GARDEN TEXTURES: LOOK & TOUCH - SHRUBS, GROUND COVERS & HERBS -

Lorelie’s & Tim’s Garden

Michelle’s & Karl’s Garden

EDITORS' NOTE

We invite you to visit our Everett gardens for a close view of the varied and subtle textures in our shrubs, herbs and groundcovers. These plants add seasonal interest and are adaptable to different areas of the garden; many can be used in planters as well.

SHRUBS

Perennial shrubs provide permanent structure in a garden, so their placement should consider eventual size, shape and foliage texture. Many compact shrub thrive in planters, but “sprawling” shrubs need space.

Looking closely at the groups of photos above and below this note. You will discover a variety of textures, colors, shapes and tactile qualities in the shrubs.

Consider the surface textures. Is it smooth, hard, bumpy, rubbery, waxy or heavily veined? What are the tactile qualities of the plant? What would you feel if you held a leaf between your fingers?

How can these qualities be blended into a aesthetically pleasing and rewarding garden? What fun to make that happen!

Actually, a garden is really just made up of leaves and flowers! They each come in three general sizes: fine texture with its small leaves or small, spread apart flowers, medium texture with its average sized leaves and flowers, coarse textures with its large leaves and flowers.

Blending these textures thoughtfully in a garden creates a joyful display for all visitors.

GROUNDCOVERS & HERBS

Perennial groundcovers and herbs require little care but provide many garden benefits. Bees are attracted to their blooms, weeds are inhibited by the foliage, and most thrive in planters as well in garden soil.