I recently spent a blissful hour at Portland’s Cargo Emporium, browsing through coffee table books. Nestled within the pages of Jackie Bennett’s “The Artist’s Garden: The Secret Spaces That Inspired Great Art,” I found myself transported to the sun-drenched garden of Spanish impressionist Joaquín Sorolla.
Sorolla’s Garden: A Living Canvas of Light and Color
Sorolla’s garden is a personal take on Moorish formality with plenty of painterly, lush, vibrant blooms, designed by the artist himself: a painter’s paradise, meticulously designed to be both a sanctuary and a source of inspiration. Picture a palette of whites, pinks, and violets, brought to life by:
Jasmine, its perfume wafting on warm breezes
Geraniums, adding pops of vibrant color
Lilies, standing tall and elegant
Hydrangeas, their lush blooms like painted clouds
Courtyard of the Casa Sorolla. This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1930.
Sorolla’s artistic vision extended beyond the floral palette. Inspired by the grandeur of the Alhambra, he wove in formal structural elements:
Neatly pruned box hedges, providing structure and form
Small-leaf evergreens, their deep greens a perfect backdrop
Sun-soaked tiles, reflecting light in dazzling patterns
Terracotta pots, their earthy tones grounding the space
Jardines del Alcázar de Sevilla, con el pabellón de Carlos V al fondo. This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or fewer.
The result is a garden that glows with silhouettes, shadows, and dappled light, both in his paintings and in real life.
A Family Affair: Art and Life Intertwined
Though drawing inspiration from some grand and formal gardens, it remains very liveable and intimate, and judging from his numerous paintings depicting it, a well-used family space. Though stylistically very different, it reminds me of the garden of Swedish artist, Carl Larsson, whose paintings often feature the garden as the backdrop of family life.
La siesta en el jardin. This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1930.
Recreate Sorolla’s Garden Style In Your Garden
Feeling inspired to add a touch of Sorolla’s sun-kissed paradise to your own little patch of earth? Here are some star players from his garden that you can easily incorporate:
Purple and White Irises
Surrounding the tiled Andalusian reflecting pool at Museo Sorolla, purple irises add a touch of elegance and color.
A few of our available Irises to recreate the look:
Clotilde en el Estudio, Joaquín Sorolla, 1900. Museo Sorolla kindly provided this file by means of Wikimedia Spain. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Though ubiquitous to us here in the Pacific Northwest, the pink flowered azaleas lend an exotic charm to Sorolla’s garden. They really are extraordinary—just look at those vibrant hues and abundant tropical-looking flowers.
A few of our available Azaleas to recreate the look:
Garden at the Sorolla House, Joaquin Sorolla, 1919. Museo Sorolla kindly provided this file by means of Wikimedia Spain. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Filled with a sea of pink wallflowers, the boxwood parterre was a favorite scene for Sorolla to paint.
A few options we’d use to recreate the look, complete with romantic pink flowers
Prolific and long-blooming Geum Tempo™ Rose look smashing en masse, pink heads peeking above a mini boxwood hedge
Rosa ‘Alchymist’ can be pruned as a small climber to frame the scene with double pink-apricot blooms
Browse Boxwoods to create your own Sorolla-like Parterre
Hydrangeas
Louis Comfort Tiffany, Sorolla, 1911. This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1930.
This commissioned portrait of the Tiffany mogul was painted at his own garden in Long Island but I had to include it here because it’s just too electric with beautiful color not to share. Just wow. Sorolla WAS fond of hydrangreas in his own garden too which provided swaths of lushness and beauty and feature in several paintings done there. While not available to Sorolla at the time I think he would have been happy to include some of the extraordinary newer varieties.
Reparar las redes de pesca. This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1930.
Sorolla had a passion for various geraniums and they can be seen used widely in his paintings, often in terracotta pots and acting as a star attraction. In a garden with a lot of evergreen structure they add shots of vibrant color.
Get the look with Pelargonium peltatum (aka Ivy Geranium) which can often be seen in European plantings, scampering and spilling from balcony planters and formal garden urns
Lilies
Lilies provide romance and scent and although common and easy-to-grow, always feel luxuriant and a bit exotic.
