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Greater Atlanta Rose Society
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Landscaping with Roses |
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Edging
Edging With Lambs Ears A common shape for a rose bed is a rectangular area
that can accommodate two rows of hybrid tea roses, often raised above
grade with landscape timbers. This
can be ideal for the production of beautiful cut flowers for the house
or exhibition. If the goal
is to integrate a production bed as mixed garden in an aesthetically
pleasing manner into the overall landscaping the use of edging plants
and a less rigid configuration should be considered. Edging flowers serve multiple purposes. Plants with attractive silver foliage like lambs ears and artemesia add texture. Annuals and colorful perennials like salvia and hardy geraniums can provide harmony or contrast. Lavender and catmint can provide both texture and color. While adding richness and complexity to the composition they can also hide the sparsely foliated bottoms of modern roses while softening the harsh lines of the beds. Small suburban gardens often have insufficient space
for large geometric gardens and are well suited to more informal and
gently curving lines. Sweeping
beds connecting structures and garden areas create a sense of unity. Curves should be simple and bold, no squiggles.
This approach is more pleasing to the eye and easier to maintain. Clean, strong design lines can create simplicity in
design. The strong lines
can be softened with flowers cascading over the edging. Groupings of plants in odd numbers can create a massing of
color. Using a few the same
plants and colors in multiple garden areas can provide unity and tie the
entire landscape together. Repetition of construction materials throughout the gardens creates a sense of rhythm and continuity. The choices should compliment the house construction in formality and construction. For example, timber edged beds may work well with a cedar sided home while edging bricks matching a home's brick veneer may work well with more formal architecture. Mixing construction materials in the landscape can look like the landscaping equivalent of a striped shirt with plaid pants should be avoided.
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