Garden Photo of the Day

READER PHOTOS! Linda's Garden in California

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
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Courtesy of Rebecca Sweet

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.

Courtesy of Rebecca Sweet

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: Courtesy of Rebecca Sweet

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Todays photos are from Rebecca Sweet, who wanted to share some photos from her mother's garden in Meadow Vista, California. I'm so glad she did! Rebecca says, "My mother, Linda Anderson, who gardens in Zone 8a, is a master at combining foliage in a way that's exciting yet not overwhelming.  In the first vignette (first photo), she's placed the frilly and deeply lobed leaves of a burgundy heuchera near the needle-like leaves of 'Angelina' sedum.  Those two are then placed near the variegated, lance-shaped leaves of apulmonaria with a punch of strappy 'Silvery Sunproof' liriope poking through.  And hovering overhead, like a protective mother, are the finely cut leaves of 'Dissectum' Japanese maple. In addition to my mother's artful combinations of contrasting foliage, she's also aware that too much contrast can cause someone to reach for the Excederin.  To prevent a headache, she adds an element of harmony by emphasizing color echoes throughout the bed, using the maroon foliage as well as the flowers from both rhododendrons.
   The old adage 'If a little's good, then a lot's better' isn't always true in the garden, especially when combining plants with variegated foliage.  Too many variegated plants placed too close together can be frenetic and jarring to look at.  To balance a combination that might be close to going down the wrong road, mix in a plant or two with a strong and solid color, such as the blue/green hosta in the second vignette (second photo). The result? Captivating but not overpowering."
   Gorgeous, Rebecca! Your mom's one talented gardener. Thanks for sharing a piece her garden with us! Feel free to send us more....

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Comments (9)

sweetrebecca writes: Thank you all so much for the kind words!! My mother has been suffering with knee problems this week and this will definitely lift her mood! So glad you all liked the photos as much as I did! Posted: 9:59 pm on December 6th

sheilaschultz writes: Now I know where you get your love of gardening, Rebecca. These vignette's are so thoughtfully put together, they take me to a quiet and peaceful place. Tell your Mom, 'Thank you!' Posted: 3:13 pm on December 6th

meander1 writes: Not only is Rebecca's mother a talented gardener but Rebecca herself is a gifted writer. Her commentary added a lot to my enjoyment of the pictures. Posted: 7:48 am on December 6th

Deanneart writes: Very beautiful Posted: 7:38 am on December 6th

tractor1 writes: Terrific contrast of colors and textures well balanced and complimentry... great job! Posted: 7:15 am on December 6th

pattyspencer writes: Love the color combinations! Posted: 6:54 am on December 6th

JulieBW writes: All I can say is WOW! Posted: 6:22 am on December 6th

gottagarden writes: She's a master! Posted: 6:11 am on December 6th

Wife_Mother_Gardener writes: Beautiful combinations! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca! Posted: 5:52 am on December 6th

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