GARDEN DESIGN TIPS: Create Focal Points in the Garden

[@m2m1968]

Love that plant so much, but a shame we can’t see the container. Could you put it on an inverted pot to elevate it a bit? Thanks as always for the Saturday afternoon salve .

[@ReborninYeshua]

I like the choice, but am confused because I thought the urn was to be the focal point, and it's not even visible?

[@rickimoler7158]

I might trim it a bit so that the pot is visible....but that plant is eye-catching.

[@dianetucker2711]

Agree, a shame to lose the architectural beauty of the pot. Wasn’t this plant sitting beside the round boxwoods a few videos ago? I believe so bc I thought the contrast was striking and I believe even Stewart commented on it?!?! Deja vu moment or did I just dream this? 🤭🤔

[@suzetteccc]

The Lomandra really stands out and is in beautiful contrast to the foliage behind it. I love classic urns almost as much as I love plants and I'll be interested to see how you prune the plant itself. I love it as it is, but it could be in any container at this point. As for the olive urn, I absolutely loved it with the olive plant. It is a classic and I never get tired of classics. (Boring, I know....) I never stop loving this garden either. Thanks Linda. 💚🌳

[@jordanyeager9220]

I love Linda's book. My husband surprised me with it as a gift. 🎁

[@LindaVater]

That pleases me no end!

[@blueskiescleanwaterfreshair]

Linda I love your garden. Your ideas are inspiring even to a young buck like me trying to beautify the Earth for pollinators & people as I find my own way :) Thank you!

[@anitahadley2871]

Fantastic plant and it’s textural difference really makes it stand out. Reminds me of a grass hula skirt.

[@chrisogrady4956]

Very interesting choice of focal point plant for your stunning urn. I truly like it, very dramatic and different.

[@danalegereit968]

I love this informational video. EXCELLENT!!!! I would place in a different container. The beauty of the Urn is covered up. Thank you Linda and Stewart.

[@garymcdade4446]

Sheila McDade in Chattanooga here . . . your hair looked so cute today with the large vertical ringlets in the back. I have a different opinion about your focal point choice . . . I thought your lovely planter should be the star of the show. The grass plant, though beautiful, hid the planter. I would put the grass plant in a spot on the same side of the garden but further back, near the wooden chair that actually looked close to the same color. My first thought about the pot/focal point was that it looked great with the tall black stand in it, and I thought you would put a flowering vine in it to take your eye up and compliment the heavy planter which could support the tall proportion. My favorite focal points in my garden are two large colorful barn squares that I painted myself. One is on the back porch (the most public space of my home) and the other is on the side of our large garden shed.

[@dianaalbers6327]

Just found you I love the LOMANDRA it is just beautiful felt like it was so comfy !! I am not familiar with the LOMANDRA , as it is a southern grass I am in zone 5 Michigan . I love grasses !!!!!! Your home and garden is simply magnificent!

[@edytarog150]

Your book is even available in Poland where I live. East of Europe. I just bought it and enjoying it. I love your channel. Recently I bought pruning secateur/pruner Okatsune that was recommended on your channel, it really works. Thanks for slow and clear english, I can undersrand all (almost:)).

[@debel829]

I love grasses, especially with breezes. Can't wait to see you make it snappy!! Just have to say, your vocabulary is outstanding! You excel at everything you do!! Thanks to you both for another great video!! So hot here in Texas, I can't do anything outside and we are in a drought!! Tough times for the garden!!

[@caroleosborne3379]

Linda, I love that plant as the focal point but it reminded me of something funny, Cousin It!!! Hope that gives you a chuckle! It is SNAPPY!!! LOL!

[@stevenrowson4339]

I loved your choice. The only down side being you don't see the beautiful pot, but as the plant isn't permanent that's not an issue. Thank you for the video, I do learn from all of them.

[@hannahkelly4565]

Incredible that Stewart films using a phone - how talented! Hope you will both tour the UK sometime - we'd love to see you!

[@quailhollow7955]

Thank you as always Linda. I had an Ah ha moment when you spoke about negative space around the focal point. I think I have a few areas that I have wondered why my focal point is not as impactful. I am going to try assessing that and I have a feeling that is the secret! You are so generous. ❤️💙💜💚🌸🌸

[@RuthMTuff]

I loved the olive tree in the urn placement in the potager. A beautiful, invitational focal point.

[@leirobinson3103]

I love your ideas! The explanation that Stuart gave is perfect from a videographers point of view! My husband is in video also and he totally agreed with frame shots to draw the eye! Our garden suffers due to his filming and editing and hours in the edit chair! But we do love to watch you and plan on a smaller scale!

