Layered Plantings, From Earth To Sky
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58166839/list/3-easy-ways-you-can-garden-for-nature 'When our gardens are thick with plants of varying heights and varying leaf structures, weeds get shaded and crowded out — the leaves and plants aboveground steal the sunlight. Plants can also outcompete many weeds as they hunt for nutrients below ground through their roots. 'That underground competition works especially well for garden plants if you layer plants below ground too. Include plants with deep taproots, such as baptisia, milkweed and compass plant (Silphium laciniatum); those with more fibrous root zones, such as little bluestem andsideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula); and oru native sedges (Carexx spp.) These various root systems not only outcompete weeds, but they also open up and improve the soil, creating more life and increasing water-holding capacity.'
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64463174/list/garden-design-for-wildlife-and-less-work 'It’s important to plant like next to like in order to have a garden bed that doesn’t go crazy on you. Plant aggressive plants with aggressive plants; let them duke it out and keep each other in check. Let clumping plants and native bunch grasses cozy up to one another and enjoy their mutual separation. This will help the intended design stay intact longer while easing your maintenance load.'
In this yard, the groundcover and low perennials layers are nicely done, and there are tall trees and a couple of small trees. But the middle levels (where you would see tall perennials, small and large shrubs, and vines) are pretty empty. The white fence looks like a blank canvas, waiting to be filled. Maybe the garden is still fairly new and and there hasn't been time for shrubs to grow.
Redbud tree, white and yellow daffodils, and yellow violas. I think I also see some muscari at front left. I love the way the river of daffodils on each side leads your eye around to the gate. I also like the use of two kinds of hedge to create privacy, and the way the trees help mask the view of the electric wires. When the weather warms up, you can put a couple of chairs under the redbud tree and sit out there with your honey.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67873332/list/8-ways-to-grow-more-plants-in-small-spaces 'Create layered plantings. This tropical garden looks extra lush because of its multitiered plantings. Raised beds feature plants of different heights, including smaller trees, shrubs of varying types and ground covers. The plants pour over one another and reach toward the light to fill this small courtyard with lush textures.'
Q