I went to a lovely little luncheon the other day and saw some marvelous botanical blends. I only had my I-phone, so the images aren’t the best, but I decided use them anyway, because if you are planning on digging into your pots and beds this weekend, I think you’ll find them to be inspiring. 

I spoke with Chip Ragen, a leader in landscape, garden and container design here in Seattle who created these pots. Below, I’ll share every detail of the plants he’s used to create these stunning living arrangements. You may choose to follow his “formula” exactly, or you may want to play with the mix. I think my best looking living arrangements, indoors and out, have come come together when I’ve roamed the aisles at my local nursery selecting plants and flowers {including fragrant herbs} that catch my eye and fit into my scheme.  Of course, you need to read the label to make sure the plant will thrive in it’s future local {sun, shade, drained soil or well watered, etc.}

By the way, Chip is as hot on the flair of orange and blue floral combinations as I am, he finds them to be unexpected and fresh looking.

Throughout the year this pot sits on a patio and commands attention because of the interesting blend of perennial foliage. Then, come spring, the Tulipa ‘Kings Orange’, pop up to mirror the sun. I love the height and drama of the willow branches as well…sorry you can’t see their full 6 feet, or so, of glory.

   

See how nice the soaring tulips look opposite the blue faced pansies dipping below? Also in this pot are Polystichum polyblepherum {Tassel Fern}, Lonicera n. ‘Lemon Beauty’ and Vinca minor “Bowles’.

I was also intrigued to see my new favorite plant, Heuchera in this planting, this time lending a touch of ‘Peach Melba’ color. I asked Chip about uses for this plant. He’s says they are best used as accents, and that they are not a good choice for broad ground cover, because they don’t always recover well after a harsh winter. The Heuchera is pretty adaptable and comes in a variety of colors.

See how complementary that veiny flush of orange is, beneath the soft green of the Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’?

Spots of fuchsia always look great accenting verdant tapestries of sage green plants, as you can see in this second pot, where Grevillea rosmarinifolia or ‘Scarlet Spirited’ takes center stage. 

Surrounding it are Senecio greyii, Hebe ‘Patty’s Purple’, Erica x dar. ‘Kramers Rote’, Ceanothus ‘Diamond Heights’, Coprosma ‘Roy’s Red’ {Mirror Plant}, and I especially love the bright green Meadow Spike moss, or Selaginella apoda placed at the base in the perimeter, see it in the photo below.

Okay, so why not dust off your spade, find a fun, fresh pair of gardening gloves and plant something lovely this weekend? I’d love to hear about {or see} your creations!