Blue Planet Garden Blog

Garden Design Inspiration—Illusion

 

Wear nude-colored shoes to make your legs look longer. Hang a mirror on a wall to make a room look larger. Tricking the eye to create the illusion that something is not quite what it seems is everywhere, including garden design. Small-space gardeners often seek to create the impression of more space, but illusion can take many forms.

 

Sun and Shadow

In March I enjoyed a much-needed vacation in Cancun. You may recall that the brilliant colors of Quintana Roo inspired me, but I was equally intrigued by how cultural and religious references were incorporated into the built environment, oftentimes for the purpose of creating illusions meant to evoke awe, reverence or fear.

In the ancient Mayan ruin of Chichen Itza, the Temple of Castillo is probably the most famous structure. Built to honor the serpent god Kukulcan, his presence is represented by the two stone serpents that flank either side of the staircase.

 

A true marvel of astronomy and mathematics, on the spring and autumn equinoxes, afternoon sunshine lights up a bright zigzag pattern made by the steps, creating the illusion that a giant serpent is slithering down the stairs.

 

While the complex calculations required to create a magical slight of hand of this magnitude are far beyond the tools of a simple garden designer, illusion is an important part of landscape lighting design. It’s easy to put a pathlight next to a walkway, or an uplight in front of a Japanese maple, but to create your own fantastical bit of garden trickery, take advantage of downlighting. In the natural world, light shines down from above, which is why lighting your landscape in the same way creates a much more realistic effect. One of my favorite techniques is moonlighting, achieved by hanging a small, low-watt fixture from a tree or other overhead structure, and allowing it to cast a gentle glow on the ground below.

Lighting photos courtesy of Pam Penick, taken at Zona Gardens Landscape Design in Tucson.

This type of softly dispersed light more closely mimics the effect of moonlight in a way that can’t be achieved by a focused beam, helping to feed the illusion that the light source is natural.

 

The Illusion of Movement

On a day trip to Isla Mujeres, Kukulcan in serpent shape appeared again, this time embedded in a concrete staircase. Easily one of the most artful staircases I’ve ever seen, the slithering serpent outlined in carefully chosen stones adds a subtle sense of movement to the landscape. Creating the illusion of movement makes a garden feel alive, and is a no-fail strategy for turning an ordinary space into something extraordinary.

If a hardscape upgrade isn't in the cards, an easier way to do this is with plants. With their delicate foliage that sparkles in the light and sways with the slightest breeze, finely-textured ornamental grasses are the go-to solution for many gardeners.

For large gardens, this effect is intensified when grasses are massed together to form a sinuous, wavy shape.

Photo courtesy of Tai Williams

But even in small gardens, one or two carefully placed grasses can achieve a similar effect. My favorite small-space grass for this particular design strategy is Pennisetum orientale (pictured here), but other grasses will work as well.

 

My time in Cancun reminded me that it is always worthwhile to look beyond obvious upgrades like hardscape and plants when rethinking your garden. In this instance, a few small illusions are all you need to bring the play of light, shadow and movement into your garden.

Book Roundup: Fine Foliage, Slow Flowers and Apprentice to a Garden

For some it’s the sight of roses bursting into bloom or the taste of freshly picked asparagus that signals spring has finally arrived. For me, spring is officially here when the postman begins delivering a steady stream of new gardening books to my mailbox. Here’s a roundup of some of the season’s best:

 

 First up is Fine Foliage: Elegant Plant Combinations for Garden and Container (2013 St. Lynn’s Press) by Karen Chapman and Christina Salwitz, with principal photography by Ashley deLatour. While I find myself learning from a range of gardening books, those that focus on design usually speak to me the most. Newly minted authors Karen and Christina have an eye for combining foliage textures and colors that will leave you wondering why you ever bothered with flowers in the first place. Of note is the book’s innovative and appealing layout: on one page, we’re invited to “meet the players” via a small photo and brief description of two or three plants that combine well. On the facing page, a large color photograph shows how the plants look together.

 

With whimsical names like “Sunset Shades” and “Rich and Regal,” plant combinations are included for a range of cultural conditions, making this appropriate for different climates. A greater range of plants is listed for more temperate USDA zones, however, even those in colder or harsher desert climates will benefit from the advice on how to combine foliage effectively, and can easily substitute plants from their area. While all gardeners should find this book useful and entertaining, the three plant format lends itself particularly well to container gardening.

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A follow-up to last year’s inspiring 50 Mile Bouquet (read my review here),   Slow Flowers: Four Seasons of Locally Grown Bouquets from the Garden, Meadow and Farm by Debra Prinzing  represents a departure from the author’s journalistic style as she assumes a more personal how-to approach, explaining how she created 52 weeks of seasonal bouquets. If the term “slow flowers” is new to you, the introduction explains that it represents “a cultural shift in consumer attitudes toward local, seasonal and sustainably-grown flowers.” Both more practical and (I think) more beautiful than a traditional book on flower arranging, Slow Flowers is organized by the four seasons—the flower-equivalent of a seasonal cookbook, and is an idea whose time has come.