The beauty of Sorolla’s garden is its accessibility. You don’t need a sprawling estate to capture its essence. With just a few well-chosen elements – some terracotta planters, structural evergreens, and splashes of painterly color – you can create your own artistic haven.
Dotty [ dot-ee ] adjective, Informal. crazy, not mentally sound; also: amiably eccentric. Many of us plant collectors would gladly accept the amiably eccentric label.
Chasing Spotted Plants: A Complex Legacy of Discovery
For centuries, plant hunters scoured the globe, driven by an insatiable appetite for the new, strange, and exotic. This quest, while revealing botanical wonders, came at a cost: indigenous knowledge appropriated, and local ecosystems disrupted. In this complicated tapestry of botanical discovery, spotted plants held a special allure, their dappled leaves and flowers captivating collectors and gardeners alike.
From Exotic Curiosities to Garden Treasures
In the wild, spotted and variegated plants are uncommon, often resulting from genetic mutations or environmental responses. Such characteristics are sometimes associated with problems in plants (mites! fungi! bacteria! Oh no!), making naturally healthy spotted varieties even more intriguing.
Imagine a Victorian botanical adventurer stumbling upon a gold-speckled leaf in a misty jungle—a dazzling prize for collectors back home! Plants like Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’, with its constellation of yellow dots, became living trophies in European conservatories.
As “plant fever” gripped society, these spotted wonders transformed from curiosities into status symbols. George Orwell’s 1936 novel “Keep the Aspidistra Flying” illustrates how the aspidistra became de rigueur in middle-class sitting rooms. My Dad often recalled how growing up, it was very posh to have one along with a mini replica of the Taj Mahal.
Spotted Plants: Nature’s Polka Dots in Your Garden
Here at Plant Lust we pride ourselves on offering an exquisite selection of rare and covetable plants, the real stand-outs of the vast plant world. One group, and you’d be surprised how big a group it is, is spotted plants. They are just so FUN in the same way that a spotted bathing suit is fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding plant parent, read on for some of our favorite dotty plants that are perfect for adding a splash of wonderful strangeness to your collection.
5 Stunning Spotted Foliage Plants for Your Garden
The spotted aspidistras always look to me like they’ve been hit by dappled sunlight. Photo by Even Bean.
Aspidistra sichuanensis ‘Yellow Hammer’
There are several spotted Aspidistra varieties and let me tell you, they are as cast-iron as the standard. I have a few which have lived through terrible drought (owner-induced) and epic ice storms. Aspidistra ‘Yellow Hammer’ is a playful and vibrant choice that thrives in shade or indirect sunlight. Once the “It” plant of Victorian parlors, it still makes a standout houseplant if you prefer to enjoy it indoors.
Spotty Dotty looks like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Photo by Patricia Cunningham.
Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty’
Podophyllum Spotty Dotty is a rare garden gem which is surprisingly easy to grow. It features enormous mint green umbrella-like leaves dotted in burgundy that seem almost surreal. They call to mind mint chocolate chip ice cream. It’s a must-grow in my book if you have a shady spot that will stay somewhat moist.
Asarum is a sophisticated groundcover for a woodland area. Photo by Little Prince of Oregon.
Asarum splendens ‘Quicksilver
A tough groundcover for shady spots, Asarum splendens ‘Quicksilver’ has striking heart-shaped leaves with a grey polka-dotted pattern. It prefers well-drained soil and can add a dramatic flair to any garden.
A toad lily with tropical look yet it’s fairly drought tolerant.
Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’
A tall toad lily, Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ has orchid-like tropical flowers but is hardy down to zone 5. Yippee! The flowers have a charming freckled appearance and are said to make lovely cut flowers that are much prized in Japan.
Saxifraga ‘Aureopunctata’ will really brighten up your garden with its splashed yellow dots. Photo by Secret Garden Growers.
Saxifraga ‘Aureopunctata’
Another fantastic groundcover that will jazz up the garden with sunny yellow spots, Saxifraga ‘Aureopunctata’. As if the foliage wasn’t exciting enough it sends up tall panicles in Spring topped with light pink flowers that dazzle in sunlight.
Despite their exotic look most spotted foliage plants are easy to care for. Browse our extensive catalog from plantlust.com where we provide detailed growing instructions and information. Ready to add some spots to your life? Browse our collection of spotted leaves and spotted flowers today.
