Contrast is a principle of art that, when applied to garden design,
creates excitement and interest -- whether incorporated through color, shapes or textures.
This image shows two different colors: the yellow-green columbines provide a surprising
base for the pristine ivory bark of the aspen trees. |
This planting of white saponaria mimics the stones in texture.
The contrast is between color, plant and mineral.
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Contrast based on color may also develop seasonally, as
with this nandina, providing an ever-changing landscape. |
This delicate branch of 'Purple Fountain' hypericum is only
accentuated by the neutral gray background offered by the stone behind it. |
A surprising appearance of chartreuse pittosporum through
purple-green groundcover makes the garden visitor look twice.
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Tulips are no longer ho-hum when staged in front of textural
shrubs in exciting shades of green. |
Do faeries garden here? Fascinating mixes of woodland ground
covers provide low-maintenance gardening with a maximum of textural detail.
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The the airy structure of cotinus and philadelphus also give the garden a
punch of color. |
This serene scene is highlighted by the silvery lamb's ear and
carex 'Aurea' -- but it is also a lesson in classic composition. |
At least four different shades of green keep the eyes moving among
the plants' details -- pictured here are: astilbe, cornus 'Hedgerow's Gold', and
lysimachia |
Unusual shrubs and trees are Tricia's trademark. Here, a disanthus
offers its beautiful fall leaves to the view. |
Simple bluebells are refreshed when shown against a background "canvas"
of crocosmia. |
From the tiniest yellow bracts of the euphorbia to the large maroon plant
known as persicaria 'Red Dragon', the colors and contrast in this view make a strong artistic
statement. |
