As I looked through my garden photos recently I came across this shot taken at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. It got me thinking about placing plants next to hard surfaces. When we design gardens we consider the textures and colors of foliage, the height of the plants, when they flower (if they flower) and what color those blooms are. We think about multiple seasons of interest, pollinators, wildlife and including edibles. We plan for things that will soften hard edges and supply delightful fragrances. But how often do we reflect on the shadows that our plants might cast? Have you ever placed a plant in your gardens just for their shadows?
I was as taken with the iris shadows as I was with their beautiful purple flowers, and they have me thinking about a whole new aspect of garden design.