Isn’t spring just the most magical time in the garden? It makes me feel like such a superstar gardener! Without hardly any effort on my part, nature takes over and puts on a show.
A little planning by way of planting is all that’s really required to enjoy a sparkling spring garden awakening to wow the neighbors or more importantly wow yourself. Read on for 10 stellar plants that shine in the spring garden and beyond.
1. Aspidistra: The indestructible charmer that lights up dark spots in the garden, with myriad varieties sporting gorgeous streaks and speckles on light-reflecting glossy leaves.
Long known for durable and attractive foliage, it would be a mistake to think of Aspidistra as a mere reliable staple. Even the well-known standard green varieties have a wonderful vase-shaped presence that anchors the garden year-round. Foliage that feels a bit tropical even when it’s chilly gives the spring garden a head start on the season.
Still, there are so many collectable Cast Iron Plant varieties: shapely and curvaceous, extra broad or very skinny, variegated, spotted or speckled. It’s like having a living sculpture in your garden. As new plants pop up around them in spring, they help set the scene, making the garden feel lush and full, even early in the season.
Tuck an Aspidistra under a tree or in that dark corner where nothing else grows. It’s a superb choice to light up tricky shady areas of the garden. Give them a time to build a healthy root system, and they will reward your patience with easy beauty for years to come.
2. Camellia japonica ‘Black Magic’: The Sultry Beauty
Camellia japonica ‘Black Magic’. Photo by Even Bean.
A Camellia for people who don’t like Camellias. Camellia japonica ‘Black Magic’ is sophisticated in its display of sexy dark blooms that show up in winter as an early usher of the spring to come. It’s an evergreen shrub that maintains a lush appearance throughout the year, thriving in partially shaded areas, making it a great plant to add year-round structure to the garden. Plus, did you know that camellia petals are edible and taste of lemon and cardamom? Get on it!
3. Dianthus: The Nostalgic Charmer
Dianthus ‘Dancing Geisha’ photo by Patricia C at Plant Lust
Every year I tell myself I’m going to finally add flamboyant dianthus flowers to my garden and then my intention gets lost in the springtime shuffle. Aren’t they incredible? Edges are often wildly fringed or pinked (meaning they appear cut with pinking shears). There are varieties for many sunny garden situations: as groundcovers or edging, in perennial beds, and in containers.
The hard-to-find pink striped varieties like D. ‘Chomley Farran’ remind me of the old fashioned Fruit Stripe sticks of gum, which I’ve just read has been discontinued after 54 years. What is this world coming to? Anyways, long live Dianthus!
4. Disporopsis pernyi: The Woodland Wonder
Disporopsis pernyi. Photo by Sunshine Farm and Gardens.
This tough perennial is perfect for adding charm to your garden with its pendulous white blooms in spring. Evergreen Solomon’s Seal thrives in mostly shady conditions, making it an excellent underplanting beneath taller shrubs or trees. Plant it en masse for a dreamy, dappled effect.
5. Sambucus nigra Black Lace™: The Gothic Beauty
Sambucus nigra Black Lace™. Photo by Anna Kullgren.
This ornamental elderberry is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that adds a dramatic flair to any garden. Featuring stunning umbels of pink flowers in spring (which incidentally make a lovely PINK elderflower cordial) Sambucus nigra Black Lace is a truly striking plant with dark purple foliage that works great in Asian and tropical style gardens.
6. Dodecatheon meadia f. album: The Whimsical Wonder
Dodecatheon meadia. Photo by BillyBoy.
Also known as White Shooting Star, this plant produces enchanting white flowers. It’s well-suited for dappled shade and brings a storybook charm to the garden.
7. Camellia x williamsii ‘Taylor’s Perfection’: The Romantic Soul
Camellia japonica ‘Taylor’s Perfection’. Photo by Karl Gercens III.
With its elegant pink flowers, ‘Taylor’s Perfection’ is another Camellia variety that shines in the spring garden. It’s perfect for creating a soft, romantic look. Try it as a stunning hedge or a standout specimen plant.