 

Arrangements utilize both locally sourced flowers and foliage, as well as plants from Debra’s own garden. Slow Flowers succeeds both as inspirational eye-candy and practical how-to, with specific instructions in creating a range of unique and artful arrangements. As with Fine Foliage, the small size, accessible topic and attractive layout that emphasizes high-quality photography make this an excellent gift book.

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If you are a fan of gardening memoirs, be sure to check out Apprentice to a Garden: A new urban gardener goes wild (2013 LessLawn Press) by Evelyn Hadden. Part memoir and part garden essay, it tells the story of how Evelyn transformed her “lifeless urban lawn” into a garden overflowing with plants over the course of four years. Originally published in 2005, the book has been updated with 19 black and white drawings by artist Shari Zimmerman.

I am a great admirer of Evelyn’s writing style (find my review of her 2012 bestseller Beautiful No-Mow Yards here) and this book makes for an entertaining read, despite the lack of full-color photos we garden book fans are so fond of.  Passionate gardeners will see themselves reflected in Evelyn’s story, as she writes: “I wanted to feel my garden, to interact with it, not just observe it.”

Stay tuned: Future reviews include two book being released in the next month: Succulents Simplified: Growing, Designing, and Crafting with 100 Easy-Care Varieties by succulent expert Debra Baldwin and Indoor Plant Decor: The Design Stylebook for Houseplants by Kylee Baumle and Jenny Peterson.

 

 Review copies of Fine Foliage and Apprentice to a Garden were given to me by the publisher, however, all opinions expressed are my own.

 

Design Inspiration: The Vibrant Colors of Quintana Roo

Last week I enjoyed a welcome break in spectacular, tropical Cancun, a resort destination located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. While I was (mostly) diligent about avoiding emails, like many people in a creative field, my design brain never quite turns off.

 If you are a regular reader, then you know that color has been a reoccurring theme of late, whether via the symbolism of Feng Shui, or in more tangible ways, such as exploring unusual combinations on the color wheel. Although I gravitate towards subtle shades in most garden designs, while in Mexico I found myself continually captivated by the explosion of color that greeted me almost everywhere I went.

 A few things that inspired me:

 

From Casa de los Suenos website

Brilliant color is everywhere, most notably on Isla Mujeres, a tropical gem just a short ferry ride from the mainland. While touring the island on golf carts, we were drawn to the small but stunning restaurant and resort of Casa de los Suenos. It was not just the views of the ocean visible through the lobby, or the cool and inviting infinity pool, but the artfully painted stucco walls that made us choose this as our lunch destination.

 

This photo is also from their website – I couldn’t get enough of the narrow pink staircase and was disappointed the shadows meant my own pictures didn’t capture its charm.

 

 

Usually I find electric pink bouganvilleas to be a bit garish, but the juxtaposition between the cool stone and brightly colored bracts creates an interesting contrast.

 

 

A burst of color can make even the most mundane features exotic – in this case, a bright blue wall turns a sign pointing the way to the bathrooms and the beach a work of art.

 

 

Elsewhere on Isla Mujeres, we explored an odd little property that contained a restaurant, museum, private club and gift shop specializing in custom jewelry. While I’d seen plenty of jewelry by this time, the colorful parrots halfway up the walk lured me in. The proprietor told me she had opened up the jewelry store because everyone walked up to see the parrots anyway so she might as well make some money—a good reminder that a punch of color in the right place makes a bold statement. (And a good marketing strategy; I’m wearing my new earrings even as I type this.)

 

 

Back at our hotel in Cancun, I spent several early mornings on the beach before most of the guests were down yet. My favorite view? This lone, red lifeguard tower—a spot of vibrant color highlighting and grounding the azure water and white sandy beach that stretches towards the horizon. This is probably my favorite image from the whole trip.

 

What will I do with all this inspiration? I’m not sure. Perhaps I should have taken a tip from my sister, who instead of wandering around Casa de Los Suenos snapping pictures, opted to hop in the infinity pool after lunch and simply enjoy the day. Yet even now I can’t help noticing, doesn’t her orange bathing suit look terrific against the smokey blue water and bright green palm frondse?

 

 

Book Review: Lawn Gone!

Not only is the lawn reform movement still going strong; I'm happy to report that it continues to gain momentum. Lawn Gone!: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard by popular blogger and garden designer Pam Penick  is the latest book to tackle the topic. Its soup-to-nuts approach, inspiring photos and emphasis on DIY solutions make it a must-have for anyone considering reducing or eliminating lawn.

The book is divided into three parts. “Part One: Beyond the Lawn” explores what to do with all the real estate eliminating or reducing a lawn makes available. Low-growing plant alternatives are discussed in detail, but Lawn Gone also makes a case for replacing lawn with new living spaces and garden features, such as patios, ponds and play spaces.

Mixed species lawn. Design and photograph by Rebecca Sweet

“Part Two: Out with the Grass, In with a Garden” gives step-by-step instructions on removing an existing lawn. This is an area where the book really shines, as Pam explores multiple methods, and provides the pros and cons of each. She knows her target audience of DIYers well, and also includes instructions on planning and creating a range of garden features, from how to edge pathways, to basics on bed preparation.

