RE: collectors and landscapers
At 04:44 AM 11/7/00 -0800, Barry Garcia wrote:
> <snip> I think this is why i think the garden is pretty
>eclectic, even if I also think it looks unified (i do try to go with a
>theme). <snip>
Being a serious collector of plants does not preclude having a
well-designed garden. Roger Raiche's well known style of landscape design
is certainly a good example (see
http://www.planethorticulture.com/gallery.html). It is just more
challenging, being driven by other factors than primarily
aesthetics. There are some devices that can be used to help unify a
collector's garden:
If you really must have every one of a particular type of plant, then
consider what compliments these plants in the landscape. If each specimen
is only subtly different from the others, figure out what type of
form/texture/habit is complimentary to these and adaptable to the same
planting conditions. Often, a few good plant choices used ubiquitously
throughout the varied collection will go a long way to making the whole lot
look purposeful.
If the plant being collected are in themselves quite varied in their
form/texture/habit, then consider how to contrast them in the plantings,
keeping the most similar away from each other to avoid monotony (though it
can be interesting to place a few together to see their subtle distinctions
as well). If the plants are mostly low growing, what type of taller
element might provide contrast? If the collection is a number of deciduous
shrubs, what understory plants would be happy at their feet, provide winter
interest, and not give root competition? If the specimens are best viewed
singly, away from other foliage, what type of companion plants will allow
them to grow naturally in to their individual shape?
Using a very limited color palate is another way to make a planting look
harmonious, or very deliberate 'echos' or color in various plants (i.e. a
rose-pink colored flower matched to a foliage with the same rose-pink
variegation). Be careful with pinks, blues, reds - these can often look
poor if not matched carefully. Used the same 'side' of a color - e.g.
scarlet reds (on the 'orange side' of red) rather than scarlets and
crimsons (the 'blue side' of red) mixed randomly, or either true, clear
blues (great on their own) or those which shade towards purple and lavender
(mixing well with other blue-purple colors).
Foliage color/texture is very important when choosing colors - this is the
basis for the whole display. There are so many different gradual shadings
of green, gray-green, blue-green, etc. Not paying attention to this can
cause discord which can never really be solved. Place your collection's
foliage close to other and consider which blend the best or enhance your
favorite plants the most. The point it to showcase your collection, not
water it down.
You may wonder why I emphasize color so much - I was originally trained in
the arts and studies art theory routinely. Many people try to take these
theories directly into the garden and apply them. The problem with that is
that there are basic underlying differences with color in gardens and in
objects of art. Foliage is ever-present, light changes throughout the day,
and season. Light is reflected off plant tissue differently than off paint
pigments, etc., etc. I have thought about this for many years and have my
own approach to dealing with color in the garden which serves me pretty
well, with good results, but it is not perhaps how most people approach
color in gardens.
Another method to 'unify' a collection is good structure. A really
pervasive backbone to the garden provides the intent needed to make sense
of a varied collection. This might be the same type of rock wall used
throughout, or pathways that define rhythmic planting areas, or perhaps a
main covered walkway through the center of the garden, etc. There will
always be many interesting individual combinations that can be created, but
the overall effect is also important. Many people use dramatic 'themes' or
'styles' to add this structure. It can also just be repetition of the same
type of element. I once met a woman who used lots of different plumbing
fixtures in her garden. Everywhere you turned, there was another sink,
unusual faucet, curious pipes, bathtubs, (you know what), etc. It was very
whimsical but gave the whole garden a sense of its own. They also provide
lots of opportunities for color and artistic expression.
Hope the above is not too rambling - as a landscape consultant and
designer, these are the things that occupy my mind when looking at a
landscape, and considering a client's situation. There are so many
possibilities and unique solutions. My interest is always working to
create what is most appropriate to the project rather than my own taste or
style, which, to my mind, is the best measure of success.
Regards,
Sean O.
h o r t u l u s a p t u s - 'a garden suited to its purpose'
Sean A. O'Hara fax (707) 667-1173 sean.ohara@groupmail.com
710 Jean Street, Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
