culture or more tasty fruits. Today there are around 700 different cultivars of figs. Improper soil, climate or maintenance of a fig plant can diminish or prevent production or maturation of fruits.

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) grows as a large landscape bush or hedge. Their leaves turn flaming red in late summer and fall. The bushes don't require yearly pruning unless you prefer to manage the plant's size or shape. Though pruning isn't necessary, regular trimming prevents the burning bush from becoming too large for its planting site.

Vines perform a multitude of functions in the landscape. The twining characteristics of vines serve to provide vertical greenery along fences, arbors and railings. Confederate jasmine, also called star jasmine, is an evergreen vine that grows best when planted in contained areas. The best time to plant this vine varies depending on certain factors.

Weeping cherry trees are beautiful trees that provide lush green vegetation in the summer, pretty flowers in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall. Having one of these trees in your landscaping gives the space a focal point, but you must be vigilant about protecting them from diseases and hungry insects.