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Report From PIA – October 25

When I moved to Poison Ivy Acres, it was pretty much a blank slate. I went about designing my gardens by thinking about these things, in this order: 1. That the gardens make visual sense with the lay of the land and the house that was already here. 2. That the gardens contain a variety of foliage colors and textures. 3. I considered the combinations of flower colors and the length and timing of the bloom. 4. I wanted all areas to contain a combination of groupings of plants along with a few single specimens. 5. As always, I thought about putting the right plant in the right place, so sun-lovers in the sun, shade plants in the shade, drought-tolerant varieties grouped together.

I contemplated these design principles, but I never once thought about the transformative power of light.

Because of how this property is situated, many of the beds run east to west and are backlit by the early morning and evening sun. Low sun through leaves is striking, and when it’s through grasses, breathtaking.

Light is used metaphorically in so many aspects of life, most particularly in regard to spirituality. It is used as a synonym for God, love, spirit, reason, clarification and gentleness.

Seeing the illumination of plants in the garden, and appreciating how they are transformed by the early and late day sun, reminds me to consider how to better bring light into my life. Just as the plants can be placed where they will catch the sun, I remind myself that I too can live my life in ways that cause love, spirit, reason and gentleness to shine.

Plants with yellow foliage, such as this 'Magic Carpet' Spirea, catch the light all season.

Plants with yellow foliage, such as this 'Magic Carpet' Spirea, catch the light all season.

Many varieties of hosta turn yellow in the fall, making them especially beautiful in the morning and evening light.

Many varieties of hosta turn yellow in the fall, making them especially beautiful in the morning and evening light.

 The fountain grass, (Pennisetum alopecuroides) at the back of the rain garden, is illuminated every morning.

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