For small gardens, we’ve long advocated a design philosophy of planting in drifts of one. Here’s a great portrait from the spring garden that demonstrated our philosophy, by combining Asarum nobilissimum, Impatiens omeiana, Trillium flexipes, Woodsia obtusa, and Aucuba japonica ‘Limbata’ in a way that uses textures, colors, and forms to make a pleasing vignette.
I think most would agree the time has come (again?) to explore adding garden design to the JLBG/Plant Delights Nursery business model. Not necessarily a full landscaping team but a consultant or two, possibly a Landscape Architect that would sub out and oversee the installs as required. Raleigh, as “The City of Oaks” is now paying closer attention to its public tree canopy through a program called ‘Leaf Out’ and should be paying more attention to understory plantings as well. Perhaps through the developing JLBG/JCRA/NCSU partnership something creative will emerge involving students that will benefit private/public gardens?