We grow several plants because of their interesting foliage, and almost despite their flowers. Nice leaves add interest to the garden through the whole season, not just while the plant's in bloom. We've got several different Hosta types and ferns, but I'm not showing those right now. They're not properly up yet anyway. We've got several grasses too, and this one is a real sweetie: The Aquilegia, columbine, has lovely, ferny foliage, but this multicoloured one is a nice contrast in-between the normal, green ones: This is a variegated Astrantia. It lives in part shade next to cousins with normal foliage: The small Astilbe crispa has white blooms, but it's the leaves that made me bring it home. They're really stiff and sort of crumbled! Once summer's here, the leaves will be a dark, shiny green, but the texture will still be there. This Iris has boring, blue, small blooms, but I love the striped leaves. You can see our only piece of garden decor peeping through in there: We've purchased a few Heuchera (six or seven), and there will be more! They're lovely contrasts to plants with strong flower colours and green foliage. Here are three of them: The big Rodgersia leaves are so striking, but require lots of room and light (at least here in Norway) to look their best. These were a gift from my mother-in-law: We try to mix interesting foliage in amongst other plants, just for contrast, added interest, weirdness or because we like it that way. I think it's a good way to bring variety to the border.
I have to agree with you Droopy about making it interesting. I don't have any foliage plants in my current beds but have some planned for the new bed. Thanks for showing us these.
Wow, Droopy! -- you stuff is looking verrrry good. It's so good in fact that I can't really say what is most apealing to me--it's ALL good. I like your display of foilage plants for contrast and added interest. It's a technique that I have seen alot of, both here and on the gardening shows. I have some grasses, but I do not do what you do. I guess I'm too basic,chuckle. I really do like your chouches, but I would like to see them from a distance also, you know--to get an idea of how they present in their own milieu. The variegated astrantia and aquilegia are sompin else! I would like to see pics of their flowers....please. Gosh... you sure do have some nice (and unusual) plants. Hats off to you and your man. Addendum: Is your frog (or toad) a male or female? There is also such a beast in my garden. Perhaps they could become pen-pals...hahahahaha
I love foliage plants too Droopy and have several ferns, hostas, grasses and plants, like lemon balm, in the garden. I really like your variegated astrantia - very striking!! I also have quite a few evergreen shrubs as they add splashes of colour to the garden throughout the winter months. I must remember to take some piccies for you when you come back.
Love the Astilbe and the Rodgersia. I have both in my garden, only different varieties. Your plants are definitely further along than they are here. Enjoy!
Lovely plants Droopy. I do so love the Iris - I had a clump and the foliage was indeed more interesting than the blooms. I had a big problem with Iris root borers and the entire clump is gone
Thank you all for your kind comments. We try to put the foliage plants here and there and not have too many too close together in the borders. The exceptions are Hostas and Heucheras. They look good together no matter what. Well, I think so.
I agree, some plants are just ment to be grown for their leaves,, you have a wonderful group of color going on there not just with the flowers but for the leaves. Its kind of like how i arrange my herbs,, by color and texture. Thanks for the pics,,
Just beautiful Droopy. Iris leaves seems to be all I am getting this year but they aren't nearly as interesting as yours. We have several native grasses that are very colorful. I am hoping to have many of them, especially the tall ones, along the front of the house as a backdrop for the other bed areas.
I like interesting foliage. I try to buy different plants like that too. I don't do grasses too much. Yours look good.
Thank you all. I've only recently discovered how good grass looks, so I'm still experimenting a bit with those.
