Contrast Adds Interest

While repetition unifies a garden,

contrast makes it interesting

and draws attention to focal points.

Pink tulips pop

in the midst of a sea of pale blue.

Provide contrast by varying color...

...texture...

...form and scale.

As with anything, 

too much of a good thing is not necessarily better.

This riot of color and form is a bit chaotic,

every element vying for attention.

Balance is the key.

Swathes of calming blues and greens of 
Virginia Bluebells, Brunnera and ferns

allow vibrant scarlet tulips 
to take center stage.

Use contrast wisely to

create interest and 

focus attention

in the garden.

Glorious Grasses at Hershey Gardens

 Grasses and Chrysanthemums
brought the annual beds at
Hershey Gardens
into fine fall form 
when I visited in early October.

 Graceful Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') 

starts blooming in July,
but is right at home in the fall garden.

Hardy in zones 9 and 10,

it's grown as an annual here in Pennsylvania.
Like a chameleon, it seems to
adjust to any color scheme.

Purple Fountain Grass hues
blend beautifully with
Tropicanna Canna Lily, while its
feathery form provides great contrast. 

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket') is an

interesting variegated variety for a lighter look.

Beginning coppery red blooms of
Morning Light Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light') 
have a kind of a funky spiky flair.
They'll mature into silvery white plumes.
See how this grass is woven into the
rhythm of the gardens here.

Popcorn Plant (Cassia didymobotrya)

not only has an intriguing look,

but enticing aromas as well. 

Its foliage smells like popcorn
when rubbed or moved (truly!).

I love this juxtaposition of

Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis) against

complementary orange mums.

I featured it last year with

Chrysanthemum combinations here .

I was surprised to see Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) flowering. 

Cutting it back after the spring bloom

can encourage this second bloom.

 

Containers were full to overflowing -
early fall's abundance is bittersweet, with
winter waiting just around the corner. 

See more of Hershey Gardens early fall beauty here.

A Longwood Christmas - Part 2

Here's another peek at the conservatory displays at
A Longwood Christmas.
 

See more Longwood Christmas views here.

Winter Feast for the Eyes - A Longwood Christmas

An easy escape from the winter doldrums for those living in southeastern Pennsylvania is 

Longwood Gardens Christmas Display 

(through January 9, 2011).  

Glorious displays of color, light and water fill a 4.5 acre complex of conservatory buildings.  A stroll through the grounds offers Christmas lights and fountain displays accompanied by music and lights.

Sit back and enjoy a few glimpses of A Longwood Christmas.

Even an orchid wreath!

For more photos from A Longwood Christmas click here.