[@robbinstephensyork8864]

I ordered your beautiful book from Amazon a couple of weeks ago...and have sticky tabs marking so many pages within it's cover....I am very happy to add your book to my Garden and Plant Book collection...and will be referring to it regularly.✌️💜💋

[@LindaVater]

🙏🙏🙏

[@lianeabeyta4515]

I love the lemon abelia the best . I feel the grass is way to busy.. it overwhelmes the beauty and line and form of the pot for me.

[@susanschellberg4509]

Fantastic video. As a landscape painter I am oriented towards focal points but love the concept of layered focal points and working on a 3 dimensional canvas. All 3 of your recent design videos have been very helpful and make a perfect series. Love the movement , texture and color of the lomandra but wish the beautiful urn was visible. Torn between that and the abellia. Glad you frequently emphasize negative space. I'm trying to be more aware of it in my garden.

[@edstud1]

I love Linda's design ideas! Everything I plant turns into a small tree.

[@patsytag5703]

I love everything in your garden and your new plant makes me giggle because it makes me think of cousin it🤣looks beautiful 🤩

[@imeldamayer-taylor2783]

A video, just to love thank you. I have the thought of the beautiful container not getting a show. But then the southern plan gets the attention, focal point.😍 Your outfit is cool and snazzy .😊🌻🌼🌺🌹👏. Happy Sunday from Vienna .

[@thepurplegardener4856]

It’s gorgeous! I wonder what it would look like if it was repeated.

[@beverlyasleson3321]

Thanks for sharing your vocal points and what it means. Always love your outfits.

[@theresaparodi6027]

Simply fabulous! The contrast is spectacular!

[@Sandy-fl7fe]

The view toward your window and French doors is stunning. What you chose for the focal point gives a lot of visual interest that I love. It really stands out with the backdrop.

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hi Linda, I just love the Lamandra in the urn!! What a home run!!! I don't know how you do it.....even in extreme heat you manage to keep the gardens looking fresh and beautiful!! A lovely respite!! Have a wonderful day and "Happy July 4th" to you and Stewart!! :)

[@PershijsmachnijKherson]

Hello my friend. This is more than just a video, you put love and passion into it. Great job! Thanks for sharing this video! Always believe in yourself and keep doing what you love, good luck 💔

[@dawndawn6946]

Such food for thought! I must confess that I do not watch all your videos as they come out because you always give me so much to think about. I literally have to ask myself, “Are you ready for more Linda?” 🤣 I have sketched out many garden rooms on my property only to be thwarted by a trip to the local big box store and their clearance racks! I watch a lot of gardening content on YT. I find myself buying and planting and moving things around-not a bad thing really, but exhausting. I have 2.5 acres and after 12 years I have a 6400sq foot fenced garden where I grow veggies and am now adding shrubs and evergreens. I also have five landscape beds. None of these spaces are “finished” or even properly cared for. 😔 I’ve decided to finish the vegetable garden before I move on to anything else. Thank you for your content and kind, knowledgeable guidance.💗

[@deborahr9237]

As with good interior design, you created a rhythm around your garden rooms - a series of highs and lows, near and fars, that create interest and draw you in. Add texture, color, dimension. It’s pleasing to both eye and brain, and it’s successful if transparent or seamless to the viewer. I miss the olive tree in the olive pot in the potager. Love the grass you selected for the big urn. Don’t iron much…esp in summer!

[@mapleleaf0]

I know people didn't like the container being covered up, but I am so in love with the lomandra plant. To me, it's almost got a personality. I see in your short of the next day you trimmed it up some and the silhouette of the planter shows more ... which for me just adds to this little character's appeal. I am trying to decide if I want to get one of these since I don't have a place to put it in the winter and I'm in zone 6. Maybe I'll get one and just see what happens. I'm enamored unlike I've ever been over a plant, I think!

[@conniecoolbaugh4823]

I absolutely loved the tall topiary the best, perhaps with 2 white blossom bacopa around it. I also like the pale grass, but would dramatically trim it up much shorter to show the gorgeous urn. The way it is currently would tire with me very quickly and it just doesn't seem to be beneficial. I think it's kind of messy in the yard I have loved so much over the years. Linda's back and front yard are my favorite and I have been gardening since 4 years old on our parent's farm where we had a greenhouse business among the many vegetables we sold locally. Blessings!

