How to Create a Colorful Garden

Using the right combination of color and imagination can turn a flower garden into an artistic masterpiece. In a garden almost anything goes, but the careful use of color can create some clever tricks. Follow these steps to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use color to make a garden appear larger or smaller. To make a small space seem elongated, put pale colors on the edges of the garden. Place strong colors on the edges of the garden for the opposite effect. This will bring the eye in and make everything seem closer.

2. Choose colors that will be visible in the available light. In the middle of the day when the sun is fiercest, pale colors such as pinks and blues will wash out, but the dusk or dawn light will accentuate them brilliantly. Shaded areas can appear brighter with the use of pale colors such as light pink, lavender or white.

3. Place contrasting blocks of color next to each other to accentuate them. These colors are on opposite sides of the color wheel. For example, place yellow next to purple, or orange next to blue.

4. Place harmonious colors together for a soothing and calming effect. These colors are next to one another on the color wheel. For example, place red next to orange, purple next to blue, or yellow next to orange for a unified effect.

5. Repeat color patterns to make the eye move on. Rhythmic patterns develop when colors change in a consistent way.

6. Remember the powerfully calming effects of green. Some gardens can be entirely green, like traditional Japanese gardens. You'll find a wide variety of shades of green, some with more blue and some with more yellow. Also, you can achieve variation in a monochromatic garden with different textures.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the use of large, separate blotches of color.
• The placement of bold colors such as red, blue, yellow and orange near pastels will overpower the lighter colors.