Creating a layered garden is one of the secrets to successful backyard landscaping. Just like layering paint on canvas, layering different plants in your garden will create a stunning and interesting work of art. There are several different characteristics of a plant that need to be considered when creating layered backyard landscaping. These include but are not limited to: color, texture, and size.
Color
Backyard landscaping should always include a variety of colors to provide interest year round. Although most people concentrate on the color of perennial flowers in backyard landscaping, the color of foliage is equally important. Light, lime greens can contrast well with darker greens, and red or gold foliage can completely change the look of your backyard landscaping during the fall. Although some contrast adds interest, try not to combine too many different colors in one place. This can create backyard landscaping that appears chaotic.
Texture
Texture is a huge factor to take into consideration when layering backyard landscaping. When used correctly, layering texture will make a person want to run their hands through the garden. Try combining wide leafed plants with small leafed plants to see the contrast this provides. Rough, smooth, serrated, shiny, dull, pointed, flat, and wispy textures can all be used as contrasting or complimenting features in backyard landscaping designs.
Size
Layering a garden isn’t about stuffing a large amount of plants into one space and hoping for the best. You will need to consider what the full size of each plant will be and how that will affect the scale and proportion of the garden. To create backyard landscaping with balance and rhythm, use a proportionate amount of large trees on one side of the garden as the other side; and do the same with smaller shrubs. It is important to use a variety of low ground cover, medium sized shrubs, and taller trees to create the ultimate layered affect.