Plant Forms

There are three design elements to consider when creating a planting design: form, texture and color.

Each plant you choose encompasses these characteristics in different ways. Though you should consider all of these it is important to know that form is the most consistent, then texture and finally color.

A good planting design should start with a strong composition of forms.  Below are some examples.

Can you think of plants in your area that fit these forms...whether tree, shrub or even perennial?

Bright Spots Today

As I was walking through campus yesterday I noticed many of the shrub roses blooming. The top rose is "All the Rage", the middle photo is "Yellow Submarine" and the last is still unknown to me (any thoughts?). All are about three feet tall...and growing in zone 5a. A big thanks to campus staff for helping me identify them.

Bright Spots Today

This odd weather is making everything bloom very early.  I thought it would be fun to capture these bright spots once in awhile.  Below is what I caught on film today walking through the Iowa State University campus.