Garden Gate – October 2019

80 GARDEN GATE | The Perfect Autumn Garden | OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 149

BECOME A MASTER OF ILLUSION You can also use

texture to change a perceived space. In a small area, start

with coarse-textured plants in the foreground, such as the

bold agave (Agave spp.) above. Place plants that gradually

get fi ner in texture toward the back of the space. Notice how

in the photo above, your eye focuses on the bold plant in the

front fi rst? The back of the little courtyard, planted with fi ner-

foliaged roses, seems to “fuzz out” in the distance.

The opposite can be true of a large space that you’d

like to feel more cozy. Start with fi ne-foliaged plants in

front, such as yarrows (Achillea spp.) or grasses. Gradually

increase the size of the plant leaves and the coarseness of

visual texture toward the back. Garden visitors’ eyes will

immediately go to the drama of the coarse-textured plants,

making the back of the bed seem closer than it really is.

Don’t expect miracles, but a little illusion can go a long way.

Put texture to work Color may be the first thing in a garden that catches your

eye, but texture plays an important role. And in fall, it’s more apparent than ever — plants are at

their full-grown best! Look at the photo on this page — the gardens aren’t loaded with color, but

the plant shapes, forms and foliage texture still make them beautiful.

GG14967_83_BONUS.indd 80GG14967_83_BONUS.indd 80 6/26/2019 12:38:07 PM6/26/2019 12:38:07 PM

80 GARDEN GATE | The Perfect Autumn Garden | OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 149

BECOME A MASTER OF ILLUSION You can also use

texture to change a perceived space. In a small area, start

with coarse-textured plants in the foreground, such as the

bold agave (Agave spp.) above. Place plants that gradually

get fi ner in texture toward the back of the space. Notice how

in the photo above, your eye focuses on the bold plant in the

front fi rst? The back of the little courtyard, planted with fi ner-

foliaged roses, seems to “fuzz out” in the distance.

The opposite can be true of a large space that you’d

like to feel more cozy. Start with fi ne-foliaged plants in

front, such as yarrows (Achillea spp.) or grasses. Gradually

increase the size of the plant leaves and the coarseness of

visual texture toward the back. Garden visitors’ eyes will

immediately go to the drama of the coarse-textured plants,

making the back of the bed seem closer than it really is.

Don’t expect miracles, but a little illusion can go a long way.

Put texture to work Color may be the first thing in a garden that catches your

eye, but texture plays an important role. And in fall, it’s more apparent than ever — plants are at

their full-grown best! Look at the photo on this page — the gardens aren’t loaded with color, but

the plant shapes, forms and foliage texture still make them beautiful.