We’ve all heard the saying “less is more.” An advocate for simplicity of style, a renowned architect and designer Mies van der Rohe brought this proverb to the forefront of modern design. The idea is to reduce a design to its simplest form. When applied to the garden, the concept often includes focusing on plant architecture and simple geometry, limiting the number of plant species in a garden, but planting them in mass. Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style as evidenced in this green and white garden oasis featuring Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra.
Mass Appeal
Limiting the plant palette allows a plant’s unique character to shine through. And when massed and repeated through the garden, a restricted plant palette has powerful impact. In this design, the bold, flowing architecture of Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra infuses the garden with energy, eliminating any notion that minimalist plantings are boring.
When reducing the number of plants in a design, plant selection becomes critical. Look for varieties that perform year-round, either through structure, evergreen foliage, or texture. A trio of evergreens deliver seasonal bursts of color to this planting in the soft blooms of ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia and Early Wonder® Camellia.
Monochrome Magic
In keeping with the concept of simplicity, restricting your color palette creates harmony within a garden. The Platinum Beauty™ design is built around green foliage, with additional color drawn through variegation and seasonal blooms. Flowering times do not overlap, so there is only ever one accent color at play in the garden.
For those looking for more lasting color in the landscape, try focusing on a single hue and repeating it in different tints and shades through foliage and flowers. For example, a garden may be painted in golden hues through the combination of ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum, Pot of Gold Little Lucky™ Lantana, and ‘Lemon Punch’ Canna.
Fuss-Free
Simplicity brings with it a sense of calm. A minimal design lends an air of restfulness, offering a tranquil retreat for unwinding at the end of the day. Not only are minimal designs visually pleasing, they also require less maintenance. You will feel much more relaxed in your garden without seeing a long to-do list to keep it looking good. Who doesn’t love that?
