Exploring the Magic of Green Flowers and Herb Trees in the Garden
“Green Flowers and Herb Trees,” by Bunny Mellon, was originally published in the December 1965 issue of Vogue.
For more of the best from Vogue’s archive, sign up for our Nostalgia newsletter here.
There is a certain mystique that surrounds a garden, a sense of wonder and enchantment that is difficult to put into words. Bunny Mellon captures this essence beautifully in her timeless piece about green flowers and herb trees. A garden, much like a library, is a place of endless possibilities and hidden secrets, where the past and future intertwine in a dance of beauty and growth.
Green flowers are like magical beings in the garden, casting a spell with their unique hue and delicate beauty. From the emerald shades of the Ixia viridiflora to the moonlight glow of white flowers, these enchanted blooms add a touch of mystery and allure to any garden. Mixed with flowers of other colors, they create a harmonious blend that evokes a sense of air and life.
Some flowers have always been green, like the Ixia viridiflora and the lacy Alchemilla major, while others, like green zinnias, surprise us with their unexpected appearance. By nurturing and protecting these serendipitous blooms, a gardener can encourage their growth and create a truly unique garden. With the help of a skilled gardener like Mr. Charles Pecora and a greenhouse, green flowers can be enjoyed all year round, adding depth and subtlety to any floral arrangement.
Looking ahead is essential in gardening, with plans often made months or even years in advance. Bunny Mellon’s experiment with growing rosemary, thyme, myrtle, and santolina into small standards shaped like bay trees is a testament to the foresight and creativity that goes into creating a truly remarkable garden. These herb trees, ranging from ten inches to three feet in height, were a unique addition to the American gardening scene, inspired by references in old gardening books.
In the garden, as in life, creating, caring, and hoping are essential components of the process. Green flowers and herb trees add a touch of magic and wonder to any garden, transforming it into a place of beauty and serenity.
