Large, lush, tropical containers evoke a Charleston, S.C., summer in Litchfield's garden at Orchard in Bloom. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Orchard in Bloom is lovely this year. There are many more plants available for purchase than in previous shows. The gardens seem more restrained this year, with a couple standing out for their attention to detail and fulfillment of a theme. Indiana gardeners can immediately apply many of the design and plant elements in their own gardens and landscapes.
The Best of Show was Litchfield Landscaping of Indianapolis, which created an inviting vision to step into Charleston, S.C.,-inspired design. The garden featured spectacular, large planters, a Litchfield trademark. The Nigh Group of Morristown, Ind., scored high with its very first garden design entry anywhere. The designer also recalled a Southern living theme with an outdoor kitchen, fire pit and interest plant selections and combinations.
Japanese plum yew works as a low-growing ground cover in the Nighgroup's shady garden. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
A personal favorite is the use of Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia), a fairly new evergreen shrub that may be hard to find, but worth considering, especially for shady areas.
The show continues through the weekend and includes many family related activities, speakers, dozens of high quality vendors and exhibitors and great ideas for the Indiana gardener.
