Using Color in Garden Design

Once gardeners choose appropriate plants based on sunlight, water and soil needs, choosing what colors those plants and flowers should be can be overwhelming. What colors will look good together? Will it look as intended? Where does a gardener even start?

Choosing Colors for the Garden

The best place to start is by looking around the home. What colors are on the walls, furniture or art work? Another place to look for inspiration is in wardrobes. What color combinations stand out? Apply these color preferences to garden choices and chances are the results will be pleasing.

Also, consider the exterior of the home and choose colors that won’t get lost against the house. For example, if the house is white, predominantly white flowers may not be the best choice. A dark colored house isn’t going to be enhanced by dark colored plants. The flowers and plants work best when the color choice complements or contrasts the exterior, but don’t necessarily match.

Familiarity with the color wheel is useful. Neighboring colors such as red and orange are complementary colors. Colors on the opposite side of the wheel such as yellow and purple are contrasting colors. Complementary color combinations are more harmonious while contrasting color combinations are dynamic and bold. In addition, colors such as red, orange, yellow are considered warm colors, while those on the other side of the wheel such as green, blue, purple are considered cool.

Using Foliage to Add Color to the Landscape

Don’t overlook foliage or filler plants to add color. Foliage colors can be used to tie a combination together, add depth an interest or provide a pop of color on their own. Another advantage to using foliage color in design is that the color lasts all season long, not just when the plant is blooming.

Silvery gray foliage (Artemisia, Lamb’s Ear, Dusty Miller) can be used to harmonize combinations. It’s especially striking with blues, lavenders and pinks. White or variegated foliage (English ivy, Lamium, Vinca) adds sparkle and works well with blues, soft yellows and corals. Use burgundy or dark purple plants (Blackie Sweet Potato Vine, Purple Fountain Grass) to add depth and color without competing with flowers. Add chartreuse (Marguerite Sweet Potato Vine, Creeping Jenny) to brighten a combination.

Choose a color theme consisting of 2-5 colors used in combination and repeated throughout the garden for maximum effect. Using single plants of many different colors with no cohesive theme looks cluttered and doesn’t have much impact. Rather than highlighting any one plant, they all get lost in the confusion. By choosing plants based on a theme, the statement is simple and bold.

There is no right or wrong to choosing colors for the garden. It’s all a matter of personal preference and what kind of mood gardeners wish to evoke. Choose cool, complementary colors for a serene garden feel. For a bold and dynamic garden, use contrasting colors. The possibilities are limitless but by understanding personal preferences and basic color principles, creating a colorful and beautiful garden is easy.