Every plant in the landscape should have a job to do. When I need to make an addition to the garden, I first consider how the plant will function. I may need something to interrupt a view, create seasonal interest, provide habitat for wildlife or, perhaps, all of the above. Before I shop, I develop a brief job description. Then I look for the species with the best resumé.

The most qualified plant applicants are versatile. They possess the ability to function in more than one way. In short, they are capable of multi-tasking. These are the ones that work the hardest and contribute the most to the landscape's bottom line. If the plant I select (or hire) can solve a problem and furnish seasonal interest, then I have made a sound investment.

Many homeowners are looking for large woody plants to define the property line and create enclosure. Evergreens perform this task all year long while providing cover and nesting sites for small birds. Workhorse hollies-like Savannah, Yaupon and Nellie R. Stevens-produce attractive fruit, as well. Large conifers perform the same task, but their needles display a different, more finely textured, look. Additionally, conifers are more responsive in a breeze than are broadleaf evergreens. Japanese Cryptomeria, Arborvitae and Eastern Red Cedar are dependable conifers for sunny exposures. Canadian Hemlock is a good choice for shade provided the soil is well-drained. Planting a diversity of species along the property line makes a naturalistic hedgerow that, according to wildlife experts, is a magnet for critters.

I'm drawn to small trees that offer more than a few weeks of flowers. The best candidates cast a bit of shade, bloom, produce fruit and display autumn leaf color. Dogwood, Crabapple, 'Winter King' Hawthorn and Serviceberry are a few examples that thrive in southern landscapes.

Blossoms always command attention, but plants with fragrant flowers add another dimension to the garden. Southern landscapes are synonymous with fragrance, and some of our signature species are Gardenia, Carolina Jessamine, Magnolia and Sweetbox. Planted near entries and along walkways, they make arrival more memorable and provide a natural dose of aromatherapy.

I'm always on the lookout for plants that produce a crop I can harvest. Here, I'm not thinking of edible crops but ornamental ones. Berries are a bonus on any plant. I depend on Nandina, Holly, Mahonia, Beautyberry and Pyracantha. Broadleaf evergreens with variegated foliage also rank high. A few snippets of gold-flecked 'Goshiki' Osmanthus and 'O'Spring' Holly, with its creamy markings, add sparkle to the garden and to indoor arrangements, especially when combined with conifers. Hydrangea blossoms dry on the shrub, undergoing subtle color changes. They can be cut late in the season and used in dried bouquets.

Many deciduous shrubs bloom in their season, but the species that provide leaf color in autumn give added value in the landscape: Witchhazel, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Sweetshrub and Bottlebrush Buckeye. Herbaceous plants can have multiple purposes, too. Perennials bloom briefly, so those with attractive foliage are especially desirable.

Ornamental grasses beautify sunny borders all summer and, left standing after frost, furnish winter interest. Hostas in shade gardens provide good cut stems, as do several ornamental ferns. Autumn Fern, Japanese Painted Fern and Holly Fern are good fillers. Variegated Solomon's Seal, with its arching stems and cream-edged foliage, accents any summer bouquet. Some bloomers provide nectar for butterflies, especially Verbena and Lantana, while Agastache, or Hyssop, is irresistible to pollinating bees. Other perennials produce persistent seedheads that feed foraging birds in autumn. These include Black-eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Coreopsis, Goldenrod and Sunflower. Objectively assess each perennial's potential for long-term performance, and select those that offer more than just a pretty flower for a few weeks.

The most successful gardens employ species with more than one desirable attribute. By critically assessing each candidate's "skills," the gardener can avoid impulse purchases that might be regretted later. Search for versatile candidates and put them to work in your landscape.