Southampton - In today's world more than ever, I am thinking, less is more. To luxuriate into a tranquil surrounding that has calming vibrations and delicate fragrances is what dreams are made of. At least for me, that is.

I think of the first time I visited and drank in the exquisite beauty of The Greek Islands. There one just has panoramic views of the turquoise Agean Sea and the stark white washed primitive villages with turquoise domed churches. Here and there brilliant, passionate splashes of Fuscia Bougainvillea drizzle over the quaint shuttered windows and weathered doorways.

Simple color palettes for gardens can be so very enchanting.


Discovering the vast array of white flowers, plants, trees and shrubs that bloom profusely is part of the fun. Also to learn about their distinctive fragrances and bloom time is always essential and rewarding.

Also, choosing your White Garden site and designing the overall mood you wish to portray is a wonderful part of the creative and learning process.


Chinese Snowball viburnum are another startlingly beautiful plant. They grow well in part shade and several species deliver a most intoxicating sweet fragrance when in full bloom. Mariesii another great double file white viburnum choice.

Star Jasmine, a must. Here in Zone 7, Jasmine is an annual and or wintered in doors.

Chinese White Wisteria, is unique. When in full bloom I love the surprising effect it has on garden visitors. White Wisteria isn't as fragrant as Amethyst Wisteria. However, it is definitely a rarity, and I find that the enchanting beauty of lush White Wisteria draping over a romantic portal or a garden arbor, transports me to romantic place and time in history.

Henryi' White Clematis. (Linda Ardigo)

'Henryi' White Clematis, with blooms as large as dinner plates, climb up a side garden trellis in my garden.

Remember to plant clematis so that its base area is shaded by lower plantings. Clematis like their roots cool.

Patriot Hosta make a very powerful impact as well. Patriots are variegated white and green with a pale lavender bloom flower.

Tardiva are the gift that keeps on giving. Fast growing and first flowering blinding white, fluffy conical flowers. Then towards the end of the season they turn pale pink and pale apple green. I adore them.

For an early spring fresh awakening, 'Delaware White' Azalea are one of my favorites. Delaware White azalea, grow into voluptuous displays of large clustered powder puff blooms, almost obliterating their shiny semi-evergreen leaves during their bloom weeks in early June.

Planting Delawares under evergreen trees and or shrubs, create a regal English/French garden sense of style.

Flowers of the Night:

Oriental Lilies, Nicotania, and Moon Flower Vine.

This selection along with 'Moondance' white roses, will add to the allure and
mystery of your White Garden.

All you need to do now is think, WHITE & GREEN, of course.