Flower Garden Design - Bedding Plants That Have A Fine Leaf Texture

When designing a flower garden, color maybe the single most important consideration, but need not be the only one. Bedding or herbaceous plants have form, size, and shape. Their leaves also possess a definite, visual texture. An excellent way of achieving a satisfying and harmonious composition in the flowerbed is to group together plants whose leaves are finely cut, serrated, or toothed. By so doing, the variety that is attained by contrasting colors is balanced by the unity achieved by the common leaf texture.

Examples of such bedding plants to name a few, would include, Achillea, (Yarrow) Brachycome, Bidens, Felicia, and Chrysanthemum frutescens. While all the above belong to the same botanical family, (Asteraceae) plants belonging to other families can also be found to possess similar leaf shapes. Verbena and Linum, (Flax) are cases that spring to mind.

Such plants, combine beautifully with many herb species such as Thyme, Artemisia and Rosemary, as well as with flowering plants whose leaves are not finely-cut, but nonetheless, narrow and delicate. Examples are some carnations, (Dianthus) Armeria, and small, grass, or grass-like plants like Festuca and Liriope. If you think in terms of shapes and textures, you'll get far better results than by focusing on color alone.

Thought should also be given as to how the flowering plants in the bed associate with the other plant-types in the garden, such as the ground covers, shrubs, and trees. An incredible sense of unity arises when these "speak the same language" both with each other and with the plants in the flowerbed.

For instance, ground covers can form a transition area between the lawn, and the herbaceous border. When choosing a ground cover, why not use a fine-textured species like Myoporum parvifolium. Similarly, shrubs with feathery leaves like some species of Melaleuca, Calliandra or coniferous shrubs like Juniper, accentuate and strengthen the design motif. A group of ornamental grasses, especially when they sport tall blooms, would be another example of a subtle association between the flowerbed and a different section of the garden.

The connection does not have to stop there. A criterion for choosing the trees in the garden, albeit not the only one, can definitely be their leaf texture. Trees that have very large, course leaves, are liable to seem incongruous with the fine textures of the rest of the garden plants. While on the other hand, feathery-leaved trees like Albizzia julibrissen, or Gleditsia triacanthos, would associate and combine appropriately with them.

Fragrant Plants - Four Outstanding Choices For Your Garden

By Susan Schlenger

Fragrant plants can be wonderful in the garden...what is a garden with out at least one?

What could be nicer than sitting on your patio, meandering along your front walk or walking through your rear yard and all of a sudden getting a whiff of a beautiful fragrance?

When adding fragrant plants, be sure to place them in areas where they can be appreciated.

Here are four fragrant plants that I would highly recommend:

Lilacs

Lilacs will bloom in April or May depending on what area of the country you live. They come in many different colors, but generally whites, pinks and purples.

Most are rather tall, but some, like 'Miss Kim' are of a shorter stature. Here is a tip on keeping them blooming. Cut out one third of the stems every year.

Lilacs in the landscape can be used wherever some height is desired. For example, perhaps you have a bed of low plants and you just need one that is taller. Sometimes even three Lilacs together can be very showy. Their fragrance is outstanding. Lilacs can even be used as a hedge for property screening, although they will lose their leaves in the winter. A row of Lilacs in bloom is breathtaking.

Roses

There are so many types of Roses, yet not all of them are fragrant. Most of the newer shrub varieties have no fragrance, yet they themselves do have wonderful qualities. Many of them are disease and insect resistant. I think everyone will agree that this is a great asset! What is interesting about Roses is that there are different fragrances.

You can use low Roses in your garden, such as those that are two to three feet tall. There are many taller types. In addition Roses that are vines can be used in interesting ways. Think of the positioning of them so that you can enjoy them and the wonderful fragrances the most. Consider using them on a pergola or trellis near or at your patio.

Lavender

Lavender is a perennial which has been used through the years for such things as sachets. It has a lovely fragrance and the plant itself is charming. One of my favorite varieties is Lavender 'Hidcote". Lavender happens to look very nice in front of Roses. In this design you would get to enjoy the fragrance of both!

Koreanspice Viburnum (Carlesii Viburnum)

This is a shrub that produces very fragrant flowers. It is available as a large shrub, but there is a compact version also. It blooms in early Spring. The plant itself is lovely, as is the fragrance of the flowers.

There are other fragrant plants available. However, any of the above will be sure to provide outstanding results.

Plant Stands For the Home and Garden

What better way to show off your green thumb, or even a few faux flowers and plants if your thumbs aren't quite the greenest, than decorative plant stands for both the indoors and out? And, if you live in an area with a quickly changing climate or one with harsh temperatures during the winter months, plant stands allow you to easily move the delicate greenery indoors when needed, or move to in front of the window for a bit of sunshine.

Be prepared to have plenty to choose from as plant stands can range from the small and unassuming to larger, more attention-grabbing pieces with multiple levels and intricate designs. Consider your personal taste, the specific space you plan on using the stands in, as well as the types of plants or flowers you plan on using with them before browsing through the numerous styles you'll find available.

Some of the many materials used to create plant stands include wicker, glass, wrought iron, wood, stone, marble and plastics, ensuring that there's both a color and a texture suitable for just about anyone's tastes or existing décor. Just a few of the shapes and sizes of plant stands you'll see are round, square, oval, triangular, octagonal, and rectangular.

Buying Plant Stands for the Outdoors

Besides simply providing a nice place to display plants and flowers, stands keep the plants up off of the ground, away from hungry rabbits and their friends, and they also allow for much better air circulation. If you have a smaller deck or balcony, let plant stands allow you to enjoy some of nature's most beautiful creations even if you don't have room for a full garden.

For using in the out of doors, be sure the plant stands you choose will be able to withstand the change in temperature as well as regular exposure to the elements, always following the manufacturer or seller's guidelines for the best results.

When trying to find the right plant stands for your home, deck, porch, or patio, first consider the amount of floor space you have available, and then think of the type of plants you'd like to grow or have on display. Too many stands scattered about may cause your space to look cluttered, but if you do use more than one in the same area, make sure they're either identical, or are of varying heights to add interest. Also be certain that you're using a plant stand that's large enough to accommodate the container you're using without danger of tipping over or becoming unsteady.

Consider plant stands to be yet another piece of furniture to enjoy and add beauty to your home's décor. Regardless of your style, there's a plant stand for you and both your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Also, remember that you really aren't limited to using plant stands for plant life, despite their name, as many are simply gorgeous pieces of finely crafted furniture that can be used to display treasured heirlooms, or anything else you want to be noticed and appreciated.