Don't Overlook Foliage! It's a Show All it's Own!

You hear it a hundred times throughout the season,  I just want color! And color is a wonderful thing! The bright reds, pinks and yellows... and ohh, let's not forget the whites, purples and oranges!

But what many people forget is that most perennials don't flower consistently all season. Many just can't do without it, color that is, so as soon as annuals can be planted-  they are out and planting. But my advice is, don't over look the color, textures, and lines of the various type of foliage that is around your yard and garden all season long! Instead embrace it as the many colors and contrast that it provides.

In fact the dictionary gives this definition of Foliage: a representation of leaves, flowers, and branches for architectural ornamentation. Yes, I would agree! As one who also love architecture, foliage offers it's own architecture to the landscape.

One prime example, is the hosta. It's blooms are short in contrast to the various shades and types of leafs they offer. From blue-greens, lime, variegated with white and dark green leaves- the foliage show never  stops.
I love looking out, especially in late April and May and seeing the wind move my Dappled Willow Bushes. Their foliage changes from green to variegated with pinks and whites as the seasons change.

Delphinium, center 

Other favorites include:

• The Delphinium. (intricate)
• Lambs Ears (so soft and fuzzy)
• Lamium
• Cora Bells (varieties include purples and greens/pinks)
• Lavender  (and it smells great even without blooms!)
• Weeping Willow Tree (amazing to see move)
• Evergreens (a staple we can count on year-round for color!)
• Ninebark Bush (Dark burgandy leaves)

Lamium

Georgia Peach Cora Bells

Japanese Blood grass mass planting

And then there are the grasses:
(They sway and move for us all summer, fall and even during the winter season!)

• Pampus 
• Karl Forester 
• Japanese Blood 
• And so many more!  

So while your waiting for your favorite flower to bloom why not take a closer look at it's foliage? It has way more to offer than you realize. Don't miss it!