One of the simplest joys in my life right now is walking through my neighborhood and admiring my neighbors\u2019 hydrangea bushes. Not every house has them, but the ones that do exude effortless beauty. They\u2019re a\u00a0burst of pink or blue blooms that I\u2019m savoring, since I know hydrangea season doesn\u2019t last forever. They remind me that color makes an incredible impact, especially when it\u2019s part of a garden in front of your home. The lush pink blooms are friendly and inviting. They emit an air of playfulness, while the deep blue hydrangea bushes seem more peaceful and grounded in their beauty. Garden color schemes clearly set the mood for your outdoor living spaces<\/a>, and it\u2019s a step you don\u2019t want to skip when planning your garden.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to plant a garden<\/a> but aren\u2019t sure where to begin, I chatted with mother-daughter duo Brooke and Leila Giannetti, garden designers at Patina Meadow<\/a>, as well as Madeline Hooper, host of the PBS TV show Garden Fit<\/a>, to get their pro tips on all things garden color schemes. Ahead, learn how to design your garden with color in mind, as well as the best color schemes to try yourself!<\/p>\n

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Where to Begin When Planning Your Garden<\/h2>\n
Before you head to the nursery, both Giannetti\u2019s suggest taking time to think about the mood you want to set, as well as the intention you have for your outdoor space and garden.\u00a0\u201cAre you looking to grow food for your family? Are you trying to create a space mostly for visual interest? Either way, there are a few design tips to keep in mind,\u201d the duo suggests.<\/p>\n
Just like you would an interior space, they encourage using hedges and trees to enclose spaces, like an outdoor room. \u201cThis creates a sense of intimacy and privacy, almost like different rooms in a house.\u201d As far as picking which plants and flowers\u00a0 are right for your garden, Hooper says to lead with your heart and to not think too hard about what\u2019s right or wrong.\u00a0\u201cSurround yourself with colors you love,\u201d she says. \u201cAllow yourself to react to what surprises you and delights you about a garden.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hooper also suggests noticing what plants and flowers are working for your neighbors\u2014that means the conditions you both share work well! And finally, if you\u2019re feeling nervous as a beginner gardener, Hooper encourages taking some pressure off and to have fun. \u201cIt truly doesn\u2019t matter how you start. You make mistakes. Plants die. You learn by trial and error!\u201d she exclaims. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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Why a Color Palette Is Important<\/h2>\n
\u201cA garden color scheme provides unity and coherence in garden design. It ensures that all elements work together harmoniously, creating a space that is not only visually appealing, but also emotionally resonant,\u201d the Giannetti\u2019s share. \u201cA cohesive color palette helps avoid visual clutter and creates a sense of calm and order, which is particularly important in a garden meant for relaxation and enjoyment.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not sure what colors look best together, or just feel afraid to commit, Hooper suggests pots to start. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to make the commitment to dig them into the ground necessarily,\u201d she remarks. Knowing what colors and flowers you\u2019re drawn to\u2014as well as the ambience you\u2019d like your outdoor space to have\u2014will set the tone for creating the garden of your dreams. <\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, your garden should reflect your tastes and preferences. Choose colors that make you happy and create a space where you love to spend time!\u201d the Giannetti\u2019s add.<\/p>\n
Four Garden Color Schemes We Love<\/h2>\n
You can\u2019t go wrong with the following garden color schemes, recommended by Hooper and the Giannetti\u2019s. Ranging from sweet and soft to dramatic and bold, choose the garden color scheme that speaks to your heart\u2014as well as the outdoor space you\u2019re longing to create.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Soft Pastels<\/h3>\n
