How to Plan Out Your Garden

When I planted my first garden, it looked like a clown car had exploded.  There was every kind of flower and color I fancied. That type of planting has been called the confetti effect. There is no cohesive plan, just an earnest, enthusiastic novice trying his or her hand at gardening.

Years of experience have taught me that a garden is more successful if there is a plan that includes a color scheme. Groupings of the same plant in uneven numbers will create what are called “drifts”, giving a garden more structure. An effective method of showing off your colored flowers is to plant taller, white ones behind them.  It’s the contrast that gives the visual impact. A great choice is the Iceberg rose.  It’s a florabunda that really lives up to its name. Abundant, fragrant white roses bloom throughout the season.  They are a great cut flower too; even the buds will bloom indoors. It is relatively pest free and will show off the colors of the other flowers in your bouquets.

When we are welcomed into the Lord’s family, the Bible tells us in Isaiah 1:18, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Just as we are to be salt and light to the world, our new white raiment is an appealing background, if you will, to this fallen world.  Revelation 3: 5, “He overcomes will be like them, be dressed in white” (or clothed in white raiment). If we live our lives for Jesus Christ, the lost will be attracted to our example and make them long for a relationship with Our Lord. Is there a plan in God’s Garden? Of course! Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Imagine! He is talking about you, you whom He knew before the world was ever created.

Your gardening friend,

Marianne Farrier