Colour in the garden
Choosing colours for your garden is down to your own tastes, although there are beneficial principles for harmonising and mixing colours to achieve appealing combinations. Take into account the varying blooming periods of plants. Also, think beyond flowers and consider the colour of bark, stems, leaves, and berries.
We can use the colour wheel to illustrate various methods of colour combination.
Harmonious colours
Colour harmonies are achieved by using adjacent colour from the same part of the colour wheel. These colours sit comfortable together and using them will create a balanced outcome. This can be achieved using a mix of primary, secondary and tertiary colours, as well as darker and paler shades of the colours.
Colour contrasts
Contrasts are created by using colours from opposite ends of the colour wheel, enhancing the visibility of each colour. It is crucial to select contrasts with similar colour intensity to achieve the desired effect. For example, the contrast in the image below is powerful because it is an in intense yellow and and intense purple. It would not be as effective with a light purple shade. Additionally, harmonious colour groups from one side of the wheel can be juxtaposed with harmonious groups from the opposite side for a striking effect.
Clashing colours
Using clashing colours, those from positions a third of the way around the colour wheel, creates a bold look. This approach allows you to combine three primary, secondary, or tertiary colours. To effectively achieve a contrasting effect, it is advisable to select vibrant, pure shades of each colour. Incorporating green as a unifying element when using contrasting colours can enhance the overall cohesiveness. If possible, use clashing colours in large swathes.
Single colour
Using shades, tints and tones of a single colour creates a sophisticated area. This approach is also useful for perfect for highlighting the different textures and shapes in garden.
Colour against green backdrop
One strong, vibrant colour against a backdrop of green also works well and can be used to draw attention to different parts of the garden. White, generally considered a neutral colour, pops with a green background.
