I think an interesting garden is about more than just visual charm. It is also about incorporating all the senses into an experience. Sight and smell are the obvious ones, but don't forget sound, taste and touch. Can you picture a garden without the sound of birds? Isn't it much more fun to walk through a garden and be able to pick a fresh strawberry or ripe apple and enjoy it on the spot? But don't forget the tactile side of a garden. A garden with great depth will blend hard, rough, smooth and soft textures together for a sensual experience for the visitor. There are few plants softer to the touch than lambs ears (stachys byzantina). It is also drought tolerant and has the most lovely blooms that the bees find irresistible. Works for me!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Soft
I think an interesting garden is about more than just visual charm. It is also about incorporating all the senses into an experience. Sight and smell are the obvious ones, but don't forget sound, taste and touch. Can you picture a garden without the sound of birds? Isn't it much more fun to walk through a garden and be able to pick a fresh strawberry or ripe apple and enjoy it on the spot? But don't forget the tactile side of a garden. A garden with great depth will blend hard, rough, smooth and soft textures together for a sensual experience for the visitor. There are few plants softer to the touch than lambs ears (stachys byzantina). It is also drought tolerant and has the most lovely blooms that the bees find irresistible. Works for me!
Works for me, too. It is just so different with its soft texture and pretty color. Mine are blooming for the first time in my garden, which makes me love it even more. Enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteSoft is good. I love this plant and the fact that it's low maintenance.
ReplyDeleteI've learned to really like lamb's ear now that I'm gardening in shade (lamb's ear needs shade from our blistering sun) and in deer country. The soft texture and silver coloring are a bonus.
ReplyDelete