8. Rhododendron augustinii: The Tropical Dreamer
Rhododendron augustinii. Photo by A. Barra.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s easy to get blasé about rhodies as they’re so ubiquitous around here. In recent years I’ve been trying to think of them in a new tropical light though, like something out of a Paul Gauguin painting. That helps, doesn’t it? Rhododendron augustinii really is a thing of massive beauty and produces outsized clusters of violet flowers in spring which really pop when paired with Spring’s lime green foliage. It’s a great option for adding a splash of color.
9. Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii: The Chartreuse Siren
Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii Photo Credit- J.G. in SF
Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii is an architectural plant features big bold acid green flowers in spring, rising from tidy blue foliage–truly stunning. It’s perfect for brightening up the garden on a grey day, of which the Portland springtime provides many. An easy-to-grow perennial that often self-seeds in a welcome way. Use eye and skin protection when pruning, as the milky sap is irritating.
10. Hosta ‘Tokudama Flavocircinalis’: The Cool Customer
Hosta ‘Tokudama Flavocircinalis’ Photo Credit- Sebright Gardens Hosta ‘Tokudama Flavocircinalis’ stands out with its unusual blue and green foliage that unfurls in the spring. It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of cool color to the garden.
There you have it, my dears – ten of my favorite plants to make your spring garden absolutely sing. None of these are difficult to grow and will pay you in dividends. All you really need to do is to site them well and let Mother Nature wave her Springtime wand over them.
We’re very excited to introduce Dry Oasis Plants based in Northern California to the plant lust marketplace.
Dry Oasis specializes in landscape succulents and water-wise plants, from the stunningly beautiful, to the eye-catchingly odd. Read on as we spotlight some of our favorite aloes, agaves and cacti from Dry Oasis Plants.
1. Squid Agave
Agave bracteosa or Squid Agave. Impressive but not severe, with it’s curving leaves and cool color. Photo by plant lust.
The squid agave, with pale green foliage strikes the perfect balance between graceful and comical with its undulous foliage. It makes a striking architectural plant whether planted in a pot, in-ground as a single specimen, or en masse in a landscape.
2. Van Balen’s Aloe
A mature planting of Aloe vanbalenii. Photo by plant lust.
Van Balen’s Aloe, or Aloe vanbalenii, will eventually form a colony if planted in a border with room to grow, though it looks fantastic in a pot too. Torture it with strong sunlight to elicit vibrant orange and red coloration, or give it shade to maintain a green look with orange-edged leaves. The orange flowers on 3′ spires are loved by hummingbirds.
3. Aloe capitata ‘Yellow Hoodie’
Aloe capitata ‘Yellow Hoodie’ makes a striking focal point in the garden. Image by Dry Oasis Plants.
The South African aloe Aloe capitata ‘Yellow Hoodie’ gets its name from its yellow flowers which look like a tropical bird’s neck ruff. Imaging how stunning they look paired with the unique dusty pink colors of the aloe’s leaves. Truly an incredible display.
4. Manfreda ‘Silver Leopard’
Manfreda ‘Silver Leopard’ has striking high-contrast coloration. Photo by Dry Oasis Plants.
A plant to make collectors scramble for their wallets Manfreda ‘Silver Leopard’ is strange, wonderful, and striking, looking like Jackson Pollock mistook it for a canvas and flung red paint at it. It’s also hardy to zone 7, making it a good choice for us northern spiky plant lovers.
5. Sedum album ‘Coral Carpet’
Sedum album ‘Coral Carpet’ is a highly useful succulent groundcover hardy to zone 6a. Photo by Dry Oasis Plants.
A very useful stonecrop Sedum album ‘Coral Carpet’ grows low and can withstand some light foot traffic making is a useful ground cover. It’s also great in rockery or crevices or planted in pots. It changes color from green in Spring to hot red in Winter.
6. Saw Leaf Agave
One of the more hardy agaves to to the low to mid 20’s. Photo by Far Out Flora.
Agave xylonacantha or Saw Leaf Agave grows to make an impressive statement plant with wide, uniform leaves and pronounced spiked teeth at their edges. Hardy to zone 7a.
7. Parry’s Agave
Agave parryi or Century Plant is a cold-hardy agave with striking pale leaves. Photo by BS -Thurner Hof.
