Here’s the refined, original-to-someone-else formula for creating great plant combos in containers: Select a thriller, a spiller and a filler. The thriller (aka the uppy) is the focal point, soaring toward the heavens; the spiller (aka the downy) grounds the plantings in the pot, softening its hard edges and drawing the eye downward; and the filler (aka the bulky) allows the eye to rest in between points of interest (that is to say, the uppy and the downy). Consider the qualities each component brings as you’re formulating your composition — beyond color, plants can bring textural interest, contrast in form, movement and more.
Everything about this landscape exemplifies the best of modern design. Taking each element individually, there are plain concrete steps (that double as seating), a patch of lawn, a raised eating area and plain fencing; in other words, nothing that might seem distinctive. But the sheer overall volume of the steps, the interesting cutout in the expanse of grass and, most of all, the unexpected silver balls, give the entire space a look that is clean, simple and strongly graphic.
Window frame. Use recycled objects and simple structures as focal points at the ends of pathways or patios. Here, a wooden window frame and a clipped shrub encourage your eye to linger on an area of the garden that would be easy to overlook. The screen also serves a practical purpose — marking a subtle grade change in the landscape to keep a visitor from walking over the edge of the patio.
Edgy screens. As an alternative to a hedge, use interesting screens to both provide privacy and act as a focal point. Here, a trio of metal panels calls attention to the interesting semitransparent design, rather than the neighbor’s deck. Panels and screens also could be used to form a point of focus at the end of a walkway.
Container among foliage. Work focal points into garden beds to provide a resting spot for one’s gaze amid drifts of plants. For example, an empty ceramic container nestled in the bed draws one’s focus and then encourages the eye to wander over the surrounding plants in a slower appreciation of the bed.
Hardscape For a traditional New England look, turn to the classic building materials of the Northeast, including local stone, brick and gravel, and paint wooden fences, gates and outbuildings with crisp white paint. For walkways, use warm brick, crunchy pea gravel and flagstone of the region. Look for cool-toned stones, such as Connecticut bluestone pavers for patios, and granite for wall rock.
Cooling blues. Using plants with foliage or flowers in shades of gray, blue, silver and purple can have a cooling effect in a hot Southwestern desert landscape. Shrubby germander (Teucrium fruticans, zones 8 to 9) is a good drought-tolerant option with gray leaves and lavender-colored blooms favored by hummingbirds. Common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri, zones 6 to 11) also has a cooling effect as its strappy silver leaves ripple like water running over a rocky slope.
Walk on water. It’s no surprise that Houzz users found this urban backyard to be inspiring. Stepping out from a London flat and into this tranquil retreat would feel like being transported on a mini vacation from city life. The lotus pond, symmetrical tree backdrop, and soothing colors of green, gray and deep purple all evoke a sense of calm.
it’s better to water the soil rather than the leaves of plants, as wet leaves are more susceptible to mildew and fungus. It’s also better to water your plants in the morning when plant roots are more receptive, and it will give the plants the ability to withstand the heat of the day. If you must water in the evening, give the plants enough time to dry before evening falls, to keep them healthy.
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) Native to the eastern U.S. and Canada, south to northern Florida and west to Texas Most drought-tolerant fern. Christmas fern is evergreen and drought-tolerant and can grow in both moist and dry soils once established. This is a slowly spreading fern that’s best planted in large groups for the greatest effect. It works well in woodland gardens and hillsides, in full to partial shade, and grows to a height of 2 feet and a spread of 3 feet.
loooove it - Colors are kept restrained, the number of plants used is limited, + forms are well-defined.
If you’re nervous about bold colors on your home, think small, such as for your window frames or trim only. Then stick to neutrals for the remainder of the palette. For a similar palette, try: Blue Coal with accents of Bay Waves and Sweet Lemon, all from Valspar.
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