Opal gardens
Sculpture does not have to be limited to engineered pieces of stone, metal or ceramic. Notice how this spectacular maple takes on the role of sculpture when appropriately illuminated. Many artists are drawn to sculptural trees, such as Japanese maples and conifers, and employ the art of pruning. For the artist there may not be a right or wrong way to prune. The same type of tree may be pruned differently to fit a certain site, to star in a certain vignette.
The artist’s eye is drawn to shapes. The successful artist knows how to celebrate shapes by employing the technique of juxtaposition. Notice how the disparate shapes of the boulders, the birch trees and the retaining wall in this garden are shown to best advantage by the use of similar colors and textures. Much of the dramatic impact would be lost if the birches were replaced with magnolias or oaks.
A garden belonging to the artist will be in a constant state of flux, as the artist is rarely satisfied with the end product. This garden will most likely provide spaces for small vignettes that will illustrate balance, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, with particular attention paid to textures, shapes and colors. This garden will delight the senses, with particular emphasis on the tactile. Sculpture will find prominence in the garden of an artist. The story of the artist will be found in the palette of the garden.
Japanese Forest Grass (Halonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) A favorite of gardeners since its introduction, herbaceous Japanese forest grass never fails to please. Green and yellow variegated blades emerge in tufts in early spring, quickly growing into a mounding waterfall of delicate foliage that is perfect for border edges or cascading over boulders. Although it’s recommended as a grass for the shade garden, I have been equally successful with it in sunnier locations, providing it is well watered.
Lilafee Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’) This perennial is a workhorse in the shade garden, coping with less-than-favorable conditions yet slowly producing clumps of attractive foliage and spring blooms. Lavender flowers are held high on wiry stems above the new green leaves, which are edged in red in spring. Unlike many bishop’s hats, this variety is herbaceous, turning red in fall before dying down in the winter.
Blue Surprise Lawson's False Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Blue Surprise') This dense, columnar, blue-toned conifer needs extremely well-drained soil to thrive, but it will reward the gardener with an outstanding display of foliage, which takes on a burgundy cast in winter. Where it will grow: Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 6 to 9) Water requirement: Average to low; do not overwater Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide Seasonal interest: Year-round When to plant: Spring or fall
Plum Royale Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Plum Royale') Glossy purple evergreen leaves tie in beautifully to the theme. Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 4 to 9) Water requirement: Average Light requirement: Partial shade Mature size: 1 foot tall and wide Benefit: Evergreen Seasonal interest: Year-round When to plant: Spring or fall
Orange Xenox Stonecrop (Sedum 'Orange Xenox') A showy stonecrop with upright deep burgundy foliage and orange-red flowers. Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 4 to 10) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 1½ feet tall and wide Tolerance: Drought tolerant Seasonal interest: Spring through fall When to plant: Spring
Rose Glow Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow') Arching, thorned stems of marbled foliage in shades of purple, pink and white make this a colorful deciduous shrub for the border. Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 4 to 8) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun or partial shade Mature size: 4 feet tall and wide Benefits and tolerances: Drought tolerant, deer resistant Seasonal interest: Spring to fall When to plant: Spring or fall
Red Majestic Corkscrew Hazelnut (Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic') A burgundy-leaved cultivar of the well-known Harry Lauder's walking stick, this also has remarkable purple catkins. The branches, foliage and catkins are all twisted, making this a fascinating sculptural specimen for the garden or a large container. Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 4 to 8) Water requirement: Low to average Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 7 feet tall and wide Benefit: Good for floral arrangements Seasonal interest: Year-round When to plant: Spring or fall
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