Landscaping Structure and Form
The new aesthetic in garden design
features graceful silhouettes,
Strong shapes and sculptural lines.
Each decade brings a new trend in gardening. The 80’s were
characterized by exuberant color with mass plantings of annuals and the
introduction of many new exotic plants into the market. The 90’s developed as
the decade of perennials. Ornamental
grasses, Hostas and native species became fashionable flora. Color was still an
important aspect of garden design, but the focus shifted from flower to foliage
color. Plants with chartreuse, dark purple or variegated leaves became the
rage.
The current trend in
garden design is plant composition and form. This new aesthetic advocates
plants with strong structure or graceful silhouettes. Plants are prized for
there architectural shapes much like sculpture. Planting is less dense so that
each individual plant or grouping of the same variety is surrounded by blank
space that defines its outline.
This simplified
design style reflect the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement: clean
lines, beauty in structure and materials that echo the native environment.
Creating a setting that shows off the natural form of every plant and
harmonizes with the surroundings.
Strong Forms
If you were able to take a black and white photograph of a
typical perennial border, it
would be hard to distinguish the different plants included. Large drifts of
each variety, planted closely together, are characteristics of the design.
Without flower and leaf color as a clue, the lines between various spaces are
blurred. But plants that are recognizable by there shape and structure more
than their foliage and flower color stand out even ion grey tones.
Plants With
Structural Shapes
Clumping Bamboo grows
in several different heights and is not invasive like its running cousin.
Erect, segmented stems become bare at the bottom over time, creating an
interesting look. A row of clumping bamboo makes an effective screen or hedge,
and a single plant becomes a graceful accent.
Agaves and Yucca
are gaining popularity for their drought tolerance and low maintenance as well
as their graceful arching and sword shaped leaves. Many varieties display showy
flowers on tall spikes. Due to their large growth and strong shapes, they are
usually planted as solitary specimens.
Ornamental grasses
continue their reign as garden favorites in this current design trend. The
stiff, upright growth of Feather reed grass, the fine drape and sway of Mexican
feather grass or the elegant curve of Maidengrass all exemplify architectural
qualities.
Tall Spikes
covered in pale flowers rise above shiny dark green, deeply lobed clumps of
leaves on bear’s breeches. The combination provides a striking accent in a
partially shaded area.
The big, bold foliage
of tropicals like bananas, palms and elephant ears will become more available
to gardeners in less temperate climates to use as seasonal structure in the
landscape.
Texture
Peeling or rough bark or exceptionally smooth trunks on
deciduous trees and shrubs fit into the modern gardening style. Heavily
crinkled or wavy leaves also display a high textural quality. Hosta breeding
already embraces this trend toward rough leaf surfaces.
Size
Size does matter in the modern garden. A single, large plant
becomes the focal point of an expansive landscape. However, the downsizing of
modern yards has not been ignored. Many new dwarf shrubs and trees are now
available as growers develop these structural elements in smaller sizes.
Bed size is shrinking as well. Smaller yards and individual
plantings call for diminutive gardens. Look for longer, thinner planting beds
with a limited number of individual plants and more visible mulch.
Low Maintenance
The perennial
craze of the last decade was partially fueled by the mistaken notion that
planting perennials would cut down on
garden work. But perennial gardeners soon realized that not replanting every
year did not equate to fewer chores in the garden. Perennials need regular
maintenance to stay looking good: deadheading, dividing and pruning.
Many of the current
popular foliage plants require little maintenance when planted in the right
location. Succulents need excellent drainage, so good soil preparation is very
important. Natives of the tropics like lots of sun and many need protection
from strong winds and frost. (By the way, has this been the windiest year ever
or what?) Site them correctly and they will reward you with stunning good looks
and little care.
Question:
Jimmie, I planted several Earthkind roses last year thinking they would do
really well, but someJulie L. in Prosper
Answer: Hi Julie, Absolutely. Your roses are simply reacting to the winters cold (and
drought). My guess would be that this yellowing happened primarily because of
the early December extreme cold. Most of our plants were caught off guard by
such low temperatures at that point in the winter. You should have new leaves
and buds soon!
Question: Jimmie,
One of my vehicles leaked much of its oil on a patch of soil all along our
driveway. How can I get it out of the soil? Thanks for your advice. Marilyn
L. in Prosper
Answer: Hi Marilyn, First off you might want to speak with a mechanic! As far as the oil in
the soil goes, that can be a slow process. If you can remove and replace the
soil, that is your best option. It probably has not soaked in more than 4 or 5
inches. Soil is actually a very good absorbent. Use the contaminated soil to
fill a deep hole where the oil won’t damage desirable plants or else spread it
very thinly over a large area.
Question:
Jimmie, I have this little weed in my St.
Augustine . Is it Dollar weed? How do I get rid of it?
Thanks for your time, Todd P. in Prosper
Answer: Hi Todd, Your culprit is called Dichondra. Use a broadleaf weed killer containing
the product (2, 4-D) spray the infected areas directly on to the Dichondra
foliage. Spray on a still day when temperatures will be at least in the 70’s
and no rain is expected for at least 48 hours. It will take 10 to 14 days to
kill the weed out. Until next time…Happy Gardening!!
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