Consider the Leaf: Foliage in Garden Design

Rating:
Summary: This Book Might Change Your Thinking on Garden Design
Review: The leaf itself is not only worthy of consideration, it should be the determining factor, says this author. A plant doesn't earn its keep unless it has an interesting leaf that contributes to the esthetics of the garden. This is a different way of looking at garden planning, as most people choose plants based on their flower.

I used the book this spring when I redesigned my front herb and flower gardens, a task which was prompted by tree growth that had turned a formerly sunny garden into a shade garden. I learned that by "considering the leaf," I could have my flowers early in the season while the tree leaves were unfurling. Peonies, daylilies, ferns and hostas, arranged with respect to their leaf shape, gave me foliage and flowers throughout the summer. Furthermore, when arranged by leaf shape and color, I found I had an attractive display even when there were no blooms going on.

I found that design using this principle resulted in more color than what I would have otherwise. There are several sections of color plates to illustrate the different approaches and I am excited about using some of these ideas next year.