A welcoming space for entertaining. Photograph courtesy of Pam Penick

In “Part Three: The Politics, Health and Safety of Going Lawnless,” Pam provides tips on dealing with both man-made obstacles (think HOAs and city codes) and natural ones, such as lawn alternatives for fire prone areas.

Design and photograph by Kelly Kipatrick

 

What I liked

• The book is one of the most well-organized and thorough resources I have yet to read on on lawn alternatives. What isn’t addressed?  From removing lawn, to dealing with skeptical neighbors, Lawn Gone covers all your questions, including some you probably haven’t even thought of yet.

• I enjoyed the conversational tone of the book, which feels appropriate for both advanced and new gardeners. as even those with years of gardening under their belts don’t necessarily have experience with removing and replacing lawn.

• The inclusion of regional experts greatly broadens the Lawn Gone’s potential readership. In the final chapter, Pam taps garden experts from eleven regions of the country for suggestions on the best lawn alternatives for their specific area. Beyond that, throughout the book advice is regularly qualified as to what parts of the country the tips apply to.

• Lawn Gone paints an enticing picture of the lawn-free lifestyle without sugarcoating the realities of what’s involved to get there. While you may be thrilled to ditch the lawnmower, Pam makes it clear that a successful garden still requires an ongoing commitment.

 

Quibbles

No quibbles this time, but be sure to do your research before following any of the specific plant advice in the book. Many of the plants mentioned, in particular the ornamental grasses, are invasive in California and other regions of the country - I counted more than one plant  I would hesitate to recommend to my clients. This can’t really be avoided in a book geared towards a national audience, but follow the advice Pam includes in Lawn Gone, and be sure to check online or with your county’s extension program before choosing plants for your garden.

Confidential to California gardeners: The alternatives provided that most closely mimic a lawn are mainly those grown from seed or plugs. Since here in California we're addicted to the look of fresh sod rolled out in a new garden, I usually specify no-mow native grass mixes in sod form for my clients. Check out Delta Bluegrass for alternatives that work in a range of USDA zone 9 cultural conditions.

 A must read for anyone considering reducing or eliminating a lawn, Lawn Gone provides a thoughtful, well-researched mix of step-by-step solutions and troubleshooting tips.

 

I received this book as a review copy. Photos reprinted with permission from Lawn Gone! Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard by Pam Penick (Ten Speed Press, 2013).

 

DeWit Potting Scoop Giveaway!

 

DeWit Potting Scoop designed by Shawna Coronado

Regular readers know that small space gardens come up a lot around here, whether I’m focusing on design, plant selection or even my recent foray into technology. Today I’m approaching this topic from a different angle – tools that are particular effective in smaller spaces.

Earlier this year, DeWit Tools sent me two of their new potting scoops – one to try and one to give away.  Designed by longtime gardener Shawna Coronado, you can tell a real gardener played a role in the tool’s creation, as the scoop possesses a host of thoughtful features only a person who regularly gets their hands dirty would think of. For one thing, the scoop is larger than a traditional trowel with more deeply angled sides to keep soil from spilling out. The bottom edge is sharpened, making it effective for cutting through compacted soil and small roots.  And Shawna added a feature I can’t believe hasn’t been thought of before – a small notch on the edge that’s perfect for slicing open bags of soil. Yes, I have a soil knife and garden scissors, and no, they are NEVER handy when I’m filling a new container or planting bed with soil or compost. Meanwhile, my trowel is always within grabbing distance.

Features like this make the DeWit potting scoop a solid tool for any size gardens, but container gardeners or others who garden in small spaces in particular should take note. Besides the features already listed, part of its uniqueness is in its larger size and durable construction of hand-forged carbon steel. All of this combined make it a perfect fit not only for scooping soil into containers, but a great choice for jobs too big for a traditional trowel, yet too small for a full-sized shovel. In my own garden, I plant a lot of one gallons and four inch pots, and I frequently find that a trowel does the job too slowly and messily, while a full-sized shovel is too awkward to maneuver in a constricted space. Say hello to your new best friend.

If Shawna’s name sounds familiar to you, that may because a photo from her garden is featured in Garden Up! Smart Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces , and also in the presentations that I give on both vertical gardening and small space garden design. Shawna’s love of gardening and her connection to environment infuses everything she does.  It’s wonderful to see her bring her talents to a new arena.

 

Shawna Coronado displays a collection of antique insulators inherited from her grandmother. From "Garden Up!"

And now for the good part – the giveaway! To win your own DeWit potting scoop, leave a comment by midnight on March 20th. And you don’t have to be a small-space gardener; when it comes to giveaways this is an equal opportunity blog. As long as you are a resident of the United States, that is. The winner will be announced on this blog post on Thursday, March 21.

 Good lucky everyone!

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Updated 3-21: And the winner is Diane C.! Congrats Diane, and thank you to everyone who entered!