Combining different plants in the garden is the art of creating harmony between shapes, colors and heights. It is not just a question of personal taste, but also of visual and natural balances to be respected.
Combine different plants in the garden It is a fascinating challenge, a game of joints between aesthetics and nature. It is not enough to choose the plants you like most or that promise spectacular blooms. What really matters is come These coexist with each other, in time and space. It is often believed that it is enough to plant them in scattered order to obtain a “natural” effect. But the balance is not chaos: every choice, from the color of the leaves to the shape of the flowers, tells something and influences the whole.
It is interesting to note that the English tradition of the BORDER has led to consider this combination of plants as a real art form. A well -made border manages to surprise in every season, even without the need for flashy flowers. But what are the unwritten rules (and some also written) to not make mistakes? Can something beautiful also be created in small spaces, with a few plants? And above all: is it necessary to be experts?
With some tricksome more observation and a pinch of patience, surprising results can be obtained. And maybe find out that what seemed like a mistake turns into the most interesting element of the garden.
Respect proportions, heights and volumes: the secret of the depth
One of the first things to observe is theheight of plants. Arrange them without a criterion can flatten the composition, while playing with heights creates movement and depth. The simplest rule (but also the most neglected) provides that the highest plants are in the background, while the lower ones go in front. In doing so, the gaze moves freely and the whole flower bed seems wider and airy.
But it’s not just a matter of centimeters. Also the bearing Count: some plants, although low, expand a lot, others remain compact and straight. A good combination takes into account these differences. Compact plants give stability to the composition, the more broken or soft ones add movement. After all, it is as if some plants played a main role and others made extras. But all, if well distributed, serve the scene.
The advice? Imagine that time flows in different way Among the first rows and the farthest ones: in front, the blooms follow each other faster; Behind, one focuses on more stable and longest plants.
Approach leaves, colors and textures: not just flowers
Plants are often chosen for flowers, but over time they are the leafs to dominate the scene. Large or narrow leaves, shiny or opaque, green or gray-blue: every detail changes the perception of the whole. Combining different leaves helps to give rhythm and character to the garden, even when the flowers are not there.
Some combinations work precisely because they contrast with each other:
- Nastriform leaves with heart or palm for shapes
- Colors full next to light variegatures
- Texture DOCKS against smooth and shiny surfaces
- Cold tones Like gray or blue next to hot and yellowish greens
An example? The combination between Farfugium Japonicum and Asparagus Meyeri creates a very rich effect only with the leafs: no flower, yet the glance is guaranteed.
And then there are i Blocks of colormore and more used to give visual impact. Compact masses of the same variety, with evident blooms or leaves, interrupted by lighter or neutral elements. The secret lies in dosing: too much color is likely to tire, but used well it is a safe fail.
Dynamism and contrasts: the makeup of forms and movements
A static garden is a garden that bores. That’s why we often talk about combining Stop plants and moves moved. The former are those with straight and compact bearing, which give structure and order. The latter, however, move in the wind, bend, come out of the edges. The ornamental grainaceae, for example, are perfect for adding that “alive” touch even in the most formal flower beds.
Another trick often used by expert gardeners is to combine Similar shapes with different colors. Two shrubs from the same shape can become complementary if differentiated by the color of the foliage or flowering. Between one and the other, some light flower plant can be interaled or with a more free bearing, to avoid the block effect.
Finally, a detail not to be forgotten: in the part closest to the observer, namely the prime filemore ephemeral but showy varieties can be dared. Annuals, bulbous, seasonal blooms … all these plants, albeit temporary, serve to give the glance and can be easily replaced.
The beauty of gardening It’s precisely this: nothing is static, everything changes. And often the best results come from unexpected combinations, born by chance or by a calculation error.
For those who love experienceevery corner of the garden can become a small scene in constant evolution. Just let yourself be guided by observation, trying lightly and accepting that in nature, sometimes, it is imperfection that makes everything more fascinating.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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