Question
QUESTION: I am interested in doing a motif design with plants that will keep the shape of the motif design. A similar concept to planting a logo with plants.

qts:
1. how do I go about doing this?
2. what plants do I use? I want the whole logo (motif design) to be done in one Kind of plant.
3 I do know the size of the area - it is 90 x90 square and I want to grow this motif design on each of the corners of the square. The design has a straight line at the end, so I would like each to the edges of the straight to meet making a mini square in the middle.
4. the plant I would like to use would have to be growing 2-3 inches at the most and grow all summer till beofore the frost if possible.
5 I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Many thx Taz


ANSWER: Hello Taz, firstly it is fundamental to establish the design that wish to create on paper first. A scale drawing will allow to make any changes first, without ripping up plants later.

Establish the structure of the design (the hedges) using an evergreen, such as Buxus sempervirens 'Suffructicosa'. This is a low-growing hedge that recalls the renaissance days.

Apply the design from paper to ground by using pegs that will mark out the design and will allow you to see if it really fits the space well.

Read some of the articles on this site www.italiangardendesign.eu and let me know if you want to know anyting more.

Good luck

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Many thanks for the prompt. How long will these evergreens grow to in height? Can I not do it with smaller plants that would just grow no more then 2-3 inches? If not what about flowers that grow very little lengthwise and breadthwise? And how do I maintain the shape?

I will go to the website right now.... and look up the site for more info
Thxs Mumraz

Answer
Hello again Taz, the plant that I suggested for the evergreen hedging is the smallest, lowest-growing hedging plant that there is. It can be kept to around 6 to 8 inches high with regular annual pruning. Buxus sempervirens 'Suffructicosa has always been the favourite hedging plant for motif gardens

For the centre I would suggest looking towards the thymes, santolinas and other grey leaved herbs to create a useful and edible fully-functional theme.

Thymus serpyllum, Thymus repens and the sages would look great! If you can get hold of Savia officinalis 'Altropurpureum' you could alternate the grey-green with this purple-leaved sage- creating the famous 'Chiaroscuro' Italian effect.

Good luck!

Jonathan