Today we’re sharing more of Cherry Ong’s photos of the gardens at the Government House in Victoria, British Columbia. Part 1 was yesterday, so check that out if you missed it.
From the English country garden. This photo shows something I’m learning more and more as a gardener: The easiest way to make a planting look great is to stick to just one or two colors. White gardens are a classic English style, and they always look crisp, cool, and beautiful.
The alpine and rock garden provides another take on the theme of limiting the number of colors in a garden. Oranges dominate, accented by a little white from flowers and variegated foliage. The result is beautiful and eye-catching, and it would be easy to recreate this design in your own garden, using whatever plants of the right colors you like and that thrive in your area.
Or you can just go with the myriad shades of green, as in this view from the cut flower garden. With few flowers, the foliage carries the day. The beautiful blue-green container set in the center draws the whole scene together, serving as a focal point and a contrast to the sea of foliage. Read more on how to simplify your garden’s color scheme.
Another all-green scene, this from the part of the garden called Pearkes Peak, where interest is created by using a variety of textures. An old garden design trick is to imagine a garden in black and white and see if it still has interest and contrast. That certainly works here, due to the wide range of leaf sizes and shapes. Read these great tips for designing with green in your garden.
The colors are bold and bright here in the Rockland border, but it is really the contrasting textures, from fine and ferny to big and bold, that makes it so appealing.
But not everything has to be big and bold. This view of the herb garden focuses on soft textures and colors to create a soothing, muted scene that makes you want to take a deep breath and relax.
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Comments
Such beautiful photos, Cherry...they are so inspiring and illuminating. I feel like I want to forgo my morning coffee and get outside and go right to work in my garden! I need more variations in texture!!!
Had the same urge after my visit. I think all of our gardens would benefit from added textures,big or small.
My word!! Everything is gorgeous!
Happy to share gardening happiness anyway.
Hey Cherry... Yesterday's photos were mesmerizing, but today's images are what my garden dreams are made of! The textures, colors and combinations are perfection from my perspective. Downright dreamy!!!
Happy to receive the Sheila Schultz stamp of approval. Did I mention dogs are allowed in this garden? Nice bonus right?
I bet Broc's little sniffer was exhausted after checking out all the new scents! He must have slept well after his garden tour!!!
Couldn't wait to see day 2 of your photos. Visited Victoria this spring for the first time in decades, and had Government House garden on our list, but ran out of time. Am already planning our next trip, with GH at the top of the list. Thanks so much! Also, I love seeing your responses - love the feedback!
Thanks for your kind comments. Hope you can visit soon. I had a chance of visiting twice - one was in Spring and the other in Summer. I like this recent trip better but the hardscape is definitely more divine during the Spring.
Good evening Ms. Org., Thank you for your posts . Todays terrific photos & the accompanying text are full full of ideas that any gardener can use no matter the size of their space. Also it was nice to see your name on GPOD once again, Thank you & good luck, Joe
Thanks Joe. Nice to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed the photo tour - I hope you can visit Government House. You can thank Joseph for the accompanying texts - I think it is terrific that he takes the time to write about the special plants and include tips on garden design and great plant combinations. It's always good to learn isn't it?
More inspiring photos. Thanks, Cherry!
You're welcome Chris.
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