Dare to Mix Things Up

Dare to Mix Things Up

We anglers have lots of reasons to do what we do: for braving mosquitoes and poison ivy, for dragging sand to the house on our sneakers, for drenching our garments in perspiration. In the conclusion of the afternoon, our attempts should culminate in the introduction of an extremely private extension of the multifaceted and ethereal thing called wonder. In our attempts to attain this ideal, we use, knowing or unknowingly, different theories and techniques, including rhythm, proportion, scale, balance, layering and color.

Let us look at a different technique that could add an entirely new layer of interest for your backyard: one that will place your garden apart from your neighbors’, one that is going to spark some serious garden envy among your plant peers. Let us master the art of juxtaposition.

Juxtaposition is the action of putting at least two items side by side with the intention of contrast and comparison. Chefs frequently apply this technique to think of new culinary masterpieces. Think sweet and sweet , or of sweet and sour. How else can you describe smoked-bacon crème brûlée? There’s something about those creations that challenges our palates and fosters culinary strain. We can do the same in our gardens to produce more interest. Here’s how.

There are at least four attributes that each of the pieces of a backyard, whether plants or hardscaping, possess. They’re colour, shape, size and texture. To create dynamic pressure — the positive force that keeps our eyes occupied and moving around — select two things with just one or two attributes in common, then dare to place them side by side.

Quite simply, dare to compare and contrast. To incorporating that layer of interest for your 16, you’ll be on your way.

Aloe Designs

This thoughtful distance is the ideal place to start — so perfect, in actuality, that it could be tagged Juxtaposition 101. Many components are at work here, but notice how the result comes with an aura of simplicity that makes it feel like an oasis in the midst of an obviously urban environment.

The river stones and the moss share an identical size and shape but are totally disparate in colour and texture. This similarity and disparity work together to catch the eye by creating a high degree of interest. Furthermore, the river stones relate to the boulder through the commonalities of colour and texture but comparison in size and contour.

Ultimately, both kinds of rock connect to the concrete pavers concerning colour and texture but exhibit disparity in size and contour. Take a moment to assess your psychological reaction to this vignette as well as the reasons for your response.

Jay Sifford Garden Design

Perhaps the previous example was a bit too contemporary for your taste. If so, think about this vignette. Juxtaposition is used in two manners. To begin with, notice the relationship between the sedum (Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’, zones 4 to 11) and the Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum, zones 4 to 9). The inflorescences, or blossom heads, are comparable in shape and, when the sedum opens, will be comparable in colour. They obviously differ in size and textural type.

Secondly, the grim Japanese false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Curly Tops’, zones 4 to 8) is juxtaposed together with the large ceramic piece. They obviously share a beautiful blue colour, but detect the shapes. Both of them are somewhat round, but the comparison goes further, as the top line of this conifer mimics the predominant point in the pattern of the kettle’s glaze. They obviously contrast both in size and in texture. This conifer reminds me with a steel wool pad. All this makes for a attractive garden place.

Exteriorscapes llc

Here we see some enviable garden measures. Note the components involved, especially the metal stair railing and the boulder wall. Both of these components have comparable sizes and shapes nevertheless contrast in texture and, more subtly, in colour.

I really don’t know about you, but I want to have a stroll down those steps and spend a while in this backyard. With an entry in this way, it’s bound to be spectacular.

Charles McClure – Expert Website Planning

This patio is full of interest. Why? Because it illustrates juxtaposition. The boulder rises from the rock patio like a volcano rises from the ocean. Both the boulder and the pavers are related by way of material and share similar colors, but they differ regarding size, form and texture.

Additionally, the river stones and the pea gravel share form and texture but comparison concerning size and color.

You will discover that in juxtaposing two very striking elements, like the boulder and the patio here, 1 element of similarity may be just enough.

Studio William Hefner

In this vignette that the globe-like form and colour of this table base connect to the potted lavender and, to a certain extent, to the shrub on the left side. The textures and dimensions of the components differ. The shape can be captured by the pot atop the table. By maintaining the colour palette muted and similar, the designer has produced a tranquil space.

Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates

Notice the bell along with the vertical boulder juxtaposed in this Asian garden. The shapes and dimensions are comparable yet the colors and textures are somewhat different.

This subtle comparison helps to ease a general peaceful, introspective atmosphere in those that are fortunate enough to appreciate this backyard. Can not we use an extra dose of this?

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