The scenes described are designed to be done in the ground or in containers.
Dream of the "undergrowth
In a corner of the garden or patio with soft light, pair a Parrotia with a few clumps of ferns to highlight the color of the foliage. Line the surrounding soil with Naples cyclamen, which will do well in the somewhat dry shade of the parrotia.
If you can, add a Hydrangea quercifolia whose foliage turns colorful in the fall. Its large creamy conical inflorescences are tinged with warm tan hues.
Naturalness and biodiversity
Focus on the noble beauty of liquidambar in the middle of a free-standing grove of two rugosa roses with large bright orange fruits and a 'Mutabilis' rose. This large rose lives up to its name by displaying large, single flowers of unusual color from spring to fall in shades of copper yellow, pink and crimson.
Accentuate the cheerful, spontaneous scene with a few clumps of miscanthus, oriental pennisetums and small-flowered autumn asters to tie the whole thing together and attract a host of colorful butterflies.
A colorful balcony
In a large purple-red or brown glazed pot, install a Japanese maple or the small liquidambar 'Gum Ball'. Place around it, in separate pots, an Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' grass with astonishing bright red foliage and three 'Pinot Gris' or 'Palace Purple' heathers.
In the garden, hide the bare ground with a few Ceratostigma plumbaginoides whose dark green foliage turns purple in the fall. Their gentian blue flowers will provide a striking contrast to this broad color palette featuring dark red.
Breathing in the sunrise
In a lightly shaded corner of the garden, plant a Japanese maple or a weeping parrotia. Combine this small tree with a few grasses. Dwarf sedums with blushing foliage will cover the ground.
For a more intimate scene, plant a plant curtain made of large black or golden yellow bamboo canes or a screen if you don't have the space.
A mulch of pebbles or slate chips will hide the bare earth and reduce weeding and watering.
An oriental lantern and a few candle holders...this scene of restful beauty is an invitation to travel or to meditate.
