Inspiration Garden with Barn of Blooms
At The Barn of Blooms, a dreamy former dairy-turned-garden center in Ranburne, Alabama, owner Taylor Gibbs recently teamed up with HortTube’s Jim Putnam to create an Inspiration Garden that brings plenty of color into a sunny space. All five Butterfly Candy® Buddleia colors are planted throughout the garden, creating bold pockets of blooms that are sure to catch the attention of butterflies and other pollinators. Paths wind through the planting, giving visitors a chance to see the different colors up close and revealing how these compact powerhouses can infuse color and charm into a garden without overtaking the space.
Rather than centering around one single focal point, the new Inspiration Garden is designed to be explored in the round: an “every angle” garden. Paths wind through the garden and lead toward a central focal point, with brightly colored foliage and blooms filling the beds along the way. Openings throughout the design create a natural flow from one area to the next, with ample space for annuals that will add seasonal color and interest. The layout gives visitors plenty of chances to wander, pause, and find inspiration for their own gardens.
When an “Every Angle” Garden Works Best
An “every angle” garden bed can be a great choice when your home landscape needs a strong focal point that can be enjoyed from multiple directions. Consider this design approach if:
- Two buildings need a visual connection. A shed, guest house or other structure can feel more connected to the main house when the garden sits between them. That was the case at Taylor’s garden.
- There’s a large, open stretch of lawn. A garden bed placed in the middle of a front yard or another open area can break up the expanse and create a destination within the landscape.
- The home has a formal or symmetrical design. A central feature such as a statue, fountain, or tree can anchor the garden and echo the clean lines and symmetry of a traditional home.
One helpful trick Jim and Taylor used when laying out the shrubs was to create mini focal points within each bed. Taller shrubs anchor the center, while more compact plants like Butterfly Candy fill in the edges. They also used the generous size of the beds to play with color, creating complementary groupings that contrast beautifully and create separate themes.
Four Color Combinations to Try
Looking for a little inspiration for the garden? These combinations show how Butterfly Candy can be combined with other plants to create distinctly different looks.
A Frosty White Combination with Li’l Coconut™
- Jubilation™ Gardenia or Pearls of Perfume™ Philadelphus, Chef’s Choice® Rosemary, and our Li’l Coconut™
- Style secret: Cool whites paired with silvery tones illuminate the space, especially in the moonlight.
A Sweet Kiss of Pink with Li’l Raspberry™
- EverColor® ‘Everillo' Carex, Dragon Prince™ Cryptomeria and our Li’l Raspberry™
- Style secret: Vivid yellow-green foliage brings out the intensity of the magenta blooms.
A Perfect Pastel Combination with Li’l Taffy™
- Suntastic™ Pink Abelia, our Li’l Taffy™ and Babylon Beauty™
- Style secret: Soft pastel tones and classic forms give this combination a classic, old-world feel.
A Flower-Filled Color Fest with Li’l Grape™
- ‘Radiance’ Abelia, our Li’l Grape™ and Jubilation™ Gardenia
- Style secret: Layering several flowering plants with different-sized blooms creates a colorful, flower-filled spot that pollinators can’t resist.
Want to learn more? Click below to see how it all came together!
Whether you're planning a visit to see the garden in person or looking for inspiration from home, explore The Barn of Blooms online or in beautiful Ranburne to see what these garden gurus have created!
