ADD DRAMA WITH SOFT GREY FOLIAGE
To break up to endless variety of green in any garden, the natural tendency is to think of foliage variegation. Grey foliage can also do the same job.
A bee on Sea Holly Flowers
Not only does grey sing sweetly in amongst the greens, it also provides a nice foil for brighter colors.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, ON
Blue Seakale, Crambe maritima in front of blue Salvia.
Brain Folmer's garden near Walkerton, ON
Vivid colors seem even more vibrant against a neutral backdrop.
Larkwhistle Garden on the Bruce Peninsula.
Grey also makes the perfect foil for these light blue Sea Holly, Eryngium and purple Monkshood, Aconitum (in the foreground) flowers.
In terms of grey foliage, there are leaves splattered with grey-green like this Lungwart, Pulmonaria.
Lost Horizons Nursery, Acton, Ontario.
Here is the Pulmonaria in a garden (see lower left corner).
And there are also leaves broken with grey-green like this Brunnera 'Jack Frost'...
or this Coral Bells, Heuchera, 'Berry Marmalade'.
Edwards Gardens, Toronto.
There are also perennials with solid grey foliage.
Annual Licorice and Dusty Miller
These are two grey foliage choices that are annuals.
Edwards Gardens, Toronto.
Even when there is not a lot in flower, grey foliage can make for an interesting planting scheme.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
Join the conversation
2 comments
-
Beautiful! I love unexpected colors in gardens :)
-
I'd much rather see 50 shades of grey in the garden than in the bookstore!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?