Strikingly Simple Color Design In The Garden

by Amanda

Orange and yellow are a bold combination and can make a big statement planted along a walkway or in front of a home.

A garden is a reflection of your creativity and one easy way to design a cohesive landscape is with color. Color in the garden not only comes from flowers, but also from foliage, furniture, stonework and other accents you choose to add to your outdoor space. Different color schemes create different looks and feels in the garden. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, calming retreat to drink a cup of coffee, or a vibrant spot to host parties, color can help you achieve any mood.

Plant All Purple Perennials:

One way to create a statement through color is to plant a monochromatic garden, by choosing and planting varieties all of the same color. This is a simple way to create a big statement in the garden (and can be fun to plant all your favorite color). Purple, white and blue gardens can emit a calming feeling, whereas red, pink and orange gardens give off a vibrant, energetic energy.

If you have a favorite color, don’t be afraid to plant a monochromatic garden to show it off!

If you’re looking to combine colors in the garden to achieve a specific look or feel, it’s best not to get too hung up on color theories – instead, rely on your own personal taste and what you think looks good together.

How To Create A Simple, Cohesive Look With Color:

Come up with a color scheme using two main colors and one accent. An example could be planting mostly white and purple with pops of yellow.
Plant large groupings of each of your main colors (with the pops here and there).
Repeat this pattern throughout the garden for a cohesive look.

Heather uses pinks and whites in her garden with pops of yellows to brighten up the pastels.

This may sound easy enough, but the hardest part is sticking to it. If your color scheme is mostly purples and whites with pops of yellow, resist the temptation to add that bright pink Peony you’ve been eyeing – they also come in white and yellow! The less busyness going on, and the more cohesion in the garden (no matter what your color scheme is), the bigger the statement. This simple color philosophy can also keep you from becoming overwhelmed with the hundreds of plant and bulb varieties available.

This shade garden gives off a calming feeling with purples and green.

If you simply can’t choose one color scheme, no problem! There are many of us who like to experiment with a variety of colors, but you’ll still want to stick to the basic principles above with your different schemes and add a transitional color in between beds to create a cohesive look. Green (as in a foliage plant) or the tan and greys of patios or stonework can do the trick for transitioning between different color schemes in the garden. Bonus: these transitional areas can become some of the most tranquil, peaceful areas in the garden.

Plant All Pink Wildflowers:

Designing with color can be an overwhelming concept, but if you keep it simple, it doesn't have to be – and you'll enjoy a bigger statement that reflects your style.