Plants are meant to be touched and contrast is the key here. Fuzzy, smooth, spiky, glossy, or rough, combining opposites creates interest and depth in the garden. Bark is also a wonderful way to add texture and touch.
On this Atherton garden fence, interest is achieved by combining leaf texture, shape and color. Lamb's Ear, Rosa 'Sally Holmes', Nepeta fassennii, Dafodils and Pittosporum crasifolium crowd together.