Geranium 'Cheryl's Shadow', Hakonechloa m. 'Aureola', Aeonium a. 'Schwarzkof', Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’, Lilium Aurelian, Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’, Phormium t. ‘Dusky Chief’, Verbena ‘Peaches and Cream’, Zinnia ‘Profusion Apricot’, Heuchera ‘Amber Waves’
This planting for a large, sunny spot uses a variety of contrasting textures and colors to achieve a pleasing depth and complexity. Lemon and chartreuse in the form of the Japanese barberry (Berberis), ribbon grass (Hakonechloa) and Aurelian lily leaven the surrounding green, while the plum of the Geranium, Aeonium and Ajuga simultaneously heighten the contrast with the barberry and ribbon grass while adding mystery with their dusky hues. The variegation in an unknown Geranium appears more butter than cream when seen in the company of other golden tones. The eye senses the commonality of hue between the creamy peach of the Verbena, the mahogany of the Phormium, the tangerine of the Zinnia and the amber of the Heuchera. By relating one to the other, harmony and balance is maintained, even with strong colors.