Looking for inspiration

Visiting other gardens is considered one of the best ways to be inspired with ideas for our own gardens. I find I get as many great ideas and bits of information trolling the web as I do visiting a garden in person. Here are a few online images that have recently sparked my imagination. 

I love Carexes and discovered this photo on the website of Plant Delights Nursery. I think this is a brilliant combination of color, form and texture. The grass is Carex retroflexa 'Bonnie and Clyde' but the Heuchera is not identified since the point of the picture is to sell the Carex. This image proves that two plants — the right two plants — can create a show-stopping moment. 

I have been growing bronze fennel in my garden but it doesn't do much visually for me. Nothing like this giant fennel in the garden of Dan Pearson in the UK. It went on my wish list the moment I saw this photo in the British House and Garden magazine. I am in love with plants that will tower above me. 

This is Rodgersia podophylla in the gardens at Cady's Falls Nursery in Vt. But it's surrounded by Barberries and Peonies, plants that like the sun. Rodgersias like the shade. But this image suggests they may be able to take more sun than I've been giving mine. This one looks so happy and healthy that I am probably going to move my slowpoke plant this spring. 

Author Matt Mattus has plants and ideas and information galore on his blog, Growing With Plants. In this photo of his early spring garden, he's done something it never occurred to me to do. He's put at least three different varieties of Fritillaries in three different colors around this urn filled with pansies. I've always put my Frits in different areas of the garden far away from each other. No more.

I saw this garden image on the blog of The Frustrated Gardener in the UK. Like Matt Mattus, he's another obsessive gardener sharing tons of advice, ideas and information. I grow a lot of Toadlilies (Tricyrtis sp.) and Heuchera but I've never seen them used as ground covers like this. The angle of the photo is a bit confusing because my Tricyrtis like this variety are at least two feet tall. What a thrill it would be to turn a corner and discover swaths of these plants that you could walk between.

I've planted the most floriferous area in my garden with a lot of pink, lavender and purple flowers. I wold love to add this plant, Lysimachia purpurea. It could be tucked in anywhere and would give a wonderful burst of color without overwhelming its neighbors. I've yet to find it for sale anywhere but I hopeful.

Have you got a blog, magazine or Youtube video channel that is your go-to source for ideas?

Comments

[Barbara H.]

Hah! I read your blog for similar inspiration, plant identification and all around lovely pictures with edifying words.

[Linda Brazill]

BARBARA — ​Thanks for that nice compliment.

[danger garden]

I've planted rodgersia in too much sun and it wilts quickly and tends to get sunburnt. Perhaps the trick is to give it more water than I do?

And I agree with Barbara, your blog is very inspiring!

[Kris P]

You're always so thoughtful and discerning about your plant schemes, Linda. I wish I did a better job of research before planting...

I get a lot of ideas from other bloggers, although I steal ideas mostly from bloggers who have climates similar to my own. Instagram is becoming a useful source too, although I still prefer the broader context provided in blog posts.

[Tracy]

Your blog inspires me. I planted a small toad lily 5 years ago and it is taking off. I love that mass planting. I follow both blogs you cited. I also Like Danger Garden and Rambling In The Garden.

[Beth@PlantPostings]

There are so many gardens (including yours) and blogs and photos that inspire me. And the favorites (combinations and plants) keep changing from year to year. These are some great examples. Thanks for sharing!