When I am designing a garden, I always fall back on a few basic principles. One of the most important is establishing a strong framework of small trees, shrubs, and perennials as a backdrop then I will leave the foreground open for a planting of seasonal color. This is usually in the form of annual and these days, there are so many varieties to choose from whether you are gardening in sun or shade. For sun, I like using cool colors like blue salvia, pale yellow Marigolds, and white Vinca. For shade, lighter colors always seem to stand out better so, I like to use pale colored impatiens, Browallia, and this little plant called Torenia.
Of course, perennials will work in either situation. I found that the bronze leaf once prefer full sun while the green leaf ones are very happy in the shade. When I plant annuals, I like to plant in pockets or drifts. Depending on the size of the garden, five to six plants, now space them eight to 10 maybe 12 inches apart for maximum coverage.
For maximum visual impact, I plant one of two-ways I either plant all of the same color or I plant the same color family with slight variations of shade like what I have done with these impatiens. One thing you may want to keep in mind is not to fall into a rod of planting the same annuals in the same place, year after year by mixing it up. You can stay one-step ahead of pests. Another thing I like to do is under plant my annuals with bulbs in the fall so, in the spring, I have tulips and daffodils coming up through annual plants like pansies. It is a great combination. From The Garden, I am Allen Smith.
If you would like more information on this topic or any other gardening topic, just check out my website, PAllenSmith.com.
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