Elissa Steves of Blacksburg, Virginia, has an unusual and very beautiful garden. Typically, gardeners either focus on collecting the most rare and exotic of plants, OR they focus on arranging plants into beautiful designs and patterns, but rarely do the two go together. Elissa is one of the exceptions, growing all sorts of exotic, unusual plants, creating great designs with those plants, and highlighting them all with an eclectic collection of garden art to create an artful space.
By the driveway, a set of containers show off in the same colors—the pots and the plants in them are all shades of brown, orange, and terra cotta. For contrast, the pots are surrounded by yellow and green plants. The result is a sophisticated and eye-catching color scheme. View our suggestions for container TLC.
Elissa is not afraid to take risks in the garden. Here a rich tapestry of green and yellow foliage is set off by a very unusual piece of garden sculpture—a tree that died and has been painted a bright blue.
A dramatic container full of succulents stands against a backdrop of ‘Carolina Sweetheart’ redbud (Cerciscanadensis ‘Carolina Sweetheart’, Zones 6–9).
A river of Alliumchristophii (stars of Persia, Zones 5–8) running through the garden.
Different parts of the garden have strong color schemes. Here, red comes from the arbor and painted furniture, accented by bright gold foliage from a yellow-leaf jasmine (Jasminumofficinale ‘Fiona Sunrise’, Zones 7–9). Learn how to create beautiful garden passageways.
A view down one of the garden paths, inviting the visitor to explore what beauties hide behind the next bend.
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National Wildlife Federation®: Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition (Creative Homeowner) 17 Projects & Step-by-Step Instructions to Give Back to Nature
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From the National Wildlife Federation, the largest U.S. nonprofit conservation organization, with 6 million members and 51 state and territorial affiliated organizations. 17 step-by-step projects that everyone can do together make getting your family back to nature easy, educational, and fun. Over 200 color photos of backyard wildlife habitats and the wide variety of creatures they attract, plus step-by-step photos and illustrations for family projects. Learn wildlife-friendly practices for gardening, landscape design, supplemental feeders, birdbaths, nesting places, and more. Learn how to attract backyard pollinators, from bees and butterflies to beetles, bats, and hummingbirds
Get your garden certified by the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife(TM) program by following the included certification application checklist.
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Wow, what an eye-popping start to the day! I love the idea of painting a dead tree a bright color and incorporating it into the landscaping! Is the yellow trunked tree behind the blue vases also painted? If not, what type of tree is it? I, too, hope we might see more views of your artistry in the future. Very exciting post!
Good afternoon. Yours is such a peaceful & soothing garden Tranquility would be a suitable name for it if you were so inclined. I believe the woven path leading to the bench is unique & compliments your garden perfectly. Good luck , Joe
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Comments
A very enjoyable post! I'd LOVE to see more!
Elissa, What an interesting an beautiful set of gardens. I love the bold use of color, texture, and architecture. I would also like to see more!
Beautiful!!
Lovely, what a labor of love. I particularly like the red archway area and the path down the garden!
Man o man—- I need to open this up on the Mac ! Outstanding ! I want to see the house too ! Spectacular
Wow, what an eye-popping start to the day! I love the idea of painting a dead tree a bright color and incorporating it into the landscaping! Is the yellow trunked tree behind the blue vases also painted? If not, what type of tree is it? I, too, hope we might see more views of your artistry in the future. Very exciting post!
Good afternoon. Yours is such a peaceful & soothing garden Tranquility would be a suitable name for it if you were so inclined. I believe the woven path leading to the bench is unique & compliments your garden perfectly. Good luck , Joe
What a lovely garden and I love the idea of painting the "dead" tree, turning it into a garden sculpture. So creative! Would love to see more.
Really wonderful. I have a hard time keeping all of my container plants watered. Do you have a secret! And I love the allium "river".
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