Balancing strength with softness
Clipped forms of Laurus nobilis ‘Bay’ and
Buxus sempervirens ‘Box’ provide a classic
framework while softer, more textural
plants like Stachys byzantina, Euphorbia
wulfenii, and ornamental grasses, introduce
movement and contrast. This combination
ensures a garden feels both refined and
inviting, with a dynamic interplay of form
and foliage.
Blend of texture and colour
Soft, textural plants can play a key role
in creating a lush, inviting garden while
also serving practical functions like weed
suppression. Velvety foliage plants such
as Stachys byzantina ‘Lamb’s Ear’ add a
tactile element. Layer these softer varieties
with clipped hedges, compact shrubs like
Raphiolepis indica, and bold, sculptural
plants such as Ligularia reniformis ‘Tractor
Seat’ for added depth and visual interest.
How to layer planting for
structure and seasonal change
Seasonal changes
Deep garden beds allow space to
incorporate large deciduous trees, which
offer seasonal interest and dynamic shade.
Silver Birches, Maples, or Ornamental Pears
can create dappled shade in summer while
revealing striking bark and sculptural forms
in winter. Pairing them with perennials like
Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ ensures
bursts of seasonal colour, allowing your
garden to evolve beautifully throughout
the year.
In Melbourne, deciduous trees provide shade
in hot summers and allow sunlight to filter
through during crisp winters.
Buxus sempervirens ‘Box’ and Ligularia reniformis
‘Trackor Seat Plant’
The garden beds thrive with an informal layering of diverse species in the understory, elevated by strategically placed Laurus nobilis.
Stachys ‘Lamb’s Ear’
April 2025
In Focus Magazine
08