How to create texture in your garden

Colour and shape play a key role in the garden, but we often forget about the role of texture in garden design. Plant textures vary from very fine and airy to coarse, with a whole range in between.  As we’ve seen in previous posts on garden design, texture can refer to the overall plant form as well as the shape and size of the leaves and/or blooms. Creating texture in your garden can also be accomplished by varying colours and contrasts, and by including garden ornaments and structures.

In the photos below you’ll see how the bold flat leaves of Tropicanna® Cannas, the dainty blossoms of Flower Carpet® Roses and the foliage on Festival™ Cordylines (Fountain™ cordylines), when combined with other plants such as Storm™ Agapanthus, can help to add texture to any garden.

Use these photos showing how a variety of textures can easily add interest to any garden as a starting point for incorporating more texture into your garden!

Coarse textured and/or large foliage plants often add a tropical touch to gardens – even in colder climates!

Plants with small leaves and/or blooms are generally fine-textured plants. They give a light and airy feeling to a garden.

Fine textures, including leaf textures and soft colours, can often accentuate nearby plants.

Using a variety of textures within a given space adds impact and interest to your garden. The textures and shape of nearby trees and shrubs should be taken into consideration as well.

Finer textured plants like ornamental grasses and cordylines often allow motion to play an interesting role in the garden, where even a slight breeze will send them swaying gently.

Add contrast by combining coarse-textured plants with medium or fine-textured plants.

Garden ornaments and furnishings can also help to add texture to the garden.

As we’ve seen, a combination of shapes and forms can easily add interest and “texture” to any garden.  Give it a try yourself!

Want to see more inspirational ideas click here!