Consider A "Seasonal Dash" Of Lime In The Garden

It's tough to categorize lime as a color in the garden.  As a variable (and subjective) color, lime can encompass a wide range of greens and head in to the "chartreusey" range. Regardless, the point of my blog is to emphasize effective seasonal plants that can offer some fun greens and bright lime components with flower and/or foliage.  Above is a chartreuse flowering tobacco (Nicotiana langsdorfii) which really looks dynamite with these bright pink petunias and the 'Purple Majesty' ornamental millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in the background.  Lime can offer a nice punctuation when combined with darker colors and can certainly brighten up a container or sunny border as well.  This blog focuses on seasonal plants but keep in mind the value of lime/chartreuse as it also relates to the flowers and/or foliage of perennials and woody plants too.  In 2013, we had two areas with a strong lime theme (see the next two photos).  They were very effective and note the use of the vining obelisks that were painted to give a nice lime vertical element along both long borders.  Read my blog yesterday for more information on our obsession with obelisks at RBG.  See further below for my tribute to lime and its impact in the garden.  Do consider a "seasonal dash" of lime in 2014!

Today was relatively quiet at the Horticulture Center and the weather wasn't too bad outside.  It looks like we'll have sporadic snow over the coming week but that isn't unusual!  Pat was in to process lights in the morning and later returned and went outside in the afternoon to bring in more lights from the Holiday Lights Show.  Janice stopped by for timely office work and Maury was in to run some errands.  Urban came in after the lunch hour to do some pruning and we also saw Bill O., Bev D. and Deb G.  It was a productive day for me with minimal interruptions, distractions or unexpected challenges!

lime border at RBG (2013) - maintained by Don and Pearl (volunteers)

lime border at RBG (2013) - maintained by Janet (volunteer)

mixed border with plenty of lime at RBG (2011)

'Golden Delicious' pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) adding some bright chartreuse foliage (and red flowers in October) - not at RBG but can't recall garden location....

chartreusey coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) in a vivid annual border at Olbrich Botanical Gardens (Madison, WI)

green love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus 'Viridis')

'Sylphid' plume celosia (Celosia plumosa)

'Green Ball' dianthus (Dianthus hybrida)

'Queen Lime' zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)

flowering tobacco (Nicotiana langsdorfii) - close-up

'Perfume Lime' flowering tobacco (Nicotiana hybrida)

'Sophistica Lime Green' petunia (Petunia)

'Lanai Lime Green' verbena (Verbena hybrida)

'Spring Green' cockscomb (Celosia cristata)

'Gypsy Lime Lace' sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas)

'Limon' Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum)

'Lime Zinger' elephant ear (Xanthosoma sp.)

'Royal Hawaiian Maui Gold' elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta)

'Kong Jr. Lime Halo' coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

'Blazin' Lime' bloodleaf (Iresine hybrida)