If you envision a garden fit for afternoon reading, morning meditation sessions, or casual dinner parties, a pastel color palette would be the dream.\u00a0\u201cWe absolutely adore soft pastel palettes\u2014light lavenders, pale pinks, and soft whites. This combination evokes feelings of calm, serenity, and soothing tranquility,\u201d the Gianetti\u2019s share. Hooper is also a fan of this color palette. \u201cIn my garden around the pool, I like to stick to cool pastel colors that go with the water color and gray stone coping,\u201d she explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hooper loves various shades of pinks, blues and yellows and shares that Achillea moonshine, Astilbe \u2018Peach Blossom\u2019 and Geranium Roxanne look better and better in her garden each year. Both Giannetti\u2019s love mixing purple with pink or white.\u00a0\u201cFor a soft pastel palette, we would use plants like lavender and thyme, which not only add beautiful pastel hues but also a wonderful scent,\u201d they share. \u201cPair these with pink and white roses or hydrangeas. The key is to maintain a limited palette and focus on texture for added interest.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Deep, Rich Hues<\/h3>\n
If you have an eye for the dramatic and want your home to pop, darker colors may be more your speed. The Giannetti\u2019s recommend pairing deep, rich florals with lush greenery. \u201cDark tulips in spring, and rich purple hydrangeas in summer are excellent choices,\u201d they advise. \u201cComplement these with foliage plants like boxwoods and yews to add some structure, while complementing the color scheme. You could even add blackberry vines to add a functional touch of rich beauty!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Blackberry vines will, of course, produce fruit and the berries will turn from a deep red to black as they ripen, naturally providing a beautifully rich color palette. Another option? Orange and yellow blossoms provide stark contrast to deep purple blooms, making purple and orange an unexpected, yet beautiful color scheme to try. Mix gold and orange avens (Geum spp.) or yellow Hollyhock Alcea \u2019Spotlight Sunshine\u2019 with purple or crimson scabiosa (or pincushion flower) for a stunning jewel-toned garden.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Monochromatic<\/h3>\n
A garden color scheme doesn\u2019t need to include multiple colors. In fact, going monochromatic and picking just one color is a fantastic choice, especially if you have a color you\u2019re especially fond of. For Hooper, that color is red. \u201cThe dramatic effect of planting beds or borders of one color is also a fun challenge, and for years I have had a red color-themed bed that I adore,\u201d she gushes. \u201cIt\u2019s more upkeep because I have to replant Dahlias Bishop of Llandaff each season, but they look great with red peonies, Dianthus Telstar Scarlet, and Echinacia purpurea \u2018Sombrero Salsa Red\u2019.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCombining different blooms in similar colors\u2014like light lavenders from herb plants such as lavender and thyme, with pink and white rose varieties or hydrangeas\u2014adds depth and variety without overwhelming the senses,\u201d the Giannetti\u2019s note. As with any garden color scheme, decide on the mood you want to create for your garden, then choose your color accordingly. A blue garden\u00a0with blue hydrangeas, Phlox paniculata \u2018Blue Boy\u2019 or Delphinium \u2018Million Dollar Blue\u2019 will be calm and serene. A yellow garden with Alchemilla mollis or Baptisia \u2018Caroline Moonlight\u2019 will be bright and cheerful.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Keep in mind that a monochromatic garden can include various shades of the same hue, so don\u2019t be afraid to plan your purple garden with pale lavenders as well as deep purples that almost read black. \u201cEven with a limited color palette, you can create a lot of visual interest through texture,\u201d the Giannetti\u2019s add.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Rewilding<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re interested in a maximalist color palette where anything goes, rewilding is a garden trend you\u2019ll love. Also referred to as meadowscaping, this garden trend relies on native grasses and wildflowers being allowed to grow freely. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis idea of garden chaos being positive is a big deal,\u201d Hooper remarks. \u201cIf you want different colors, you can do that, and it looks smashing.\u201d If you have dreams of running through your own wildflower meadow, see what many would typically consider weeds in a new light. \u201cWhatever seeds are in the soil\u2014let them grow,\u201d Hooper suggests. \u201cThen keep what you like, and pull out what you don\u2019t like.\u201d<\/p>\n
You can learn what is native to your area by doing a quick search through the National Audubon Society<\/a>. From there, notice what colors and plants you\u2019re drawn to. Because rewilding is in fact a bit wild, your color palette can remain simple if that\u2019s more your vibe. Stick with a monochromatic palette and choose flowers in the same shade, or select up to four different hues for a multi-color meadowscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n