Garden COLOR Design

hen speaking of color, light is everything. Anyone studying art or photography knows this: that the perception of color is dependent upon light. The garden's feeling is determined by its light situation and the seasonal variations. So, the choices of color are affected, as well. The intense sunlight of summer can wash out pastel hues, or a shady nook could be visually lost when dark blue and purple are the only colors used. That doesn't mean such combinations can't be used, it simply bears consideration so that you have the effect you desire. An unusual color group could give unexpected pleasure: this summer, sitting in a position where the sun shone through the mahogany leaves of the purple sand cherry with its companion of oriental poppies, gave such a rich experience. I wanted to hold time still.

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There is something to be said for both the "tried and true" and the "new and unusual" types of plant and color combinations. Tried and true groups would consist of such plants as petunias, geraniums (pelargoniums), and marigolds in bright or pastel harmonies. They give a dependable show, are widely available and easy to grow. Such plantings can also be a little tiresome. The "new and unusual" are potentially a great success or failure, or may be an acceptably mild mediocrity. Occasionally, they inspire obsessions; but if you're at that stage of gardening, what are you doing on my page? Such people are called "specialists"!

All Season Border Example

A new color combination I'm working with now will pull together a couple of successful elements into what will be an entire garden section. It is based on purple and silver foliage with bloom colors restricted mainly to maroon, silvery pink and peach, and white. This is a subtle combination with the occasional spot of bright orange. The color of "purple" foliage often carries brown tints and makes a strong visual impact, but I think it could also be worked into a primarily pastel blue, pink, and white garden, as well. (The orange would need to be deleted in that case.)

Initially, I made the mistake of adding purple flowers. Purple flowers with "purple" foliage sounds safe, yes? ..It is absolutely leaden. Every time I combined the purple sand cherry with purple asters or the rosa glauca with salvia 'Ostfriesland', it gave the same unsatisfactory effect. Deep blues and purples do not flatter a purple foliages complexion. Medium, or fluorescent purples do work, but unless silver gray foliage is involved (as with perovskia), I don't think the look is as striking as a white. Many purple-flowered plants come in a white form. So, what works? Try some of these suggestions- or all, if you're brave. They are for a brightly lit area, mostly sun.

Ideas for a Border of Purple-leaved Plants

Spring

Rosa glauca with black tulips and an ice pink,such as "Pink Diamond".The silvery blue leaves of dianthus gratinopoulus and the later pink flowers were good.

The weeping crab, 'Red Jade', and the purple sand cherry with the double tulip 'Angelique' and the cream white daffodils 'Mount Hood'.