[@trotting-along-thrifting]

Love your videos. Stewart does a great job

[@chelseajones4141]

🤍🌾🤍 I like the grass, Linda. White and varigated foliage & blades are so underused & underappreciated. It's scale & movement make a nice contrast to the colorful bed opposite, and highlight in the shade. The abelia is gorgeous too, but didn't make the same impact as a focal point. Its size also creates a sense of mystery for what is on the other side. I think that sense of mystery is so important for focal points. For instance, I love how you use the large terracotta(?) urn in the Potager. I love it with the olive tree 👌 As you approach, you see the rich color contrast revealed.

[@melaniesjournal8998]

Although I have a small garden, I do have several focal points. Our shed at the back of the garden is dark green, so everything against it really pops. I have a white framed garden mirror as a focal point, as well as an acer shirasawum which is beautiful and lights up a shady corner. I recently also installed a copper japanese rainchain and it's stunning. I think in general but especially in small gardens, every plant and point has to full fill it's purpose and be attractive, either through foliage, colour or just a statement piece, that like a rainchain is also practical ☺

[@donnasmalley3713]

I use toile as a shade cloth. It allows some wind to go through this reducing the force of the wind

[@tssmjs1279]

Linda I love your channel…. You are lovely and kind …..and so giving to others. As to the focal point …. Would you consider a red weeping maple for the cement pot? Looking at your beautiful home from the back of your yard the maple mimics the brick.

[@LindaVater]

If it wouldn’t fry in our heat I would:)

[@patriciarobinson5033]

The Lomandra Platinum Beauty grass is stunning, Cousin It on steroids! However, the elegant urn is lost, albeit temporarily, It would be fun to have the grass in another focal point and something stunning in the urn as well! I want my cake but I also want to eat it! Thanks for all your attention to detail

[@nicoleshaw7104]

Love your videos! I learn so much. You are so good for advancing my vocabulary! I think you should have a "word of the day" 😊

[@juliegolub2602]

Love your hair cut❤️

[@youbetcha108]

Hi Linda and Stewart I understand the movement. I think the grass plant needs the elevation for the movement. Should look great in the Oklahoma wind! I would have used dracaena but that is fairly ubiquitous. Your idea is more amenable to your desire for movement. Look forward to see final styling on it. Stay cool! linen doesn’t need to be ironed. Supposed to be casual look. Anyway it wrinkles as soon as you look at it. My mom used to say that. 😂🤗🥰🌺

[@deborahfielder8693]

Loved the video. When I first saw that beautiful ring it instantly sent memories of the mood ring. Do you remember this ring and did you ever own one?

[@judyburton6338]

I like your choice. The grass is really whimsical.

[@nancyevans822]

Great video! Looks like you got lowlights and some curls in this one. Enjoying your garden videos.

[@charlesperez9976]

You know,I truly look forward to your videos,they are a delight! Sometimes I reply with Wierd crud,I know🙄 But know this: I thrill at you,sharing the world that is your garden,I wish that I could just pitch a tent,and live there,ha!😂

[@LindaVater]

Weird crud expressed with great affection;)

[@BettyWhiteJr]

I love that grass there! I love most all ornamental grasses, they just provide so much graceful movement. My favorite focal point in my garden is a Fothergilla. The fall color just can’t be beat. Second is a bird bath with a drift of evening rose hibiscus behind it. This was another great video, you have such a knack for simplifying things and being relatable to a broad audience. Thank you!

[@jeanninef2110]

Thank you. A beautiful vlog, very much appreciated!

[@charlesperez9976]

Here is a story,just for fun🥰 Linda,as she moves about her lovely garden,contemplates small changes,the type of change that is subtle,recognized only by her. This is the organic thing,a thing that only the gardener notices. Linda,she suddenly feels a strange tingling,it brushed across her skin in the summer breeze. But then,something remarkable happens. Linda notices that she is becoming smaller,she is shrinking! She is alarmed at first,but soon finds herself marveling at the ever-growing botany around her! Now,a mere 6 inches tall,tiny Linda walks amongst giant boxwood,and stumbles across giant butterflies,whose wings stir up Linda’s hair into a windy mess! She meets a ladybug,she says hello to it,and little ladybug spreads it’s wings in greeting! Linda,Tiny and vulnerable,climbs up a branch of Rododendron,and bathed in the Oklahoma sun,like a tiny bumblebee. Suddenly,with a most peculiar shiver and shudder,Linda begins to return to her normal size! Sadly,the Rododendron,it got squashed under Linda’s sudden growth. Linda,now back to her normal size,perused her lovely garden,with a secret new perspective,always to be appreciated. ❤️

[@beverlyhughes552]

Three Natchez White Crepe Myrtle Trees anchor the front porch of my house with several Azaleas encircling the trees, along with beautiful Nandinas and a couple of Sunshine Ligustram. My yard has made several transitions since moving in (1998). I’m still working on the backyard.😊

[@paulamiller3878]

I like the grass but I wonder what it would look like with a purple fountain grass that stands more upright, has some interesting seed heads later in the season and would show more of the container.. just a thought

[@bethjohnson8234]

Beautiful garden…A lot of good information

[@miriamgleeson6947]

Love the lomandra! Looks fabulous!

