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 FOUR FACETS OF PLANTING DESIGN. ♥︎

PLANTS SERVE MANY ROLES

There are many things to consider as we narrow in on our final plant list. Will they thrive on our shady site, will they serve as the perfect wall to define our garden room, will they glow with the most beautiful colors, and will they attract our favorite butterflies? Many of these considerations can be grouped into the four facets that I'll discuss below. When you include all four, your planting design is much stronger.

THE FOUR FACETS OF PLANTING DESIGN

Below are the four facets to consider as you choose and arrange plants in your landscape.

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.01 ENVIRONMENTAL

All plants have certain conditions that must be met for them to thrive on a site.  As you narrow down possible plant choices this is a great place to start. I like to make an initial list considering things like plant hardiness zone and cultural needs (shade, sun, wet, dry).

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.02 FUNCTIONAL

Plants can play a functional role in the landscape by defining garden rooms, controlling circulation, providing shade and privacy screens, framing views, and even helping minimize erosion. Think about how you can use plants beyond these examples. 

.03 AESTHETIC

As we choose and place plants we also want to consider how they will enhance our outdoor spaces aesthetically.  The beauty of plants makes a powerful impact on our outdoor spaces...and how we feel in them. This is where we consider form, texture and color.

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.04 ECOLOGICAL

Consider choosing plants that naturally grow together or at least thrive in similar conditions as a local plant community. For instance, my backyard is inspired by a white oak plant community...so I'm in the process of researching native plants that grow in that environment. Also consider what plants might attract wildlife. 

Join us for more planting design tips!

Next week, Thursday, May 2 I'm offering a PLANTING DESIGN 101 MASTERCLASS. It will cover these four facets, plus dive a little deeper into the aesthetic one. It will take place during one session (about 2 hours) via zoom. If you're new to this topic, this is a great way to start your planting design journey. Click here to sign up.

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Need design inspiration now? You're welcome to join our 10x10 GARDEN DESIGN TIPS email journey for only $10.

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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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Happy planting,

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.