Just perfection. It’s hard to believe how uniformly the artichoke shaped Agave parryi grows. Ghostly blue-grey foliage and hardy to Zone 7a. A must-have.
We’re thrilled to showcase Dry Oasis Plants on the plant lust marketplace, bringing an exciting selection of succulents and water-wise plants to our selection. Explore the full collection at Dry Oasis Plants and get inspired by the beauty that’s possible in a low-water garden.
Fellow garden enthusiasts, we have such a treat for you! We’re so excited to welcome the enchanting Waltzing Matilija Nursery, a treasure trove of botanical wonders nestled in Southern California which specializes in Australian and South African Plants. This nursery is a paradise for those who adore the rare and exotic. So, grab your sunglasses and a glass of something on ice, and let’s explore some of the nursery’s most covetable plants, along with their fascinating histories and the gardens they’ve graced around the globe.
Grevillea ‘Fanfare’. Photo by Waltzing Matilija Nursery.
Grevillea ‘Fanfare’: The Cascading Beauty
First on our list is the stunning Grevillea ‘Fanfare’. With its vibrant red, spider-like flowers and delicate fern-like foliage, it’s a plant that’s sure to make a statement. It can grow to cover a 15′ area. Now that’s a groundcover! Native to Australia, Grevillea ‘Fanfare’ is cherished for its resilience and its ability to add both color and texture to gardens.
This delightful plant was introduced by the renowned horticulturist Peter Olde, a true aficionado of Grevilleas. You’ll find it flourishing in the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, where its vibrant blooms create a breathtaking display year-round.
Protea magnifica. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.
Protea magnifica: The King Protea
Next, we have the majestic Protea magnifica, also known as the queen protea. This South African native is celebrated for its large, dramatic blooms that look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale. Each flower head is composed of hundreds of tiny individual flowers, surrounded by striking, colorful bracts. Esteemed garden designer Piet Oudolf has embraced the bold, architectural form of Protea magnifica in his renowned designs.
Waltzing Matilija has many stunning proteas but I chose to share this one with you because of its possible cold-hardiness and striking contrast between silvery foliage and vivid red blooms. WOWEEE!
Phylica pubescens. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.
Phylica pubescens: Featherhead
Let’s move on to Phylica pubescens, affectionately known as featherhead. This charming plant brings a soft, downy texture to any garden. With its dense, velvety foliage and tiny, star-shaped flowers, it’s a unique and delightful addition to any plant collection.
What’s particularly quirky about Phylica pubescens is its irresistibly soft foliage. It’s so feathery, you’ll want to reach out and touch it every time you walk by. This plant has found a special place in Mediterranean gardens–just imagine the sun-catching capabilities of that fine foliage. No wonder it’s in such hot-demand at Annie’s Annuals who report that they often have long waiting lists for it. Apparently it’s very challenging to propagate.
Geum Pretticoats. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.
Geum Pretticoats™ Peach: The Delightful Perennial
Next up, Geum Pretticoat Peach. I feel like geums are much underused and I’m not sure why. Maybe too delicate to catch attention away from more boisterous flowers? I find them so charming. This one is a true delight, with its frilly peach-colored flowers and extended blooming season. It’s a relatively new cultivar but I think it will quickly catch on for its hardiness and popular flower color.
I’m happy to read that Geum Pretticoat Peach has been showcased in the renowned gardens of Great Dixter in England. Evidently the late, great garden designer Christopher Lloyd also had a particular fondness for geums, often using them to create vibrant, colorful borders. As usual, the English know.
Cussonia paniculata. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.
Cussonia paniculata: The Cabbage Tree
Now, let’s talk about Cussonia paniculata, also known as the cabbage tree, or Dr Seuss Tree (ok, it’s only known by that name by me as far as I’m aware). I first saw this from the comfort of my bubble bath in a dogeared Annie’s Annuals catalog over a decade ago. Isn’t it just incredible–both charming and somewhat silly-looking? It hails from southern Africa and is celebrated for its unique, sculptural appearance. With its thick trunk and umbrella-like canopy of leaves, it certainly brings an exotic touch to any garden.
Cussonia paniculata has a storied history of use in traditional medicine among the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. You’ll find this striking plant featured in botanical gardens like the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, where its distinctive form never fails to capture the attention of visitors, I’m sure.
