Principles of Good Garden Design

Lynn & Eryle Morton September 2003

As designers of their own award winning Victoria garden, Eryle and Lynn Morton are especially qualified to speak on this topic. Bill McMillan we all know as a productive member of our executive.

The meeting of September 5th was an exceedingly interesting one giving photographic evidence of the details that have to be considered in the building of great gardens. The Mortons described what they did to create works of horticultural art, out of small urban lots and larger ones, where the natural placing of huge rock outcroppings or shrubs and mature trees made landscaping awkward or difficult. Opening views over the ocean by the removal of trees or rock, the building of walkways, bridges, ponds, and connecting streams, importing tons of rocks to manufacture dry stream beds, making of level, brick-paved patios, seats, walls, garden buildings, curved walks and beds of shrubs and perennials, all were described. Plans showed adherence to principles of art with respect to line and form, colour and contrast, darks and lights. The speakers stressed their attention to the wishes of the clients, to the speed with which the work had to be accomplished, and the efficiency and economy with which they worked. There were ideas here for home gardeners – even if beyond their resources.

One was put in mind of the difficulties that must have met those who, on a huge scale created the magnificent gardens of Europe, which with great wealth to support them have endured through centuries. I thought also of the small gardens and squares of Italy, France and Spain that have brought grace and pleasure to those who pass them everyday.

As the 5 minute speaker, Bill McMillan spoke of Oreotrephes, found in SE Tibet, Sichuan, N. Yunnan and Burma in many environments (9000 to 14000 feet). They were introduced to the wider rhododendron world by George Forrest in 1910. As Triflora, they range from 2 to more than 20 feet tall, are rounded to upright in shape, and generally evergreen. The glaucous leaves (covered with a grayish waxy bloom), especially the new ones, are often blue-green and very striking. Flower colour varies from almost white through rose pink to purple; spotting may be present. More than 6 forms (including Exquisetum) are in cultivation and some are (according to Davidian), intermediate to the Cinnabarinum Group. As Davidian said, the virtues of Oreotrephes are many: they are hardy, they flower freely, have beautiful leaves and a good habit, and are easy to grow! They are ideal garden plants, and Bill rated them, A+ !

His accompanying illustrations were first rate, testifying to the brilliance of his choice.