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I’m bringing the Japanese art of shadow and light into my garden
A lovely brick wall at the end of my garden has become a stage for other plants’ shadows
TL;DR
- The Japanese concept of 'ma' refers to negative space, which is crucial in ikebana and can be applied to garden design.
- Creating negative space in a garden allows for a pause and appreciation of other elements, similar to how it functions in ikebana.
- Planting species that cast elegant shadows can significantly enhance the visual appeal of garden features like brick walls.
- Ideal plants for casting shadows often have long, tall stems and flowers or seedheads that catch the light, such as grasses and umbellifers.
- These plants also serve as good 'plant skeletons' that maintain structural interest throughout the colder seasons.