Spring Foliage

Foliage is an element in the garden which should never be underestimated. Colour is undoubtedly eye catching but is frequently ephemeral and sometimes elusive. A fickle spell of weather can scupper the best planned flower schemes. However, foliage is far more often, reliable, longer lasting and with an infinite variety.

The little raised bed by the upper bench is dominated by the laburnum tree but it is underplanted with an eclectic mix of shade loving plants. Admittedly, there are some primroses in bloom but for me the star of the show has to be the contrasting leaf shapes, sizes and hues. What I also appreciate is the different leaf textures. Rough, waxy, hairy, ridged, smooth they can also be very tactile. They do coincidentally, at least in the Pennine garden, provide a convenient feline hiding place where a watchful eye can be kept for neighbouring bandits looking to invade their territory!

A garden designed with foliage as a first principle will prove to be a less fickle mistress and virtually guaranteed to deliver. 

Top tip: when designing or replanting a patch of your garden think about the impact the foliage can have, either the stand alone effect of the plant leaves or the intriguing combinations which can be created.

Heuchera Green Spice