Floral Impressionism

For dedicated gardeners, planting a flower border that produces continuous color is a complex project. And emulating the elegant informality of Monet’s gardens at Giverny would seem leagues more arduous.

Now, White Swan Ltd., an Oregon seed company, has developed Flowers of Monet, a virtually brown-thumb-proof seed collection inspired by the father of Impressionism. Included are 10 tins of seeds, blended by color group (white/cream, yellow/orange, pink/rose, scarlet/crimson, blue/purple) and growing height (6 to 18 inches and 2 to 4 feet).

Sixty varieties of flowers of the era are represented; the artist would group many shades of the same color to create a voluminous and billowy effect. A profusion of color throughout the seasons is promised. The annuals will re-seed themselves and the perennials will come back the following year.

Suggested designs and instructions for planting and care are included. Each seed tin covers about 50 square feet. Flowers of Monet is available for about $30 at Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar, and at Armstrong Garden Centers in North Hollywood, Santa Monica, La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, Artesia and Monrovia.