Landscaping with Texture and Color: University of Mississippi

I recently had the opportunity to visit the campus of the University of Mississippi. I was pleasantly surprised by the less-formal landscaping used on the campus. The interplay of different textures and colors created nice vignettes throughout the landscape.

I took lots of photos while visiting and I think you might enjoy getting some ideas from the style of landscaping used at this university.

Use of Texture and Structure

The use of different combinations of texture and different heights of plants create structure in the landscape and add intrigue to the campus.

Three types of shrubs create layers underneath the crepe myrtles that add height

Day lilies placed under Japanese maples add layers and prevent the need for weeding

This unique grass definitely adds texture to the landscape

Day lilies under Japanese maple

Day lilies under Japanese maple

Different shrubs and grasses create texture against a walk way

Some type of wheat in the butterfly garden

The height of the crepe myrtle accompanied with the oak-leaf hydrangea and holly add three different levels and lots of texture

Lots of variety in one spot

Hydrangeas encircling the base of crepe myrtles

Color Combinations

The unique combinations of contrasting colors and textures in the landscape provides nice visual appeal

red, white, pink begonias

red, white, pink begonias

begonias

tall verbena with a variegated pale grass

lime green colors of the holly mix with the burgundy of the shrub in the background

lime green colors of the holly mix with the burgundy of the shrub in the background

red coreopsis with a blue-flowered vining ground cover

red coreopsis with a blue-flowered vining ground cover

red samaras on a Japanese maple

bright red roses in front of burgundy leaves

purples and pinks planted in diagonal rows

purples and pinks planted in diagonal rows

purples and pinks planted in diagonal rows

Butterfly Garden

The University has created a small butterfly garden at the front of one of the buildings. It’s a nice attraction!

Yarrow

Speedwell, echinacea, brown-eyed susans

Brown-eyed Susans

Tickseed

Tickseed

Daisies

Daisies

Echinacea

Speedwell

Tall verbena

Hydrangeas

The campus had lots of trees and shrubs. I especially enjoyed the abundance and variety of hydrangeas.

Lace-cap hydrangea

Mop head hydrangeas

Lace-cap hydrangea

Mop head hydrangeas

Oak-leaf hydrangeas

Oak-leaf hydrangea

Oak-leaf hydrangea

Champion Trees

Another neat feature of the campus landscape was the enormous trees. We even ran across a champion tree or two.

Champion Catalpa tree

Champion Catalpa tree

Champion Catalpa tree