Weekly garden tip

Week Commencing 08/12/08

IN THE GARDEN THIS WEEK...

• Many gardeners are keen to extend the visual impact of their gardens, for as long a season as possible.  Recognising the beauty of seed heads, decaying stems and leaves can add to the exciting richness and diversity of nature.

• The low-angled light of an autumnal or winter setting sun can enhance the beauty of subtle fawns and browns, highlighting sculptural forms and artistic shapes.

• Matching or contrasting assets such as tall Verbascum seed stems with tree trunks behind, or spiky Yucca through a carpet of soft ‘lambs ears' (Stachys) can give your garden the edge.

• So too can the bold use of bright accent paint colours on sculptural features, or the spotlighting of focal points.

Re-inventing the gardener as ‘artist' is all about having fun and admiring the results of imaginative planting and gardening.