Books: Foliage at the Forefront

One of my favorite all-time gardening books is the first one by Karen Chapman & Christina Salwitz, Fine Foliage, published back in 2013.

Well, the duo is now back with Gardening with Foliage First: 127 Dazzling Combinations that Pair the Beauty of Leaves with Flowers, Bark, Berries, and More (Timber Press, 2017) -- and yes, it's a dazzling companion to that first tome.

As the authors state in the introduction, "...we demonstrate how quickly and easily you can assemble plants that reflect your personal style and suit the largest border or smallest container.  We teach you how to make strategic plant choices, clarify why certain plants are great investments for year-round interest, and explain how every element will help you achieve a cohesive look."

And do they ever.  The book is divided into Spring & Summer, then Fall & Winter, with designs for both sun and shade in each. There are over 120 entries, each with specific plant combinations, cultural conditions, and a section called "How the Design Grows."  And they give you a finishing touch, such as a sculpture or a plant that will be the perfect accompaniment.  "Beauty without the Beast" is a combination for deer-resistance; "Sassitude" is brazen and blazing with color year-round; "Vertical Twist" creates a screen through which you can view the rest of the garden.

Beautiful and plentiful photos show you exactly how the plants work together, and of course provide inspiration to try other combinations on your own.

As with the first book, Fine Foliage: Elegant Plant Combinations for Garden and Container, I'd say this a book that no designer should be without.