Fabiana imbricata f. violacea. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.
Fabiana imbricata f. violacea: The False Heather
Last but certainly not least, we have Fabiana imbricata f. violacea, or false heather. This Chilean native is beloved for its delicate, heather-like appearance and beautiful violet flowers. It’s a tough, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in Mediterranean climates.
Gertrude Jekyll, the legendary garden designer, was quite taken with this plant, admiring its fine texture and resilience. You can see it gracing the stunning gardens of Hestercombe in Somerset, England, where Jekyll’s influence continues to shine through.
Tips for Plant Care
To ensure your new botanical friends thrive, here are some care tips:
Grevillea ‘Fanfare’ Plant in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional watering.
Protea magnifica Needs sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. Water sparingly; overwatering can be detrimental.
Phylica pubescens Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s fairly drought-tolerant once established.
Geum Pretticoats™ Peach Plant in well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Regular watering is essential during the growing season.
Cussonia paniculata Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s drought-resistant but benefits from occasional deep watering.
Fabiana imbricata f. violacea Needs well-drained soil and full sun. It’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
If you’re like me it’s that time of year when you’re kicking yourself for not having more hellebores in your garden. What’s wrong with me? Am I outta my ever loving mind? I’m also kicking myself for not having visited the annual open garden of Ernie & Marietta O’Byrne who spent 30 years creating the magical Winter Jewels Series of hellebores in Oregon. I’ve always wanted to go. I’m heartened to know that on their recent retirement they have handed off stewardship of their jewels to Little Prince Nursery who will be opening their doors to hellebore viewers down the road. In the meantime it’s a great time to both plant and enjoy these beautiful hellebores. True jewels!
Has your garden planning reached a fever pitch like mine has? I’m manic over here.
This morning I woke up too early because I was thinking about the 6 Shooter Sweet Corn I’m going to grow this Summer and what should the 3 Sisters in my corn-planting-triad be? Obviously I plant beans to climb the corn stalks, probably a purple Greek variety that is my latest bean crush. And then at the base, do I stay traditional and use a squash–maybe the adorably cute Ronde de Nice, or do I go for chickpeas? I’ve heard they’re a great nitrogen-fixing companion for corn and have a much more polite growth habit than the space-hogging squash. So many things to think about!
Help in the nick of time…
Luckily I’ve also recently met seasoned gardener and designer Marc Boucher-Colbert who has created a brilliant garden design deck of cards called Design Your Eden. It’s helpful for both reigning you in (which is what I need a dose of right now) but also drawing you out, when you might be in a rut or could use some help thinking creatively.
The Design Your Eden deck reminds me a bit of Tarot and also Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies in its use of metaphor as an in-road to new ways of seeing things. There are multiple ways to use it, but regardless, it’s thought provoking and exciting and just a lot of fun.
Let me walk you through it.
Element Cards. Photo by plant lust.
The ELEMENT CARDS are a collection of all the physical items that compose a garden, including everything from a hammock to a compost bin to an arch. These are the basic building blocks of your garden. I have a friend who was bemoaning to me the other day that when he first started creating his garden, now full of mature palms and yuccas–a collector’s garden packed to the rafters, he failed to allot enough space to compost. He now kicks himself when he has to give his precious yard debris away to the city because he has no place to put it. To add insult to injury he has to pay to have compost to be delivered. Oops!
I’m so glad there is an Element card for Hammock. A true garden design necessity in my book! Amaliya Double Spreader Bar Hammock. Photo by All Modern.
Value cards. Photo by plant lust.
The Value cards in the deck represent things like motivations, goals, and feelings–the principles of design that are important to you. They could include things like family, music, and tranquility.
Lush color and contrasting foliage abounds in the night garden of JJ De Sousa. Photo by Bria Phillips.
Combining Elements and Values. Photo by plant lust.
But what happens when we begin to combine Value and Element cards? The fun begins! Maybe we know we want the Elements of a Path and Mood Lights in our garden but we also want to create a sense of Destination. How can we emphasize this concept with elements as Portland-based garden designer JJ De Sousa has done here, where a straight pathway leads to imposing doors which beckon to a well-lit garden beyond, a shock of red drawing the eye deeper into the space.
