Horticultural imagination is what makes outstanding gardens

My recent trip to Singapore reminded me again what can be done with plants. In my travels around landscapes in Sydney I see mediocrity and the resulting bland landscape. We are all to often drawn to the plants we know will live with little maintenance.

Yes I know Singapore offers a unique climate where almost anything thrives, but here in NSW we can actually grow more species as we can also grow the cold climate plants.

Sure we can grow some neat clipped green hedges, then there are the pretty ugly gardens below. Even when we have more variety its pretty bland.

Above are 3 bland gardens

Designers use form, colour and texture to add interest to planting areas. Here are some better examples I have seen recently. Horticulturalists know how to make them grow well for the long run.

The colourful shots below are mostly straight from my garden in Sydney or a climate just like NSW, form and texture provide interest. Horticulture ensures they thrive.I hope you like my snaps. Robert. rob@greenlook.com.au 

You see plants can offer some great design outcomes whilst providing countless environmental benefits.

If you want to see a most outstanding garden for me, go to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore!