Puerto Rico Pleasures

Nature's design. It's where I find so much inspiration.

Here are some inspiring photos from my recent trip to Puerto Rico.

 

We spent a day at the Jardin Botanico de Rio Piedres 

Are they leaves or a butterfly? 

 

Forms mimicking one another.

Nature's design can instruct us in our own plant choice decisions. Look around your landscape and repeat forms to add continuity and cohesiveness. Your mind's eye will remember and subconsciously relate the forms weather plant, animal, or man made.

 

Sculptures dot the gardens.

 Color and abundant foliage bring vibrancy and lushness to this tropical garden which attracts butterflies, birds, reptiles and amphibious wildlife.

Sparkling in the sun from a short downpour gives this flower a fluorescent appearance. 

I also found some wonderful design at the Castillo San Felipe del Morro the 16th century citadel in old San Juan.

We incorporate nature's designs into our architecture and landscapes...bringing nature to the city reminds us of the wild and bringing architecture into the wild reminds us of civilization. The juxtaposition of free flowing lines against formal structures brings balance and that is why we bring the two together so often in landscape design.

From Natural to Formal in Florida

The Swamp. Where giant lizards, poisonous snakes, and hand-sized spiders lurk among ferns and streamers of Spanish moss. A land of untamable beauty. 

 I had the pleasure of spending four days at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida located along Shingle Creek, headwaters to the Everglades. I took the opportunity to paddle a kayak along the creek to view the Tillandsias (air plants), ferns, trees and other native plants. My guide, Carlos, pointed out those plants that had been transported by ship from oversees that were impeding on the native species. Also, eggs laid on trees from a snail that is incredibly invasive. Every Cypress trunk had 2" long red casings of eggs. He took several opportunities to squash as many as he could with his paddle.

Despite all of this it seemed to me that the swamp was flourishing. The cicadas were whirring, the birds were singing, and the carp were splashing about after being startled from their resting places by our presence.

The land here is flat. From the air there is as much water as there is land with lakes, rivers, and ponds effortlessly flowing into one another creating waterways without end. The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes is located on a smaller lake and borders a natural reserve area. The bird life here was staggering. Cormorants, Cranes, Egrets, Herons, among so many others. I spent hours walking the grounds and observing how the landscaping of the property aided in the responsible management of the wildlife. Taking cues from the surrounding natural environment the developers used native plant species where practical and most appreciated by the wildlife.

Not only were there plenty of birds but other creatures as well. 

Since my time was short and the local Leu Gardens were not in seasonal color I decided to pursue the hotel itself. What grand-scale ideas could I bring down to the home owner level? Hotels are full of wonderful design ideas and some might surprise you!

Let's continue down the natural landscape path. Along the lake's edge were native water plants. As the bank rose to the hotel-laid walking path the use of grasses and sedges came into play supplying a barrier and cover for birds, reptiles, bunnies and rodents. I witnessed Bald Eagles, owls, hawks, and vultures hunting on the property. I honestly felt like I was in the Wild Kingdom! Not your typical hotel stay.

Pay close attention to how mass plantings create a sense of abundance and space. Hotel and commercial landscape architects use this tool skillfully and we can learn the art by observation. 

Keeping the wildlife in their element and the humans in theirs.

Another wonderful find on this property was this restaurants vegetable gardens. One of six on site, organic fare was it's signature. 

Let's move on now to more formal design.

Large pots make a statement and when similar plants are used around a central area they tie the space together.

These pots use different types of palms as the centerpiece and similar plants for fillers and trailers. Vibrant leaf color ensures striking beauty throughout a long season. In the adjacent garden large palms, set in rows, mimic the columns of the terrace. In cooler climates white bark birch would be a good choice.

I have never seen such an abundant use of coleus in a landscape and to tell you the truth, I was mesmerized! The selection of these colorfully leafed plants continues to grow and if they bloom in your climate it will be a bonus.

Rain every day didn't seam to bother these moisture lovers and with the new varieties that can withstand full sun we are not limited in our ample use of their vibrant color throughout the landscape. Pinching back keeps taller varieties in a neat bush.

In colder area (those that get frost), coleus should be grown as an annual.

I was rewarded richly for my closer investigation around this hotels property. Great design was around every corner. So the next time your garden visit plans get waylaid, take a walk and discover what's hiding just around the corner!

