Yes, I agree, its lacking a bit of height in the planting. One or two strategically placed trees or columnar shrubs will create a mid storey, bringing the wider view into your garden. Consider tall, wavy, plants that you can see through as well, such as grasses, verbena bonariensis etc. If you want to frame a particular view, think about where you want to frame it from - a seating area, perhaps? A pergola around the seating area or a rose/clematis arch in the border can frame a distant view and offer new perspectives.
For inspiration, have a look at the Japanese art of ‘borrowed landscape’, which doesn’t mean a Japanese planting scheme, the same principles can be applied to any style of garden. The ‘glorification of the glimpse’ is another Japanese concept whereby an intimate view is created through gaps in the planting and where the spaces between the plants are as important as the plants in the composition.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
WOW!!Thank you so much for your artistic knowledge, I now understand what is needed. I will spend time in choosing the plants and not rush it. I agree with what you both advise but couldn't have worked it out myself. I will research all you say. I am due to have a major heart operation soon so will make this an enjoyable project to show off next year. Both of you have inspired me when I was getting despondent over trying to figure it out. I am extremely grateful and excited at the thought of getting it right. I am truly grateful to you for being so kind in sharing your knowledge and taking the time to help me out. I will endeavour to post pictures next year of the new project.
Good luck with the operation, Hazel and wishing you a speedy recovery. When you are ready, it helps to play around with a rough plan on paper or take some photos of the views and scribble planting shapes over them with some tracing paper. Then set out your plants, stand back and adjust. I sometimes leave plants in their pots where I think I want them for a few days to make sure I am happy with how it looks. Go easy on yourself and remember that nobody ever gets it right first time!
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
Another excellent idea!! Thank you. I am now aware of NOT getting it right the first time. That is why I am now doing it again. We returned here from France 2 years ago and tore out everything and made a new garden, however, I got that bed VERY wrong. Instead of making the most of the view, I spoilt it a bit. I will take my time this time and do as you say and make a PROPER plan. I am grateful for your expert help and now have something to look forward to. Grateful thanks and continue to enjoy sunny Spain. Hazel.
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For inspiration, have a look at the Japanese art of ‘borrowed landscape’, which doesn’t mean a Japanese planting scheme, the same principles can be applied to any style of garden. The ‘glorification of the glimpse’ is another Japanese concept whereby an intimate view is created through gaps in the planting and where the spaces between the plants are as important as the plants in the composition.
I am truly grateful to you for being so kind in sharing your knowledge and taking the time to help me out. I will endeavour to post pictures next year of the new project.
Very best wishes .
Hazel .
Grateful thanks and continue to enjoy sunny Spain.
Hazel.