Putting Plants: putting plants. putting plants is highly individualistic. In developing a style of putting plants, two things are paramount: the player must keep the blade of the putter close to the ground throughout the stroke so that the ball rolls rather than skips toward the hole, and he must keep the trunk of his body motionless. The putting plants stroke resem¬bles as closely as possible the pendulum swing of a clock.
Whichever plants we choose to grow, they must be displayed well if they are to look their best. The easiest way to group is to make a series of small feature "pictures" and create clusters of plants, sometimes only two or three, each adding to the others' beauty and effectiveness.
PLANT ASSOCIATION is not just a question of putting plants together plants that flower at the same time. Instead, look for plants that complement each other in terms of habit and size, texture and color.See Also Groups Of Plants:THE BEST WAY of planning a border is to work with small groups of plants so you can concentrate on the relationship between the subjects, and so gradually build up the groups into a whole border planting. Choose plants with shapes that complement each other and which make an interesting and varied effect.
You will notice that different plants create a variety of effects. Spiky plants, for example, are active and lead the eye upward and onward to neighboring plants, while gentle hummock-forming plants are calming and bland, and lead the eye horizontally along the border.
At the same time think of height. Either use a tier system with tall plants at the back and shorter ones at the front, or use tall plants in the middle of the group to create peaks of interest, with shorter-growing plants leading the eye upward toward them. This will divert the eye and prevent it from traveling straight down the border, taking it all in at a glance. However, if tall plants are used toward the front of a border, they should be wispy enough to allow the eye to pass through them, yet substantial enough to break the line.
Most herbaceous plants flower for three or four weeks each year, so if a bed or border devoted exclusively to them is to remain interesting, plants with differing flowering periods must be chosen and placed with regard for their color, height and flowering time. As a rule they are planted in irregular groups of a variety, with the taller kinds at the back of a border or in the middle, and the shorter ones in front or around the edge. It is better to make individual groups long and narrow rather than broad since they will be less conspicuous when not in bloom.
On The Other Hand See Scented Plants:HAVING SATISFIED the eye by planting subjects of good form and color, do not forget to include some scented plants. Aromatic plants add an extra dimension. Scented carpet plants like thyme and chamomile can be planted in the gaps between paving and will release their fragrance when brushed against. Lavender alongside paths will scent the air, as will perfumed roses and certain border plants.
Colorful plants, or perhaps herbs, in simple pots by the door will look right. Make the most of vegetables and fruit bushes, letting them be part of the garden design. Do not be afraid of using rows of vegetables, herbs, bedding plants, or flowers for cutting, especially alongside a path. There is no need to grow only old-fashioned flowers because it is how the flowers are used and grouped that creates the rustic style, not what type they are. Choose as many scented plants as can be fitted into the space available, especially the many varieties of climbing rose and honeysuckle.
The overall effect should be well-tended "disorder," a comfortable mix in which all the plants are allowed to run together. There will be plenty of weeding, but also a great opportunity to grow all your favorite plants in rich profusion.
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