There’s a new man in my garden and he is a little fierce looking, don’t cha think? I mean, all that long hair and what about those teeth? I’m okay with it though. Because, really, he is quite the pussycat.
Since he appears to be sticking around we have named him Lionel (after a favourite character in the show As Time Goes By.) I have a bit of a crush on him actually. He is the strong, silent type and doesn’t ask for much besides a drink now and then (like many men).
He brings a certain ambience to the garden and soothes us with his gentle song after a long day. To be truthful, we don’t know how we lived without him for so long.
I find myself wanting to plant at his feet. First, I moved a languishing maidenhair fern from a too shady spot to his base. It will keep the ostrich fern beside him company. Next, perhaps a silvery fern like the Japanese Painted Fern?
I don’t want the spot to get busy and plan to stick with a pretty monochromatic palette with emphasis on texture and maybe one or two stunning plants that bloom in succession. How about something with some white candle-shaped flowers to contrast against his dark complexion? Off to his side is a Limelight hydrangea which I think will look gorgeous against him later in the summer.
I am open to suggestions from all you experts with such good taste. The bed is south facing but gets dappled light for most of the day. I know he will appreciate your efforts.
I think maybe he likes to be adorned, and, um, admired. :)
9 comments:
What about a dark, round-leaf Ligularia? They like shade and moisture plus they're just gorgeous. Or perhaps a hosta with white in its foliage to echo the white lilac. Something really leafy would juxtapose the fern really well I think. This is a gorgeous setting!
Lionel looks lovely. My hubby and I enjoy As Time Goes By too. Judi Dench is such an amazing woman.
Have fun!
Ms S. girl I am still laughing at your Yoda comment ;-)
I am totally in love with the new "man" in your life and would love to have one of him as well !
Cool colours with that stunning charcoal black are perfect.
That one ostrich fern ? won't be lonely for long, they tend to be like rabbits if you know what I mean.
I have a farm of them here! LOL
I was thinking of hosta too .. there are some beautiful mini ones in cool blues .. or lime green.
White is so gorgeous with it though. So many choices to make will make you dizzy girl !
Joy : )
PS .. I love that show as well and I want to be Judi Dench when I grow up! haha
I smiled the way you addressed him, haha! But it really brings a lot of character to your garden. It reminds me of so many fountains of that character in Rome, sometimes it also gets scary!
Grace: Thanks for the suggestions! I agree the Ligularia are just gorgeous—and dramatic! I love thinking about what do add to a section of the garden to create a vignette. The daydreaming part of gardening is always so much fun. :)
Joy: I loved your Yoda! Lol
I really like the idea of something in lime. I will keep my eye out for a lime hosta, preferably one with white flowers. Maybe some golden Creeping Jenny as a groundcover. It is robust here but not as aggressive as in warmer zones.
Andrea: Hi! We are quite smitten with Lionel. He brings a surprising presence to the garden which thrills me. He is a tiny bit intimidating, but not enough to scare our little son so just right. :)
I think a red bleeding heart would be stunning against the black. Excellent addition to the garden! :o)
What a beautiful boy Lionel is (great name too, very strong ) Love the idea of a japanese painted fern. I'm not usually a fan of those but in this case I think the silver will really play off the black of the fountain very well.
Marguerite, Thanks! I do love the idea of the Japanese Painted Fern but now I am thinking of something more vertical. I saw an annual veronica that was silvery white with tall spikes and I think I have to go back and get it. :)
Totally gorgeous images..I love it already..beautiful..magical and enchanting...I love Lions..so I am smitten too! Fantastic garden..!!
What a great idea! Love the water feature and all green and white planting sounds lovely.
xoxo Ingrid
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