A gravel pathway is lined with lush plants leading to a doorway surrounded by lights at dusk in the garden of JJ De Sousa. Photo by Bria Phillips.
You can think of Value and Element cards as prompts to further exploration. Photo by plant lust.
There are endless ways to combine these Values and Elements. Who ever would have imagined how extra extra these already striking potted windmill palms could look when raised up in giant oversized glowing planters. WHOA!
Giant red plant pots holding palm plants are lit from within. Photo by Bria Phillips.
The Design Your Eden deck also features the “SEEN AS” card which invites the concept of metaphor into garden design. Photo by plant lust.
A lounge area for two in the garden of JJ De Sousa. Photo by Bria Phillips.
Perhaps we know we want the Element of Lounge Chairs and the Value of Connection but when we combine them with the SEEN AS card it takes on a more potent intent. How can we emphasize the idea of Connection around our lounge chairs? Here we see 2 chairs placed close together with a small shared table, inviting intimacy by proximity. The chairs are tucked into a corner of the garden creating privacy and exclusivity and garden lighting defines it as a shared sanctuary.
Combining garden design elements with values in unexpected ways.
The Design your Eden deck also has a series of Connector cards which really open to mind to new possibilities. Hmm. At first glance a Table “interacting with” Cool seemed strange but quickly got my wheels turning. I do LOVE to sit outdoors as often as possible and this means figuring out ways to beat the heat. Ideas swirl. Popsicles? Those garden hose misters? Lush shade plants? Suddenly I recall a scene from a favorite TV series The Durrells.
Too hot to eat outdoors? Rubbish! Put your table in the sea ala The Durrells in Corfu. Photo from Sid Gentle Films.
As you can see, this really is a fun design tool. I love the tactile aspect of it and the feeling of PLAY it gives to garden design projects. While using it solo was really thought-provoking, doing it with another person would only increase the creative ideas.
Thanks so much to Marc for taking the time to meet with me and share this latest project Design Your Eden! I really do feel less overwhelmed by my Spring fever that brings on soooo many ideas. Marc’s a busy guy who is a garden educator at a Montessori school, runs a rooftop garden for Noble Rot here in Portland, and manages to share a wealth of all sorts of garden design information on social media. I’ve learned a lot from him already in the short time I’ve known him and highly recommend a follow
Winter doesn’t have to be a barren time. With some planning you can create an appearance of lushness in the garden with an abundance of winter greenery to enjoy outdoors and indoors.
Well-behaved Ivy and relatives
People get a bit nervous about planting anything in the ivy realm but there are some useful choices that are well-behaved and provide beautiful winter greenery. It’s always wise to check for potential invasiveness of a given species in your area before planting.
Himalayan Ivy
Consider Hedera nepalensis with it’s striking leaves streaked in silver and burgundy in winter.
Or you can play it safe and go with one of the Fatshederas which are a hybrid between the Japanese Aralia Fatsia japonica and common ivy, and have some of the most eye-catching evergreen foliage in the plant world.
For your holly fix, consider the adorably small-leaved and small-statured Dwarf Pagoda Japanese Holly or Ilex crenata ‘Geisha‘. Every garden can work one of these in to provide form and structure to the Winter landscape.
Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ is another very useful plant. I love to think of it as a stand-in for an Italian Cypress in mini form. Very charming and elegant.
So many expected and unexpected choices for living Christmas trees which you can continue to enjoy in the garden years after the season has passed, from Spruce to Olive.
Long a symbol of peace–what better tree to represent the spirit of the season? Olive trees may not jump to mind when thinking of winter interest but they have lovely silvery evergreen foliage that really shines in the darker season.
When flowers are in short supply you can still bring the outside in with winter greenery. Be sure to plant some treasures with interesting foliage and leaves to enjoy indoors.We have gorgeous greenery you will have to guard from any neighborhood florists.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus perriniana has the classic florist foliage. A very quick grower that easily rebounds even if frozen to the ground, it can be cut back regularly and grown as a shrub.
The coin-shaped leaves of Eucalyptus perriniana in pale grey and lime green are wonderful in mixed bouquets but also beautiful on their own. Photo by Patricia Cunningham. Shop Eucalyptus perriniana
Hebe-jeebies are among many excellent options officially in the genus of Veronica. Often forgotten, Little Prince Nursery reminds us they are versatile plants excellent for borders, containers and mass plantings.
