Creating Contrast in the Garden

My husband had a chuckle over my last blog, specifically regarding the need to determine an open spot in the yard. "Isn't that obvious?" he asked. Believe me, it's not. People buy plants just because they're gorgeous and for no other reason at all. And so we have the definition of impulsive shopping.... "gotta have it." As a designer, how many times have I visited homes with plants that never made into the ground? Lots. There's just no room or the homeowner doesn't quite know how to make the plant fit aesthetically.

My hope would be that you have already identified an open spot, which you have studied before you go shopping, and now you're searching for the right plant, which leads me to the subject of this journal entry... Creating Contrast in the Garden.

Why are landscapes boring? There's simply not enough contrast between groups of plants. However, having said that... too much contrast and the landscape can become chaotic to the eye. Different settings and whether the gardens will be viewed close up or from far away will dictate the need for more or less contrast.

For example, if the edge of a forest is frequently viewed at a distance by your guests on a patio, then less contrast is required to create a smooth transition between the natural forest and more manicured yard (photo, above). The plants in this setting need to blend well. They should have more traits in common with one another, such as leaf size and leaf color. The differences should be less obvious.

On the other hand, in a small mailbox garden (photo, below) or a container on the patio (photo, right), more contrast can be used without creating a feeling of chaos. These spaces are viewed close up. Greater differences in leaf color, size, and texture are acceptable and even pleasing to the eye. Our brains can process these extremes in small doses at close range.

Next time we'll look at more examples of contrast in the garden. Until then... study the level of contrast you've created in your own yards. Is it too much or not enough?