By Elizabeth Walling
Whether you have the budget for the most exotic foliage or for just a few simple perennials, the colors of your garden are the true factors of beauty. The colors you choose for your garden are a display of your style and personality, so you want to be sure you are portraying the right message.Before dashing to your local garden center to choose the most colorful plants, it's a good idea to learn a little about color. The strongest colors are the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These colors are blended and tinted to form every color imaginable. The eye is naturally drawn to strong, pure hues and light hues first. Colors are generally categorized as warm and cool. Warm colors include red, yellow, orange, and other hues that are tinted strongly with these colors. Cool colors consist of blue, purple, and green.
Combinations of colors can produce either harmony or contrast. Blending colors from one category of hues will result in a harmonious blend, while combining colors from different categories will give a look of contrast. Both looks are catching to the eye and can be very appealing. Monochromatic blending is a technique of blending that uses a variety of shades and tints centered around a specific color. Analogous combinations use harmonizing colors that provide slight, gradual contrast. You can also blend complimentary but contrasting colors, such as blue and orange, to produce a bolder look. No matter what color scheme you choose for your garden, avoid using too many colors, which will result in a disorganized appearance.
Your garden gives people a startlingly deep insight to your personality, so it is vital to take the time to decide what you want your garden to say about you. Use reds in your garden if you want to convey a message of bold energy and warmth. Blue will represent serenity and peace. Pink hues send a welcoming message of innocence and bliss. Yellow conveys optimism and a carefree nature. Use purple for a deep, luxurious look.
Using color strategically in your garden can also help set the kind of mood you prefer for your lifestyle. For instance, if you have frequent evening gatherings that center around your garden, try using white and pale pastels. These colors reflect twilight and moonlight in a lovely way and can truly set the mood for a sophisticated evening party. If you would prefer that your garden be a daylight attraction, consider using warms colors like gold and red. These hues look especially brilliant in the midday sun.
As you can see, all it takes is a little knowledge to use the colors in your garden to make a statement about yourself. The result will be breathtaking and original design, unique to your personality and your garden.
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