Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's explore the beauty of white in celebration of this wintery month. ♥︎

THE FIRST WHITE GARDEN?

It is said that the first white garden was created by Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst Castle in 1932. This garden is described as beds overflowing with gray and silver leaves, plus (you guessed it) lovely white flowering plants, all surrounded with a tall hedge. Did the magic start here? Perhaps, but either way, many of us continue to fall in love with the innocence of this garden theme. Please read more about this history in The White Garden. 

WHITE SYMBOLISM

Much like a blank canvas, the color white symbolizes a fresh start. It also symbolizes the idea of simplicity, elegance and optimism. If you are someone that enjoys a soft, relaxing space, consider incorporating the purity of a white color palette in your garden like some of the examples below.

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Simplicity: Try a mixed border of white flowering plants, white variegated leaves, plus a sprinkling of all-green plants for some contrast. A border like this doesn't jump out at you, but instead encourages you to relax and enjoy the details of each plant.

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Elegance: White furniture, a white pergola, and lots of white twinkling lights amongst all green plants has simplicity and elegance wrapped all around it. Place a few silver-foliaged plants to ramp up the sparkle a bit more.

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Optimism: Use white plants to create a happy contrast when you pair them with bold colors such as red, purple or pink. When you mix in the clean palette of white, it amplifies the joy of other colors.

WHITE GARDEN INSPIRATION

Find some lovely white flowering plants in your zone using the Monrovia Nursery Plantfinder, then include elements such as furniture, garden structures and other decor to bring this relaxing color into your garden.

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I'm loving this post on HOW TO DESIGN AN ALL WHITE GARDEN.

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Here is another beautiful post on 10 WHITE GARDEN IDEAS.

LET'S DO THIS! 

How do you use white in your landscape? Tag me on Instagram or hit reply to this email.

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If you're interested in refining your drawing skills and being part of an awesome community check out GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. Enrollment is open until the end of today, January 19, 2023 US Central Time. This course is only open once a year at this time.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit your in-box. I look forward to seeing you in two short weeks. 

With warmest regards, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for helping write this issue and for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.