Did you know that green is the most easily seen color? Its calming effect is actually soothing on the eyes. However, when it comes to the garden, this attractive color is often one that is overlooked. Instead, it’s the multitude of flower color which seems to take center stage. On the contrary, this shouldn’t be the case at all; an all-green foliage garden can have just as much impact and appeal as any other type of garden, if not more.
Foliage actually plays an important role within the garden, providing year-round interest and adding depth and personality. Designing a foliage garden is not only easy, but when all elements of leaves are implemented, it is also quite impressive. Don’t think of an all-green garden as dull or unappealing. With or without flowers, a foliage garden can be filled with interesting textures, unusual shapes, and stunning colors.
Leaf texture is an important element in the green garden. This defines contours and creates contrast. If the foliage is limited to only one type of leaf texture or even a few, the garden could certainly lose its appeal. However, with the wide range of textural characteristics of plants to choose from, this is unlikely to happen. Leaf textures include those which are waxy, such as…., and others that are rough like….. Some plants are fuzzy (lamb’s ear), some are smooth (hosta), and some are spiky (yucca). The leaves of some foliage plants are covered with tiny hairs, making them soft and velvety to the touch. On the other hand, some foliage plants consist of bristles or thorns, making them hard to handle.
Foliage plants also consist of various shapes and sizes. Some leaves are may be rounded, while others are straight and sword-like. They may be feathery, scalloped, or heart shaped. There are even types that will curl or twist into interesting shapes. There are plants that reach massive heights, plants that remain rather short, and a variety of plants that range in between. When it comes to foliage color, you also have a wide variety to choose from. A green garden can actually range from light or dark green to yellow or blue-green. Some foliage appears gray or silver as well. There are also numerous variegated foliage plants available, and some containing red pigment, which result in shades of bronze to purple.
Combining the different greens and other foliage colors with varying shapes and textures can be quite beautiful and just as captivating as a garden full of blooms. Don’t forget to include a strong focal point in the foliage garden. This could be as simple as one large plant with distinctive foliage. Work other plants in around it. If you are unfamiliar with the types of foliage plants available, there are numerous resources that can help. Books, magazines, and catalogs are among a few. Garden professionals and online content can also be of assistance. As with any type of garden, select only the plants which are known to thrive in your particular area.
There are a number of ornamental grasses that will instantly add texture and interest to the foliage garden. The clump-forming varieties are usually better as these are not invasive. Some of these include blue fescue, plume grass, Japanese silver grass, and fountain grass. Ferns are also great for adding texture with their feathery fronds. The Japanese-painted fern not only offers striking texture, but its silver and burgundy foliage set the garden off as well. Other interesting ferns include the maiden hair, ostrich, and lady ferns. Hostas are probably one of the most commonly used foliage plants in the garden. They range in color from light and dark green to blue-green and variegated shades. Royal standard, sum and substance, golden tiara, and Halcyon are just some of the types to choose from. Other interesting foliage plants include elephant ears, ajugas, caladiums, Artemisia, lamb’s ears, and a variety of groundcovers such as liriope.
There’s so much more to a garden than just flowers. Foliage can create a whole other dimension with its wide array of textures, shapes, and colors.
