The Secret to Great Garden Design
There is a rule of design that can transform a garden from good to great. It's the principle of earth, man and sky. To create the best foundation, choose plants with year-round presence and mature sizes that match each of these three levels.
Eath- walk, ground covers and hydrangea. Man- Yews (Taxus) and viburnum. Sky- The magnolias
Earth: This is the ground level of your garden. Filling it might be short annuals, perennials or the often overlooked evergreen ground covers. It is important to have something at this level (earth) to anchor the garden, perhaps helping to outline its shape even in winter. Low-growing evergreen shrubs are a great idea. For this role I also like yuccas, liriope and grasses that are not cut back until spring.
Related: Find good "earth" level planting options in "Alternatives to Mulching Around Trees"
Man: Shrubs up to about six feet in height are great options for the "man" level. They set the backdrop of a garden, define its outer curves or balance a tree or other taller, heavier structure standing opposite. The man level of the garden also benefits from winter interest. Yews (Taxus) are great if you can keep the deer at bay. If an evergreen shrub is not a good companion for your garden, consider a shrub with a strong architectural form or winter color. Red-twig dogwoods are simple in shape, but their red branches are welcome in the winter garden. Ninebark has fabulous foliage, bark and gorgeous winter seed heads. Forsythia looks graceful year-round if it’s permitted to grow in its natural arching habit.
Related: "Shrubs With Bright Winter Stems"
Sky: Think of sky as the ceiling of the garden. This upper layer keeps our gaze focused within the garden space, rather than wandering off through the larger landscape. Smaller trees, often called patio trees, work well. Star magnolias are the perfect height and can be pruned to arch over the garden, acting much like the top of a picture frame. Look for a tree that stays in scale with your garden and adds winter interest, be it evergreen or deciduous with a strong architecture. A small garden, only 20 by 20 feet, would be dwarfed by a blue spruce, while a landscaped yard of over an acre or two would look bottom heavy with the only sky element a star magnolia.
Related: Read about seven excellent trees for the "sky" level of a smaller garden space.
The bottom line: As you consider plants to fill the roles of earth, man and sky in your garden, be careful to select plants with year-round interest and that are in scale to both the garden and the wider landscape.
