"Broad brushstrokes..." 
Plant in broad brushstrokes is a recommendation from our book 'Garden and Landscape Design...a Quick Start Guide' (available at Amazon or direct from us). Nature does a lot of this.
These vast field of Virginia bluebells was seen and photographed by us near Starved Rock State Park near Utica, Illinois. 
The idea is to mass many plants of the same variety. It fills in large spaces with dramatic effect. When the plants fill in the area may need little maintenance. Weeds are crowded out. Mulching is not needed. 
FYI: Starved Rock State Park is perched on a bluff above the Illinois River. It has many trails. often with waterfalls, through limestone canyons. Nature and wildlife abounds here. 





"Neon Saguaros" 
This is the title I gave this photo taken at the Tonto National Monument near Roosevelt Lake in Arizona. I sent it in and it was featured on Arizona Highways magazine website. 
The backlighting on the spines of the cactus during the mid-afternoon on a November day is striking. 
Tonto National Monument has cliff ruins left by Native Americans long ago. It is open for guided tours by park staff. 



You can find great inspiration in nature for your gardens. 

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