Consider plant choices year-round for an all-season garden
While spring is the traditional busy season for nurseries, winter is a wonderful time to take stock of the spots in the garden that could use some seasonal interest. Browsing nurseries during the off-peak months is a great way to find gems that sparkle all year round. Shop winter interest plants
Planting now for Spring feels like money in the bank.
Read on for 6 unusual Spring flower bulbs that are true treasures from Secret Garden Growers nursery:
Honey Garlic
Allium siculum sends up spires topped with pendulous flowers in dusty shades of mauve and yellow. Definitely a showstopper. Plus it’s easy to grow and looks good even after blooming. The dried flower heads are a florist’s dream.
Also knows as Sicilian Honey Lily, Allium siculum is a surprising Spring bulb that pairs well with other soft colors. Photo by Leafari. Shop Allium siculum
Species Tulips
Given good drainage and dry conditions in Summer, Tulipa turkestanica is a species tulip that will return and naturalize, spreading cheer for many Springs to come.
Galanthus ‘Hippolyta’ is one of the first signs of Spring, blooming in late Winter and earning it the nickname ‘snowdrop’ for its ability to poke its head out of the snow. This is an extra rare and beautiful variety. Plant in pots to get the precious blooms in closer proximity.
I’ve never understood why fritillaria aren’t as popular as daffodils and tulips, because as Spring flower bulbs they are just as magical and easy to grow. Fritillaria uva-vulpis is a graceful and exquisite variety with fine, blue-grey foliage that pairs well with all sorts of Spring color-schemes.
If you have a rain swale or area of your garden that stays moist in the Spring this regal and graceful PNW native Camas Camassia cusickii will naturalize, creating an enchanted meadow look.
Iris japonica ‘Variegata’ would be worth growing for the high-contrast foliage alone but also produces striking orchid-like flowers. A stunner all around.
So many interesting and unusual bulbs, corms, and tubers for a sophisticated garden
There are so many to love, it’s hard to pick just a few. The checkerboard lily Fritillaria meleagris seen in the first photo can be found here.
Honorable mention:
Perennial collector’s favorite Jack in the Pulpits, Arisaemas
Little Prince of Oregon Nursery always has something to inspire plant lust. Here is a selection of some new and old crushes.
Oddities and rarities:
Alocasia ‘Red Secret’
First up on my list of plants making me swoon is Red Jewel Alocasia. Ooh la la. Alocasia ‘Red Secret’ lends an exotic and tropical look to gardens with metallic maroon-brown leaves. I love thinking about growing it as a houseplant to enjoy inside.
A longtime favorite plant of mine which deserves a home in all gardens is Santolina rosmarinifolia ‘Lemon Fizz’. I first got into Santolina when studying about medieval monastic gardens. It would provide evergreen structure and color to the lovingly tended monk’s herb gardens. It smells wonderful and in Spring is covered in charming little flowers.
Next up is the marvelously weird mayapple, Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty,’ which really thrives in the Portland rain. It makes me think of mint chocolate chip ice cream with its pale green leaves dotted in burgundy. Make it happy and it will reward you by multiplying considerably each year.
In the flower department we have Dianthus, or Sweet William, which is such a long-lasting cut flower but largely ignored by the current trend-setting florists. I think the very stylish ‘Sooty’ could help turn things around.
Ledebouria cooperi is a Spring showstopper from South Africa which has striped grassy foliage and is adorned by racemes of star-shaped pink flowers. It’s makes a nice groundcover or use it in containers where you can really appreciate all this little plant has to offer.
Among my favorite groundcovers is Muehlenbeckia axillaris, also know as Mattress Vine, for its ground-hugging growth habit. It’s a vigorous grower which can easily engulf large areas so is best used with some caution and intent. I love the way it’s used here–confined to an area and then allowed to really do its thing.
Finally, Sagina subulata, also known as Irish Moss, is a charming evergreen or semi evergreen groundcover. Like Muehlenbeckia axillaris it can tolerate some foot traffic and provides a pretty, low-growing tufted texture. As an added bonus it’s covered in cute little flowers come Spring!
