What’s the one thing you want to see in a beautiful spring and summer garden? COLOR. And with the sun shining and the birds singing and little buds about to burst into glorious brightness, now’s the time to be thinking about the color in YOUR garden!
Do you know how to play with color for a spectacular color punch?
First, recognize that color comes from more than flower petals. It comes from bark and foliage, from pots and furniture, and from anything else out in your garden including fences and pathways. Next, as you plan, ask yourself what colors do you have and what colors do you want? And where do you start? If you’re not sure, there’s an easy way to help you combine colors in the plants and garden elements you choose…
USE A COLOR WHEEL!
A color wheel is based on the three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) and resembles a rainbow… Red and orange are next to yellow, followed by green, blue, purple, and violet.
ANALOGOUS COLOR THEME
Using colors that are analogous, or next to each other, on the color wheel is one way to go. Typically, analogous color schemes are the most pleasing to us as they feel balanced, peaceful, and the most neutral.
COMPLEMENTARY COLOR THEME
Another is looking at complementary colors, or those that are opposite each other, on the color wheel. Complementary color schemes tend to be more dynamic and a good measure more punchy than their analogous counterparts. They represent the strongest contrast on the color wheel and therefore make each other “pop.”
TRIADIC COLOR THEME
A third way is to use a color triad, creating a triangle of colors by skipping the color between points. It’s a trickier arrangement to achieve, but it’s one that will make an impact in terms of color and visual interest.
WARM OR COOL COLOR THEME
You can also choose all warm colors or all cool colors. Generally speaking, warm colors are red through chartreuse while cool colors are green through violet.
Playing with color leads to planning with color… Have fun!
As always, your Garden Market (a most colorful place) is here to help you create the garden of your dreams!