[@miriamgleeson6947]

Great to see you using an Australian plant in your garden.

[@TheresaJC]

Nice tour. Very informative

[@gardenvistas]

Thanks so much for uploading and sharing Linda!

[@rhus36]

I like the drama of the lamondra, it also adds a little humor to the garden. It looks like a Victorian lady who got exhausted in the heat is resting against the urn and her skirts are billowing out around her. Have you ever grown Gaura lindheimeri? It’s a wonderfully dynamic plant that blooms well in full sun all summer long (my zone regularly gets in the low 100s and this tough native doesn’t blink). It’s also known as ‘dancing butterflies’ because of the shape of the flowers and the way they move on in the wind-very whimsical and a beautiful, subtle addition to the landscape.

[@5262janna]

Oh my gosh, that is a fantastic choice and makes the whole area more welcoming and less formal feeling.

[@cynthiagreen6927]

Linda every ideal you have is always spot on. Linda you may enjoy viewing White Cottage company utube channel, her garden tour is so inspiring. She give a tour on ground and with a drone view. I think you’ll love it. Mary also sell long pencil skirts on her online store that has been made special for her. Different colors. She is a really sweet spirit that you will enjoy watching.

[@miekowu5139]

I think a small multi trunk crape Myrtle would look great in that container to show off the container itself and give a pop of color. I do love the lamandra, but it could go on something plain since it will hide it.

[@claudiaceleste777]

Muscles Linda! You picked up that topiary like it was a feather 🪶 I see where you were going with the lomandra, it has that lovely blue tone which makes it stand out against the background, working with the layering behind it, I would have gone with the grass too we’re this entire choices. I’d love to see a big show off fern in there too, but the heat at the moment must be exhausting.

[@terirachelsims8928]

I love the way the plant you selected looks, but it hides the beautiful container. Of course if it's not permanent, that's fine as there will be other times when the container is more of a focus.

[@jewellittle2048]

Love that plant

[@kathleenfrieden5948]

I do love that "grass skirt" (sans the hula dancer!) What impact! "Layering" in the potager is fantastic as well. I will be tweaking my garden focal points from now on, thank you! ❤️🌻👍

[@yiselburns5013]

I love the olive tree focal point

[@saundramoragne3431]

I live in a ranch style home. It’s hard for me to have a focal point. The backyard is much easier then the front. I live in the New Orleans area so my home is raised 4 feet!! So love your gardens!!

[@barbarasidel9012]

This was a great video Linda! I am a visual artist. Garden design is also an art which you accomplish very successfully. 🌟🌟🌟

[@judymiddleswart9350]

I do feel I’m very visual and can immediately see where focal points should happen without overdoing too much kiche items!! But off subject I’m loving your hair!! Looks as if u used a curling iron in the back and just so cute!!!

[@jomoney465]

What was choice #3 ? That was my favorite, and I don't know what she called it. I want one ! Mis Little Abelia ???

[@agnescarbone6815]

My garden I added a theme. I have large fairy statues and a rocking horse that I turned into a unicorn and fountain for sound. . I like large things not a bunch of little ones. A lot of Little stuff makes a garden look cluttered .

[@AJones-xo3jg]

Gosh, that shot of the SBV was glorious.

[@sussiekraglund4038]

Great ideas and inspiration! 💕However, personally I would chose a plant that did not hide the beautiful concrete urn.

[@vickiejones7085]

I like the grass in the container it needed to be lift in something with height. But, I also loved the abelia. Either one looks beautiful in your garden.

[@twojhawksgoogleaccount9698]

I loved the weeping tree you had I'm the center!

[@nitahiltner9560]

One of my focal points is my pond with an angel statue behind it. The only thing is my water hibiscus keeps getting taller, almost 3 ft now. I don't think you can trim them to make them lower, either.

[@nancyevans822]

The Lemon Abelia (sp?) looks so much better!!! Just my opinion. 😀

[@marybeth4002]

Loved this video - I don't know that I would have understood all of it just a few years ago. However, after watching, growing, and developing my garden skills, I now can really appreciate your shared knowledge on design. Each time your protege is filmed - I still get 'pine cone finial' envy!! If they are ever 'missing' - they might have traveled to Michigan . JUST KIDDING.

[@evelynnellis7903]

The birdhouse and huge pot in the middle have been focus points for me.

