Winning Combinations Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-720 -- More Projects »
If your landscaping skills need some fine-tuning, then check out these simple techniques for designing your own fabulous flower beds.Two years ago master gardener Paul James transformed a messy area of overgrown trees, weeds and vines (figure A) into a new and improved garden space (figure B). Although the design is still filling in, James is pleased with the results. Besides incorporating his favorite plants, he'd included a few garden design elements to help create the most effective and pleasing space:
Texture. The size of a plant's leaf determines texture: small leaves lend a fine texture to the garden; and large leaves, a coarse texture. James contrasts the coarse foliage of the evergreens with the wispy foliage of the ornamental grasses (figure C).
Form and height. "Another design element that I think makes this bed work," says James, "is the variety of plant forms that are used in combination." Here, the round form of a globe arborvitae (figure D) contrasts with the upright form of this blue Atlas cedar (figure E) and the dramatically weeping form of this tree (figure F).
In addition to varying the forms, James also combined plants of different heights together. For example, dwarf plants that will never grow to more than a foot or so tall contrast with varieties that will grow up to 30 feet tall. In another area, the floor beneath some pine trees used to be barren and dull until James filled in the space with a variety of shrubs including viburnum, fothergilla, hydrangea, and ferns (figure G).
Repetition. Repeating a color, shape or form throughout the garden creates a sense of unity. James planted several of these gloriosa daisies known as Indian summer throughout the flowerbed (figure H) every five feet (figure I) to create repetition, as well as spot color.
Seasonality. Consider the seasonal changes when planning the design, too. For example, James planted the same space with spring flowering bulbs so that as the bulbs fade in the spring, the summer blooming daisies continue to create color. During the fall, three caryopteris shrubs showcase beautiful blue flowers, and throughout the dead of winter when nothing is in bloom, the evergreen foliage helps keep the bed looking vibrant (figure J).How to begin
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Don't forget to add an element of whimsy to the garden by incorporating the unexpected like this stacked birdhouse.
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This water feature design utilizes a potted palm and Boston ivy to soften the edges of the rocky pond. James also integrated an unusual birdhouse, piece of driftwood, and an antique olive jar off to the side to accent the plants.
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If you're not sure what kind of look you'd like, do a little research. "Depending on the style of gardening you prefer, scan books and magazines, drive around your neighborhood, check your local gardening nursery, visit public gardens, or walk through the woods," says James.After judging a garden competition, James was amazed at how different his opinions were from the other judges. "In fact the garden I selected as the grand prize winner wasn't even on their list of recipients," he says. So exactly what constitutes an aesthetically pleasing garden? Since everyone has their own idea of what they do and don't like, gardening can be very subjective. "That's why I'm always encouraging gardeners to follow their own design instincts," says James, "to experiment with different colors, textures, and forms. And to use the plants they like most until they wind up with something that causes them to sit back and say, 'Yeah I like that, even if you don't.'"
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