The most engaging plant combinations strike a delicate balance between having enough different-ness to capture our attention versus enough same-ness to hold the scene together. Watch the video below for an explanation of how I go about employing variety and repetition in my personal garden. In it, I take a deep look at a flowery, summertime scene in my garden as an example of this principle.
When considering the extremes, we can easily see how too much variety can feel jarring and chaotic, and how too much sameness can lead us down a path to ho-hum. Just like Goldilocks, we're striving for "just right" — and even then, there's an enormous range of possibilities, so it can be helpful to know what kind of feeling or mood you're trying to evoke.
ZIPPY AND ENERGETIC
Foliage in strongly contrasting colors (as shown above) can really bring the pop and sizzle to your garden beds. Purple foliage paired with acid yellow is especially vibrant, and may even elevate your heart rate by a beat or two. The addition of blue foliage takes the temperature down a notch, while retaining the striking variation in color. All in all, vividly contrasting foliage colors used together create a scene that says "Look at me!" with its energetic and engaging disposition. (Follow the links below the photos for plant IDs and plant combo ideas that use them.)
CALM AND SERENE
Compare the mood of the trio up top to the ambiance of this trio (above) where the use of varied foliage shape and texture within a narrow color palette of green foliage accented with white variegation lends an overall quiet and soothing vibe. The simply satisfying effect of this trio is reliant on the markedly different shape and size of the leaves, and the thread of white that is woven through the scene; the fine lines of white variegation sparkling on the grass are echoed in the irregular splotches of white on the big and bold gray-green leaves. These lighter tones are especially handsome in proximity to the glossy, deep green foliage. (Follow the links below the photos for plant IDs and plant combo ideas that use them.)
PLANT COMBO EXAMPLES—ONE HOT, ONE COOL
So what are you in the mood for today?
Are you aiming for zippy and showy, or leaning toward quiet and restful?
Vive la Différence 🌼 An Invigorating Color Contrast
The Epitome of Easygoing 🌿 A Calming Repetition of Color
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