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Bright blue patio chairs and mosaic table with peony floral arrangement sit in a garden of Soft Caress Mahonia

Your Secret Garden Awaits

  1. Home
  2. Your Secret Garden Awaits
  • By Kim Toscano
  • January 23, 2020
The recipe for relaxation is simple—a cozy chair, a cold drink and soothing surroundings. Try enlisting the fine, feathery foliage of ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia. Few plants yield such a serene effect upon the landscape. 

Tranquility En Masse

When it comes to calm, soft and green is our mantra. A restful garden should be easy on the eye, with a limited color palette and minimal contrast. Fine-textured foliage like that of ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia is visually gentle, light and airy, creating a feeling of quiet in the garden. A mass planting of ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia is simple and undemanding. The repetition of plant material minimizes distraction and providing a sense of unity that encourages relaxation.

Simple Accents

Add interest to the garden without overpowering the peacefulness established by ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia. Keep accents subdued by choosing foliage plants with medium-texture rather than coarse textures. Mojo® Pittosporum is a fine example, with variegated foliage that provides gentle contrast in color and texture to ‘Soft Caress’. Cool colors – blues, greens and purples – enhance the soothing design by adding to the sense of peace. ‘Twilight’ and ‘Tapestry’ Heucherellas are dark and sophisticated selections to highlight the garden.


‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia, paired with Mojo® Pittosporum, ‘Twilight’ Heucherella and ‘Tapestry’ Heucherella

Pots Full of Peace

Nowhere to dig? Transform your patio into a relaxing retreat using containers of ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia. Cluster several containers against walls and fences to soften hardscape and surround your favorite café table or chair with a mass of planters. Include a few mixed containers to add color and textural variety.

Finishing Touches

Pleasing aromas enhance the sense of calm. The blooms of Mojo® Pittosporum smell like orange blossoms or there is always the heavenly aroma of ScentAmazing™ Gardenia. As the sun goes down, light some candles or a small fire for a warm, peaceful evening in the garden.

Download a Secret Garden Plan PDF

Kim Toscano

Kimberly Toscano is a freelance writer, gardening expert and traveler with an eye on design. Kimberly blends her formal training in horticulture and entomology with her passion for design to educate and inspire gardeners.
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Plants Featured In The article

Gardenia
Jubilation Gardenia bloom cluster amongst shiny dark green foliage

Jubilation™ Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides ‘Leeone’ PP21983
Heucherella

'Twilight' Heucherella

Heucherella hybrid ‘Twilight’ PP25723
Camellia
Close-up on informal double white blooms with yellow centers of Diana Camellia

Diana™ Camellia

Camellia sasanqua ‘TDN 1110’
Pittosporum
Close up view on Mojo Pittosporum foliage that is medium green with large cream colored margin

Mojo® Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira ‘CNI Three’ PP16188
Mahonia

‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia

Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ PP20183
Dogwood
Close-up on white flowers of Empress of China Dogwood

Empress of China® Dogwood

Cornus angustata ‘Elsbry’ PP14537

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