Color Theory in Landscape Design

Color draws the eye to certain areas in the garden.

While color is not a substitute for good garden design, it is an integral part of the landscape design process. Color is a rewarding and familiar element to work with in landscapes, but it can present challenges.

Significance

Color can be used to create a variety of effects in a garden. It can accent an area to which you want to bring attention and set the overall mood and tone for a landscape. Color can attract birds and butterflies and serves to balance bed and landscape designs.

Identification

Color theory is based on the fact that color is a property of light. The color wheel can be broken down into hues, primary colors and secondary colors. Primary colors are red, yellow and blue and from these three primary colors, all other colors can be derived.

Features

When considering color as an element of the landscape design, take into account factors such as the color of your home and the overall color scheme in your neighborhood. Also, think about the mood you want to convey. Warm colors are strong, while cool colors are relaxed. Both warm and cool colors should be incorporated to create balance in the garden.

References

• Mississippi State University: Using Color in the Landscape