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A busy bench demands a busy plant

comments (9) November 2nd, 2011 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

Photo: Michelle Gervais

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Another couple of shots from the Enid A. Haupt garden--this garden is a TREASURE! These benches certainly don't fade into the background, even though their color usually would. Instead, they're intricate and gorgeous focal points. I think the gardeners here have chosen the perfect plants to accompany them--they're both intriguingly textured, whether with leaf pattern or form. Can anyone think of other plants that would pair well with these benches?

posted in: Seating, Haupt

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Mystery Plant!

Comments (9)

pattyspencer writes: Love the bush behind the bench but the "thing" next to it sorta looks like it dying. Is is drooping because that's the way it's supposed to be or does it need watering? Posted: 5:34 pm on November 11th

bamboomary writes: I would junk the bench and keep that gorgeous shrub. Too pretty, can't possibly be hardy, Love it. Posted: 10:54 pm on November 2nd

Formandfoliage writes: We'd go for light-colored foliage that would contrast nicely with the benches, perhaps Hebe pimeleoides 'Quicksilver', Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight', Meleleuca incana or Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca pendula', depending on whether you were looking for herbaceous or woody plants. All have the requisite texture but 'read' as solid color behind the ornately decorated bench. Posted: 5:15 pm on November 2nd

greendog4 writes: I personally find the combination too busy. I believe a giant leaf plant combination such as Empress Hosta & Brit Marie Ligularia would work beautifully to frame the benches without competing with them. Posted: 11:32 am on November 2nd

HollyL123 writes: How wonderful to see the photos of the Enid A. Haupt Garden! I worked at the Smithsonian for many years and loved having lunch or taking a break in the Haupt Garden. Always changing, and the horticulture staff is amazing. Posted: 10:38 am on November 2nd

gardengal42 writes: I do believe the plant is a eucalyptus, I have been growing one here in North Carolina. I like to use some of the branches at Christmas for my flower arrangements they make the house smell so lovely. I would like to see my plant as full as the one they are showing. My plant is more tree like. Any suggestions ??? TKS Posted: 9:59 am on November 2nd

dmaurie writes: Beautiful! What is it? Posted: 9:27 am on November 2nd

oldsquaw writes: I'm thinking a vitex or chaste tree would also work. Is this a eucalyptus? Posted: 7:35 am on November 2nd

gottagarden writes: I have this exact same bench. Mine is behind an arbor with clematis growing up both sides. Posted: 4:50 am on November 2nd

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