Picture the Best Angle

Today is one of those rainy days where a spectacular shot of blue skies and an inspirational quote may be the best remedy. In perusing some old photos, this particular image has been jumping out at me all week. It’s a fall shot from 2007. The clear sky is so brilliant blue it seems like a perfect light bulb of positive for today’s gloomy forecast.

So muster up your energy and take heed to this unknown author’s statement. “The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle.” And remember, if you have any gardening problems or challenges, you can post your questions or comments. I am always try-angling to get you involved, inspired and most important, to appreciate the moments in your garden and the great outdoors.

P.S. This is one of the best times of the year to take photos. The sky and light is simply spectacular. Take advantage and capture your fall garden. Overcast skies are great for picture taking, too. Give it your best try-angle!
Photo by Greg Bilowz

Out of the Park Color

With the major league baseball season soon to wrap up, one might think that this famous American pastime was scheduled perfectly with the final days of our gardens. If you are thinking baseball and gardens at the same time, here is a great September/October plant that can knock it out of the park. Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' is by far one of the most stunning Asters in our fall plant combinations – it’s a homerun for your garden.

Easily divided, its compact habit makes this plant great for small spaces. So why wait. Knock it out of the park with the powerful color of purple. All you need is sunshine, good soil and a little TCL and you are back in the ball game.

To stay with today’s baseball theme, I use a quote from Rogers Hornsby. “People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” Keep your frequency tuned in here at WAGC (Annie’s Gardening Corner.) There will be plenty of gardening tips and quips to help us through the upcoming chilly season of winter.

Photo Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' in our garden - taken by Greg Bilowz

Design 101: Illuminate Not Dazzle

Some simple advice for the plant lover - too much dazzle in the garden can make you dizzy. So can that garish red mulch but that’s for another day. A collection of specimen plants composed incorrectly can look like a horticultural brawl. Colors and textures compete with each other. The end result - there are no winners in the game, just lots of chaos.

Setting a backdrop to showcase a specimen plant or an accent illuminates the features of your garden, much like decorating your house. In order for details to be visible, the composition requires an element of simplicity. Think of your garden as a table setting. What is a lawn other than to be the tablecloth? If you are surrounded by a stand of mature trees, embrace these elements. Make them your curtains. As the gardener, you must set the stage to illuminate the little pockets of interest. Rather than repel your visitor, you must draw one into your garden.

This being said, design is subjective. Some desire a manicured and controlled look while others prefer a more naturalistic setting. Even within the context of varied styles, this design logic remains true. It’s the balance of colors and textures within an established backdrop that permits even bold and brazen to be an effective composition. Regardless of scale, your garden can still highlight your personality with the style you choose but always remember that it should illuminate not dazzle the welcoming guest. I choose a James Thurber quote for the inspirational thought for Tuesday. “There are two kinds of light - the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.”

Designs by Greg Bilowz - Photos by Eric Roth Photography - Copyright Bilowz Associates Inc.