A chapter in my coffee table book, “Philippine Gardens by Shirley Sanders: Silver Edition,” focuses on garden accents and features. These elements have become a staple in many of the landscapes I’ve designed and built. In many of the Philippine garden settings, one would find a statue of St. Francis of Assisi or the Virgin Mary among the foliage—a reflection of Filipino religiosity. One can find a native deity, a preternatural being or an animal that is the subject of local myths and legends.

Sometimes, a simple wheel bench can do the trick. Even a kawali or tabiesa can be put to use as they also add a sense of drama to the whole garden story. The point is accents make a significant contribution to the overall landscape. They also help identify a garden’s character.

When we were commissioned to do the garden of an Iloilo residence, we chose to create a Philippine garden showcase. It comes as no surprise since the owner is at heart a true Filipino. Her passion for landscape and gardens was instilled in her at a young age, having watched her mother tend to the plants in their backyard. Now her own garden features typical Filipino accents: a Narra wheel bench, an antique jar or banga with an intricate design pattern and the Virgin Mary housed in a grotto.

The selection of plants was also the key to completing the desired look and feel of a Philippine garden. Along the driveway leading to the garage stands a huge antique jar containing the Balete shrub (Ficus benjamina). To its right is a grouping of Picarra (Excoecaria cochinchinensis), Yellow Durantha (Duranta repens), and Kamuning shrubs (Murraya paniculata). Above this grouping of low-lying shrubs is a well-trimmed and maintained lining of Pisaray grass.

In another section is a lining of Oliva palms (Cycas revoluta) surrounded by Forget-Me-Not flowers (Plumbago auriculata) at their bases. These short palms are best planted in adequate intervals because of their voluminous fronds that take up much space. Yet they have a very dramatic effect. The light blue color of the Forget-Me-Not flowers are in stark contrast to the dark branches of the Oliva palms. At the edge of this grouping of plants sits a wheel bench where indigenous vines are draped by the side of the wheel.  

The area where the grotto of the Virgin Mary is found is also densely populated with plants. A favorite plant of ours, the Pandanus sanderiana, frames the grotto while the lush landscape of  the Selloum (Philodendron selloum), Dwarf Pandakaki (Tabernaemontana pandacaqui), and Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus). They serve as a cushion to the most revered feature of the garden: the Blessed Mother of God. Truly, the features and accents of this garden give it a Filipino character.

In another garden we designed in Iloilo, the features and accents speak volumes about its character. In nearly every corner one can find elements of classical architecture and even of classical history. Highlights include statues of Greek gods and goddesses and a pristine water fountain of rose alabaster. a dramatic-looking dome, a birdbath festooned with blue Forget-Me-Not (Plumbago auriculata) flowers, and columns of sturdy pillars reminding us of an ancient Greek polis.

Because of these prominent accents, there was a need for an equally grand landscape that can complement the whole architecture of the place. The first things that came to our mind were the Royal Palms (Roystonea elata) and Foxtail Palms (Wodyetia bifurcata) which serve as natural columns. Their height makes them look very majestic. And the way their fronds spread out is nothing short of grand.

At the base of the Royal Palms are Rhapis shrubs (Rhapis excelsa) that have just the right consistency. The outstretched leaves of the Rhapis are not limp but sturdy in appearance, making them compatible with the branches of the palms. Near this grouping of plants is the dome structure. On each corner stands, alongside the pillar, is an arrangement of Blue Plumbago flowers that serve as a contrast to the white edifice.

Just beyond the pool area is an arrangement of Red Palms surrounded by Golden Lilies (Crinum xanthophyllum) and Kamuning (Murraya paniculata) shrubs. We chose these plants because they have sturdy fronds, firmly-shaped leaves and well-defined structures. These features are in tune with the garden’s formal look.

The water fountain is another standout which also serves as a source of water for the water floras such as the Cannas and Umbrella plants. This is one fine example of an accent that has both style and function.

Landscaping has evolved to include these garden accents and features that have added life to any landscape. In our profession, we have not only learned to choose the right types of plants and arrange them in a garden setting. We have also learned to incorporate elements that would boost the overall look and feel of the garden.

For your questions on landscapes and gardening, email us at: gardensbysanders@gmail.com