Pay serious attention to drainage above all. Then anything that will grow into other things this means foliage, root system, or falling over. Finally views/shadows throughout the day/year/years. Another tidbit is to plant things that thrive in your area without constant tending and that have a practical use if possible. For materials go to a supplier that specializes not a garbage supplier like Lowe's or HD. Materials are far more durable that way.
Neat fact. If you purchase say a kitchen faucet from Lowes and the like and the same from an actual plumbing supply you receive different products on the inside.
