Cool and contemporary grey

MOOD: Grown-up, timeless and understated, adds a stylish architectural note to the garden.

GOOD FOR YOU: Grey is lowkey and soothing to look at.

SUMMER FLOWERS TO LOVE: White sage, eryngium, helichrysum, artemisia.

THEMES: Classic and contemporary, soft-textured, Mediterranean-style planting

When it comes to grey there’s a huge range of colours to choose from. Shades range from the palest cloud, dove and ash to darker and more punchy slate, pewter, charcoal and graphite. Brand director of M&L Paints Nelly Hall says, ‘Mid-tone grey with yellow undertones reflects warmth and imparts a relaxing finish, ideal for instilling a sense of calm.’

While grey flowers are few and far between, there’s plenty of grey foliage to choose from that will fill the garden with air and light. There is also the textured patterned bark of many trees such as silver birch to add a lovely touch of serene grey to your environment.

Neutral and stylish grey is the hard landscaping colour of choice for many gardens. Grey materials such as slabs and chippings, slate and stone combine beautifully with other colours.