[@AmericanaGardens]

Love the focal points! But no to wrinkles in clothing.

[@KayeCarterTV]

Great tips. 👍🏼❤️

[@judyandrews1605]

Yes. What you said. I concur.

[@judybresch1186]

Love your hair in this video.

[@terrycourtney8011]

I love the grass you selected, but you can't see the beautiful urn it's in... to make a joke, it reminds me of Cousin It! Lets see after you doll it up.Your garden is beautiful.

[@mikefelix932]

Beautiful garden, great videos! - Shel

[@joistevens4454]

How do you care for that unmovable urn in winter? I really want one but at 62 I’m afraid I won’t be able to care for it. I live in NC zone 7B almost zone 8 now. I would love to see that grass after you groom it! Right now it looks a bit like cousin it Lol. I about fell out when you told Stewart to twirk! 😆 I know what you meant but it was funny. My focal point is evolving, my garden is young so ever changing. I would love an aqua pot, but that’s a $$ goal! Love your videos!

[@marycurio5098]

Fiberglass Urns can give you the old concrete look, take extreme in temps & so easy to move.I have one that is more than 30 yrs old & has held up beautifully.

[@jomoney465]

and I see evergreen shrubs in concrete containers. Are those moved to the greenhouse during the winter ? or scooted up under the overhang so they won't freeze and bust ? I am using large plastic containers (cannot afford the concrete) and want to place in my landscaping, with evergreen shrubs ( boxwood, holly ) in them and leave out year round. I'm worried about the shrubs making it through the winter, wondering what everyone does. I'm in Zone 7 Southwestern Kentucky

[@ourlifeedited6441]

Been waiting for this video. Thank you!

[@sugarsnap1000]

I love your garden, 😊 do you have any thoughts on wild flowers? They’ve taken off all over Ireland in private and public spaces.

[@LindaVater]

Are they natives, do you know?

[@sugarsnap1000]

@@LindaVater the box was a mix of cornflowers, marigolds, red and California poppy’s, nasturtiums, cosmos, etc, I bought a box containing 15,000 seeds in Aldi for 3 euro, I think Aldi is in the US too, I spread them in my garden and in some pots too, they are coming up lovely and attracting a lot bees and butterflies, I just hope they don’t grow out of control, but they’ve really taken off over here, our public parks have big landscapes with them and also along motorways, public roundabouts, green areas in housing schemes etc.

[@charlesperez9976]

Boxwood. A framework. To use literary terms,boxwood is a statement,it suggests a mood. Around it are the verbs,adjectives,nouns,pronouns,adverbs. Together,they are a sentence,a STATEMENT! And in this particular case,that statement says “Linda”. ❤️

[@marycurio5098]

Any of the choices are good ,but the Urn would look better on a pedestal with any of the choices.I enjoy your videos & ideas & the comments. HAPPY 4th of July.

[@kafinn5302]

How do you keep the rock paths weed free ?

[@josephinebrevig8748]

Wouldn't you say the portoger boxwood structure is a focal point in It's own right? Or am I not quite understanding the concept. The grass as much as i love it...it hides the beautiful pot which is a pity coz the ppt is so beautiful.

[@northerngail0385]

Oh Linda, I love your garden designs, your topiaries, everything but you missed the mark with that plant that you put in that beautiful cement urn, looks like "Cousin It" from the Adams Family.

[@LindaVater]

Cuz I haven’t clipped it yet😀

[@carolyost6733]

Would it be fair to say a focal point is a garden assessory in the garden? This was really intetesting and learning from you has broadened my understanding and insights. That pot is gorgeous. I think i liked plant no. 2 better. It will grow bigger and the trellis would have given height by pulling some of those branches upward. Although plant no. 3 was pretty, you couldnt see much of the pot. And i would want to see that pot. Maybe a more upward grass. Just my opinion. You did something different to your hair . Can't pin point it but looks really cute. The back is really cute. Happy 4th!

[@judypittas4324]

Loropetalum would look great there

[@tawanajorden2990]

Hey Linda buying book now

[@anneedfitzpatrickfitzpatri3294]

Love your choice, it looks like a Hawaiian grass skirt, lol

[@crystalroby4416]

I think purple fountain grass would be a better choice. It's tall and doesn't cover the bottom pot!

[@lanaritter9410]

I didn’t hear the name of the grassy focal point in the urn? It is so pretty! You and Stewart have a wonderful July 4th!

[@joansmith3492]

maybe channeling a little Piet Oudolf into the garden? Me too

[@suelangston1049]

I don’t know what’s it’s called but it looks like a elephants ear with black leaves....that would look great in that pot......