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Contrast Colors and Texture to Add Pizzazz to the Garden

Is your garden looking a bit drab? It’s time to liven things up with a few new plant combinations.  

Pair plants with opposite features to create a focal point and add a bit of pizazz to the landscape.

Start with color. Pairing plants with colors on the opposite side of the color wheel is sure to grab your attention. Blue salvia and yellow coreopsis, purple heliotrope and orange blackberry lily are just a few examples.

Look for opportunities to add some interesting textures. The fine leaves of ornamental grass are great against the bolder leaves of canna. Or, mix Russian sage with your coneflowers.

And look for interesting and contrasting forms. Plant tall spiky speedwells next to round flowered zinnias or set a squatty round birdbath in front of a stand of tall hollyhocks.  These contrasting combinations emphasize each partner’s unique features.

A bit more information: The same design strategy works in the shade.  Combine the yellow daisy flowers of leopard’s bane with the spiky blue flowers of camassia. Or try mixing Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) in front of a big blue leafed hosta.

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
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April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
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April 5, 2023
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April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

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April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
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April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

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