What is it about big, bold foliage that appeals to gardeners? Like the Victorians who wanted to evoke the feeling of an exotic jungle landscape, I find I too am drawn to tropical looking plants with oversized leaves like the Umbrella plant, Bananas, Cannas, Elephant Ears, Castor Bean, and the Chinese Parasol Tree to name a few. If your garden doesn’t have space for one or more of these dramatic plants, you can create a tropical corner with plants in containers or add a single plant to your perennial border for summer flair. Combining plants with leaves of different sizes and shapes adds variety and helps create a sense of motion. (more…)
Archive for March, 2009
Big Leaved Plants Create Drama in the Garden
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009Designing with Conifers
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
If I had unlimited space I would plant a group of Cedrus deodara, Deodar cedar and let them grow as tall and wide as they pleased. (they can easily grow to 80’ or taller and at least 40’ across) While this graceful evergreen may be too large to consider for your garden there are many selections of conifers that are dwarf when compared to the species. In this case I am talking about cultivars that generally mature at 10 to 20’ or less. Many conifers are well suited for incorporating into your perennial garden, growing as specimens in pots or combining in a mixed border with other trees and shrubs. Truly four season plants, they provide texture, evergreen color and interesting forms. Some are dark green while others have blue or variegated foliage. And, many appear to be drought tolerant once they are established for a growing season. (more…)
Fall is for Planting
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009Fall is a favorite time of year for me. The prospect of cooler weather and the anticipation of the autumn display, both in the garden and along the roadsides, is something I always look forward to with excitement. With all the rain we’ve had this year, fall promises to be fruitful. There are many individual choice perennials, trees, shrubs and bulbs that put on a show in the autumn, but knowing which combinations will create colorful scenes takes some planning. Sometimes a single specimen like a Japanese maple can light up the whole garden. (more…)
Tough Roses for Tough Times
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
I grow roses but they have to be tough to make the cut in my garden. This means that I generally grow old garden roses, many of which are extremely fragrant. I leave those that require a regular spray program to look good and thrive, for the serious rose growers. I have incorporated the roses I grow into my perennial garden. (more…)
