Southern homes are known for their gracious gardens, which extend the living space and amplify the beauty, color and texture of the house. Here, matte black gates lead into a welcoming Charleston courtyard, where varieties of sedums, thyme and dwarf Mondo soften the bluestone pavers.

The south’s weather allows for a myriad of different materials and plants. In the low country, crushed oyster shells are a favorite for landscaping beds, and we adore how the potted Meyer lemon trees create a grand entrance to this three-story home.

Symmetry and clean lines play a significant role in creating this formal Charleston garden. Centered around the original cast iron fountain of the home, the carefully planned flower beds expand across the yard in bursts of greenery and color and are anchored by a Japanese Maple and Canary Date Palm. A herringbone brick walkway leads friends and family to the back courtyard.

Gardens are the most versatile of spaces, symmetrical and formal or wild and free, they are lavish with nature’s beauty. An artist’s garden in Fayetteville, Ga., is an eclectic escape full of sculptures, hand-built furniture and birdhouses. Swathes of black-eyed Susans, sweet daisies and colorful carnations spill over the fence and arbor — not to be constrained by arbitrary boundaries.

Native plants not only establish a garden that’s easier to grow and flourish, but they also create a “We belong right here” aesthetic. This Charleston garden is full of South-friendly plants, such as crape myrtles, sweet bay magnolia, azaleas, boxwoods and camellias. Brick walkways, columns and walls add definition and a sense of purpose to the outdoor space.

Formal gardens surround this vast estate, but we can’t help but stop our scroll when we get to this one. A checkerboard patio made of stone pavers and grassy squares sets the scene underfoot for a colorful bounty of flowers. A grand brick staircase leads down to the stop-you-in-your-tracks patio.

Found objects find a new life in this Georgia garden, which was designed to maximize the homeowner’s love of hydrangeas. Vintage, rusty tools are fashioned together to create an entry arbor and one-of-a-kind sculpture. The entire outdoor space is decidedly curated and eclectic.

When designer Ryan Gainey set out to create this Georgia garden, his plan included have flowers bloom all 12 months out of the year. Springtime brings an antique rose, called ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk,’ and geraniums. Clipped hedgerows border the pathways and bring structure to the overflowing flower beds.

Overlooking the Tennessee River, this impressive garden hosts over 120 varieties of roses and an assembly of hydrangeas. The eye-catching gazebo has its own rich history directly from The Volunteer State. The columns were salvaged from a Nashville bank that was being torn down. Two climbing roses, ‘White Success’ and ‘Lemon Meringue,’ wrap around them to add beautiful color and greenery.

Near Atlanta, Ga., this escape from the big city boasts three acres of lush gardens and gorgeous outdoor art. Pergolas greet guests at the front garden and kitchen garden with beautiful perennial plantings, including snapdragons and verbena.

For those perfectly weathered evenings, this outdoor dining spot is ready for family gatherings or big events. Hedges and trees surround the old Carolina brick patio to provide a peaceful, intimate environment.

When these homeowners are ready to hide away from the bustling city of Charleston, they return to this elegant abode, where gardens reign supreme. Ivy-covered brick walls, bursting-at-the-seams window boxes and flower beds trimmed with petite hedges bring life and color to the home’s exterior.

Not just for flower beds. Get creative with how you work your plants into your garden. Lifestyle expert Danielle Rollins grows jasmine on an espalier form from floating terracotta pots — creating stunning wall art in the outdoor space.

Bestselling author of The Help, Kathryn Stockett has a love affair with her cottage garden and her Buff Sussex chickens. The chicken coop is a stylish addition to her backyard, as well as providing all the necessities for her flock.