Often when people think about their gardens, they think about the bloom time and the flowers. However, there is much more to a cohesive and inspiring garden. The textures and colors of each planting are one of the most important aspects to consider when designing a garden. It is the repeating of texture and color that can tie the garden together as a whole.
Colors play a role in everyone’s lives. People have their own favorite color as well as colors they can’t stand. It is important to think of those factors when creating a garden because you do not want to create any negative connotations with something beautiful you just created. So really take the time to understand what colors you really love or what colors bring joy or add calmness. Those colors are the ones you need to include in your garden. There are specific plantings that add subtlety or the feeling of groundedness which can evoke certain moods while you are outside. Those colors would be some of the lighter colors such as pastels, purple, lavender, etc. Other colors such as orange and yellow or bright colors can give you the feeling of joy or sunshine and make you happy. Depending on what you are looking to take from your garden, whether it be a place that makes you happy or a place you are looking to relax, choosing the correct colors is the basis to achieve those moods.
The texture of plants and leaves is also another important aspect to consider. If all you have are green leaves, they can blend into each other giving a dull, emotionless look to your space. Focus on the leaves when thinking about texture. However, mixing needled evergreens, lavenders and sedums add character and dimension. Gives your eyes more to look at so you will never get bored in your garden. Just like colors, the more variety you have the better (however not too much). It turns a boring space into a multi-dimensional area that brings out the best in you.
