One of the highlights at Longwood Gardens this past August was the apprentice displays in a discreet corner of the property. You would have missed these little jewels if you weren’t keen on seeing every square inch of this world-renowned garden, as we were.
This garden was named ‘Moonstruck’ and was designed by student gardeners Jessica Whitehead and Deirdre Berthiaume. Their inspiration was a walk on the moon, where they imagined the plants would be silver and ghostly.
Plants like agave, artemisia, acanthus, plectranthus, echeveria, silver sages and others form the story in this sweeping landscape.
Two kinds and colours of scree or pebble makes a perfect foil for these desert plants.
The contrasting texture of the foliage and the tones of grey, silver, blue, purple and green all contribute to this garden’s striking effect.
Negative space is clearly just as important as planted space. Especially when you incorporate strong edges or transitions.
Be sure to look out for these ‘novice’ gardens when you visit. They’re extremely creative and very well orchestrated.
December 22, 2012 at 7:11 am
Very nice display of silver plants, but not an idea I’d take home to my garden as I like color and lots of it.
December 22, 2012 at 11:41 pm
You’re right Libby – its not to everyone’s taste. But in person, boy, was it stunning! Just another idea to put in your back pocket…