Crambe fairly explodes with branches of tiny white flowers to provide a frothy background in a swere green and white border of bellflowers, hosta and Astrantia major.
Starry clouds of baby’s breath, hazy blue panicles of Russian sage, delicate plumes of astilbe—plants that are fluffy and lacy lend special enchantment to a garden. Some contain intricate designs within their bracts or flowers, whispering of antique bridal veils and exquisite Belgian lacework. Others, with some branching habits and small, myriad flowers, appear to billow and float, creating a misty garden shimmer.
These plants are not only appealing, but useful. For one thing, they serve as fillers, tying together the overall look of a flower bed. They also provide contrast against heavier, more opaque forms, like lilies or irises, and soften the harsh edges of borders or paths. What’s more, they can temper surrounding colors and shapes that might look too bold on their own. Think silvery artemisias forming drifts amid clusters of stalwart pink lilies, or feathery herbs weaving tapestries around the legs of roses. Many of these charmers can work the same magic on a smaller scale too, when used in containers or indoor arrangements.
Reference: Molly Dean
Photo Courtesy: heronswood, rizreyes, dungevalley
