Question
Hi and thanks in advance.  I have a patch of Russian Sage that is in the middle of my perienial garden.  This spot appears pretty bare early in the growing season.  Even when the sage comes into bloom it doesn't seem very noticeable in its prominent spot at the center of this bed.  Can you give any advice about how to use Russian Sage to its best advantage.  Thanks again, John

Answer
John,

Two things come to mind to make this more prominent in it's place.

First, consider planting more.  Even the bare stems of the early season may be more visually substantial if there are enough of them.  Planting a few more plants might be enough reinforcement.

Or, have you tried having it come up through a lower, contrasting plant?  I do this a lot.  Rather than discreet pockets of plants, I overlap and combine.  The resulting contrasts bring out the best in color, texture and overall habit in both plants.

I've got taller plants coming up through blue star creeper, evergreen strawberry, kinnikkinnik, ivy, cotoneaster, bishop's weed, and wild violet.  Actually even clover and oxalis, now that I think of it.  I guess I do do it a lot.  This method also lets the lower plant provide the mulch effect for the roots of the larger plant, rather than mulch provided by me.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland