Just like on an artist’s palette, hue is a powerful tool in the landscape. Think of your garden as a blank canvas. The goal is to create a focal point and places for the eye to rest. Too many points of interest and haphazard color combinations can appear chaotic.
Keep these tips in mind as you “paint your canvas.”
- Consider surrounding areas. Choose hues that harmonize with the existing background.
- Determine if you want hue that shows all at once or year-round.
- Decide on a monochromatic color scheme, bold shades or a combination of both. Opposite colors (such as blue and yellow) bring energy to a landscape, while different shades of the same hue create a calming effect.
If you opt for related colors such as yellow, orange and red, you have a larger variety of plants to choose from, which is why this is often a popular choice among gardeners. Lastly, lighten up shady spots by incorporating plants with pastel or white blooms and show off bold colors in sunny areas.
