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.

Repeat for Unity

Repeated pinks and purples

pull this grouping together.

Repetition is an 

easy way to create

unity in the garden.

Repeat colors...

form...

and texture.

Too much repetition is monotonous, 
so contrast is also important. 

Artwork and an architectural canopy
 add interest to this grouping of grasses and daylilies. 

Repeating chartruse color and
small foliage texture
provide unity
while 
large scale elephant ear
and bright orange impatiens
add contrast for interest.


Bring cohesion to your 

garden with 

repetition...
and interest with   
contrast.

Layer for a Lush Look

 

Layering gives a garden a 

full, finished look. 

 

Planting taller plants to the rear with

lower plants in front

adds a sense of depth.

 

Rather than plants plopped in place,

they become part of a cohesive whole.

 

Hide gangly legs...

 

to direct focus

and emphasize

the beauty of a plant.

 Add lower plants...

 

to create contrast and complete the scene.

 

 

Flowers (Black-eyed Susan and Begonia)

lend summer interest and

hide the bare legs of Inkberry (Ilex glabra),

which in turn provides structure and winter presence.

 

 

 

Read about more landscape design strategies here.

Happy Gardening!

Chris

www.gardensenses.blogspot.com