A painterly approach
Plants of different colours, textures and forms can be used in the garden in much the same way as an artist applies paint to a canvas, mixing and merging colours to create different moods.
A vibrant mood Red will appear to advance towards you; it is perfect for drawing attention to an entrance, for a flight of steps or for a focal feature. Red can be a dynamic, exciting colour or warm and inviting.
A joyful mood Yellow is a happy colour, spilling sunshine and bringing light and vitality to a garden. It can be the main colour or play a secondary role in a border, it can anchor a pastel colour scheme or be used as an accent colour. Yellow adds a luminous quality and will lighten up dark places.
A gentle mood Misty blue and mauve are indispensable colours in an artist’s palette and valuable hues in the garden. They have a calming and peaceful effect, adding gentle shadows and depth. Woven through other colours, they are gentle and soothing and help unify a garden.
A serene mood Green is a restful colour, cool and calming. Shrubs and ferns in many shapes and textures are found in tints and tones of green and when darker shades are combined with lighter shades of green, they create patterns of light and shadow.
A relaxed mood Pastel shades are not only easy on the eye, they’re also gentle and restful and will offer a serene welcome at the entrance to your home. They give a garden a happy, relaxed atmosphere.
A sociable mood Orange is the extrovert of the floral world, a fiesta colour full of energy and excitement. At full strength, it is bold and commands attention. It’s also warm and welcoming near outdoor entertainment areas. Peach, tangerine and cinnabar – shades of orange – are lovely possibilities for exterior doors, walls, gates and garden furniture. >>