Planting With a Mind for Autumn

From left to right, Acer palmatum "Bloodgood" (Japanese Maple) , Larix decidua (European Larch), Japanese Maple, Nandina, deciduous azealea, Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)

Autumn is the perfect time in the Pacific Northwest to plant trees and shrubs. With the coming rains and cooler weather newly planted trees and shrubs have plenty of time to settle in before any ground freezing begins. As a bonus, many nurseries are having sales of up to 50% off their stock. Why not fill in your landscape with plants that will give you autumn color?

Japanese Maple and Dogwood stand out against the dark green background of conifers

Many flowering trees and shrubs close the summer with a crescendo of color. Extend garden interest by choosing Dogwood, Sourwood, Deciduous Azalea, Hydrangea, Fothergilla, Viburnum, Cercis canadensis, Weeping European Larch and others.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) not only sports bright orange leaves in autumn but also holds its seed clusters through the winter.

Viburnum and Hydrangea effectively create a background boarder. Planted en masse this combination can provide three seasons of interest. The Viburnum leafs out in early Spring followed by large white flower heads and then summer berries while Hydrangea leafs out in late spring and then blooms mid-summer and holds its flower heads until early winter. Both have autumn shades of burgundy and purple. Colors and bloom times vary within varieties selected. Selective pruning can enhance winter interest with architectural branching especially when adorned by snow or frost.

Viburnum and Hydrangea compliment each other in late summer.

Larix decidua pendula (weeping European Larch) is a deciduous conifer. Its needles turn yellow and orange before shedding. In spring the new growth is bright green.

Dwarf Nandina (foreground) is a compact evergreen. Use en masse as a ground cover or where space is limited to add color year round.

Dial-up the autumn interest in your garden by adding these plants into your landscape this year. I offer consultations to homeowners who need assistance. Let me help you properly place plants into your existing landscape!

Private Garden Tour

The Garden Conservancy http://www.gardenconservancy.org/ organizes private gardens each year to participate in their "Open Days" program. Finally this summer I found an open weekend to visit some of these gardens in Olympia, Washington. I was impressed!

Placed in dappled shade, this cast face changes moods from sun-up to sun-down

From city lots to acreage tracks, each garden offers something to take notice of. The personality of the owner shines through and you can truly see where their passion lies whether it be specimen plants, growing edibles, or art in the garden.

Lilium orienpet hybrid "Conca d'Or"

A true tri-colored lilly stood a full foot taller than I and scented the air with a delicious perfume. As I strolled through this "front yard" I felt completely removed from the street and neighborhood beyond it's front gate.

A true horticulturist, every plant was labeled with it's botanical name. The placement of the bench provided a destination and focal point for the alpine pathway.

These were extraordinary gardens on ordinary people's plots of land, either large or small. 

Have you encountered the black Calla Lilly? He's quite striking. Zantedeschia "Black Jack".

There were six gardens on this particular tour, open from 10 - 4. It's a self guided tour and you can visit at your leisure. The garden owners are there to answer your questions and point out any feature that is outstanding. Their knowledge is worth tapping into!

The form, texture, and color of this plant combination are exceptional.

Creating interest in your garden is easy. To avoid boredom use contrasting leaf form. Spiky vs weeping, large ovate vs ferny. Use a color chart to make decisions for color combinations and use varying heights of plants - low, medium, tall. Use these tips and your combinations will be a success.

A garden ornament made of glass plates, bowls, and jars adds a little whimsy to any garden.

Whimsical elements add fun to a garden and is a unique way to express yourself. Try making living garden "art" from ordinary objects like the jeans below.

Slid into a plant trellis, filled with soil, then slit open to add plants, these jeans take on a second life!

I took away so many great ideas from these gardeners that I can't wait to put them all into action on my own property! 

Another beautiful combination featuring Astilbe, Drooping leucothoe, and Rhododendron

Dinosaur Kale was tucked into this country garden. 

You don't have to have a vegetable garden to enjoy growing them. Tuck them into a bed of other annuals or to fill out your perennial beds. 

Not finding enough color from flowers and foliage? Add a bit more by thinking out of the box for fences, arbors, and other garden accessories like pots.

The Garden Conservancy Open Days program operates through November throughout the United States. Check their website for gardens near you.