Design Solutions
How can I make the most of the garden at night?
MOODBOARD How does silver foliage work?
Silver foliage is often an indication that a plant is heat and drought tolerant. The reflective leaf colour is an adaptation to reduce water loss: silver plants are less likely to wilt or collapse in drought. As well as reducing water loss, grey or silver leaves are sometimes covered in fine hairs that trap moisture and needle-like leaves that secrete oils that protect the leaves from the sun’s rays, giving the plant extra touchy-feely appeal.
Fagus sylvatica purpurea
Purple beech columns add a stately sculptural feel. Its naturally spreading habit can be trained with a hedge trimmer; beech mast in
(columns) Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
Deciduous fountain grass with stiff, upright habit and silvery stems and leaf blades. Pinkish-green flowers Aug-Sept. Needs full sun and rich soil. H1.5m (5ft) S75cm (2½ft)
Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’
Common whitebeam has silvery-white downy foliage ideal for a lunar theme; white flowers Apr-May; orange-red berries in autumn;