Heard Of Grey Gardens?

Ever seen a bright white cloud with the several shades of blue? Ever seen a dazzling silver lined rose in a bunch of dusky blossoms? …That’s the concept of ‘grey gardens’. Gardens, usually are colorful, or are dominantly green. But at the same time, they can carry ‘contrasts’. There are a few plants and shrubs that seem to 'shine' due to the whitish or greyish edges on their leaves. These glittering edges, in turn, help add some sparkle to your gardens. ‘Grey leaf plants’ with their greyish-green or silvery-blue leaves, are primary components of grey gardens. ‘Grey’ – could be any shade of grey, inclined towards complete white or complete black. The purpose is to add a line that has no color, which in turn, could help draw attention. In the midst of color, grey leaf plants grow dull blue, dull green, silver, or white colored leaves – giving your gardens a touch of oddity and unconventionality, which has always proved to be interesting. Examples of grey leaf plants are : aglaonema, artemisia, basil, sage and crassula.

Characteristics of Grey Leaf Plants

• Plants in grey gardens generally have fat, thick, fleshy leaves.
• Leaves of such plants are not only aromatic but also are sometimes juicy and palatable.
• One of the grey leaf plants in West Africa, named ‘cotyledon orbiculata’, has a waxy coating on its leaves. If the grey bloom is just a little bruised, the wax comes off on one’s finger-tips. Another plant called ‘eucalyptus caesia’, often known as the ‘silver princess', is capped with a pinkish red waxy coating.
• The leaves are sometimes fluffy. These furs, hairs, or waxy layers associated with leaves, reflect sunlight. This in turn, helps plants manage in drier environments, because the more sunlight that is reflected from a plant, the less water it needs for its survival. These plants do not need excessive water, and are the ‘easy-to-maintain’ variety.
• Grey leaf plants can survive in dry climate also, and ask for no extra care or attention.
• Some plants are said to save the water in their stems, thereby showing drought tolerance. Example is, ‘kleinia’.
• The plants hold good immunity towards the attacks of insects and pests, and hence are self-resistant to disease.
• Populating grey gardens is easy as well. Just cut some stems from parent plants and plant them to grow new plants.
• One good example of grey gardens is the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Australia.
• Grey gardens are artistic terms in themselves - Through the ages, the term ‘grey gardens’ has been used to title books and movies.
• Planting grey leaf plants with discretion is a prudent gardening technique, as a patch of grey among greens, produces a decent contrast – making your grey gardens look professional and yet refreshingly appealing.

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