Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Rebecca Sweet
Todays photos are from Rebecca Sweet, who wanted to share some photos from her mother’s garden in Meadow Vista, California. I’m so glad she did! Rebecca says, “My mother, Linda Anderson, who gardens in Zone 8a, is a master at combining foliage in a way that’s exciting yet not overwhelming. In the first vignette (first photo), she’s placed the frilly and deeply lobed leaves of a burgundy heuchera near the needle-like leaves of ‘Angelina’ sedum. Those two are then placed near the variegated, lance-shaped leaves of apulmonaria with a punch of strappy ‘Silvery Sunproof’ liriope poking through. And hovering overhead, like a protective mother, are the finely cut leaves of ‘Dissectum’ Japanese maple. In addition to my mother’s artful combinations of contrasting foliage, she’s also aware that too much contrast can cause someone to reach for the Excederin. To prevent a headache, she adds an element of harmony by emphasizing color echoes throughout the bed, using the maroon foliage as well as the flowers from both rhododendrons.
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Rebecca Sweet
The old adage ‘If a little’s good, then a lot’s better’ isn’t always true in the garden, especially when combining plants with variegated foliage. Too many variegated plants placed too close together can be frenetic and jarring to look at. To balance a combination that might be close to going down the wrong road, mix in a plant or two with a strong and solid color, such as the blue/green hosta in the second vignette (second photo). The result? Captivating but not overpowering.”
Gorgeous, Rebecca! Your mom’s one talented gardener. Thanks for sharing a piece her garden with us! Feel free to send us more….
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Comments
Beautiful combinations! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!
She's a master!
All I can say is WOW!
Love the color combinations!
Terrific contrast of colors and textures well balanced and complimentry... great job!
Very beautiful
Not only is Rebecca's mother a talented gardener but Rebecca herself is a gifted writer. Her commentary added a lot to my enjoyment of the pictures.
Now I know where you get your love of gardening, Rebecca. These vignette's are so thoughtfully put together, they take me to a quiet and peaceful place. Tell your Mom, 'Thank you!'
Thank you all so much for the kind words!! My mother has been suffering with knee problems this week and this will definitely lift her mood! So glad you all liked the photos as much as I did!
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