Not everyone is blessed with a large yard where design ideas can run riot. It is possible, however, to achieve impact in a smaller space. How? By stimulating multiple senses with plantings. Mass plantings are very successful where space is not a problem, but in a tight space, large plants or large groups of plants are not practical. Planning, improvisation and creativity are required to devise smaller-scale harmonious plantings that stimulate the senses. Stimulating the sense of sight as well as the senses of smell and touch can open up a wide array of choices. Sometimes this can be done with a single plant (rhododendron can provide fragrance plus color and sculptural interest) or with a combination of plants (creeping phlox with lamb’s ears behind provide color plus texture).
Gardens planted with plants producing fragrant blue or white flowers are staples of impact gardening. Mixing types and heights of plants is another possibility: Using perennials with larger shrubs or small trees works very effectively in smaller gardens. With careful planning, the ambitious gardener may be able to combine color, fragrance, texture, type, shape and even seasonal change to create a harmonious, delightful space. These multiple combinations can be difficult to achieve and require extensive research. The most difficult element of these is creating impact for all four seasons, but it is possible. Designing such a space in detail would be a great project for the dull months of winter. In the search for impact now, turn to the ever-reliable annuals, the backbone of summer and fall color.
This is the time to buy and plant these pops of color. Don’t be tempted to buy one of every plant in the garden center – choose fewer types of plant but more of each type for maximum impact. Pay attention to the ultimate heights of your annuals, to avoid putting taller plants in front of shorter ones. Remember that plants with colored foliage are just as effective as flowering plants for color in the garden. One of the best things about annuals is that if you try something that doesn’t do well or you don’t like it, you can try something different next year. So go ahead – try something new!
