Unlike conventional revolving displays of bold annuals, the major landscaping on Fountain Square will be more like a garden. A mix of shrubs, perennials, ferns, grasses, and bulbs will evolve through the seasons so that, like a garden, it can become familiar to visitors over time. Through thoughtful plantings, visitors can come to appreciate the natural change of seasons as they see the same plants at different stages through the year.

The new Fountain Square will be framed by groves of trees selected specifically to match the new Square's color palette and Cincinnati's seasons. A stand of tall, leafy trees on the north side will provide a canopy for the seating below as well as an architectural backdrop for the Tyler Davidson Fountain. Other trees have been planted along Fifth Street and Vine Street and in groves to the east and west of the main plaza.