Color plays a key role in garden design. Their thoughtful use can transform the mood, alter the perception of space and arouse emotions in observers. In this article, we'll share some expert advice to help you use color harmoniously and aesthetically in your garden.
Colors modify spaces, guide the eye, hold attention, bring situations to the fore or tactfully make them disappear into the background.
The effects of color in the garden
When choosing colors for your garden, it's important to understand their effects. Colors can visually enlarge or reduce space, create a warm or refreshing atmosphere, and direct the eye to specific elements. For example, light colors give an impression of open space, while dark colors can bring a sense of intimacy.
Have you noticed that the effect of colors in the garden varies according to the position of the sun? In the evening, white, with its unique luminosity, gives even greater depth to the garden, reflecting even the last ray of light. At dusk, solar lighting takes over, bringing shapes and structures to the forefront of observation.
Current trends
Color trends in the garden evolve over time.
Modern flowerbeds often feature bold, unexpected color combinations. For example, plants with dark flowers or foliage are becoming increasingly popular. Combining bright colors with natural elements such as stone, recycled materials, wood and metal creates interesting visual contrasts.
Expert advice on color matching
Harmony or contrast? The choice between harmony and contrast depends on the atmosphere you wish to create. For a calm, soothing ambience, favor harmonious color combinations, using similar hues or different shades of the same color. If you prefer a strong, dynamic visual impact, opt for bold contrasts between complementary colors.
Color balance: Be sure to balance warm and cool colors in your garden. The judicious use of light and dark tones can also create visual harmony. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance.
Four concrete examples
- Marriage of pastel shades: Create a pastel flower bed by mixing pale pinks, lavenders and soft blues. This combination will bring a romantic, soothing ambience to your garden.
- Mediterranean garden: For a garden with Mediterranean influences, opt for warm, vibrant colors such as red, orange and yellow. Combine them with terracotta elements and plants with silver foliage for a striking effect.
- Contemporary garden: In a contemporary garden, play with bold color combinations. For example, combine bright red flowers with stainless steel elements and dark green foliage for a modern, striking contrast.
- Natural garden: for a green, harmonious space that's close to nature, colors are mainly represented by shades of green in plants, foliage and grasses. Opt for a diversity of hardy native plants, such as ornamental grasses, ferns, hostas and perennials.
Colors through the seasons
The choice of colors in your garden can be influenced by the different seasons. Here are a few suggestions for taking advantage of seasonal colors:
Spring is all about bright, fresh colors. Enjoy flowers in delicate hues such as tulips, daffodils and primroses. Pastel shades such as pale pink, lilac and soft yellow evoke the rebirth and vitality of nature after winter.
In summer, gardens blossom with an explosion of color. Opt for brightly hued flowers such as roses, sunflowers and dahlias. Warm tones such as bright reds, oranges and sunny yellows bring a summery energy to your garden.
Autumn is a season of change and transition. Warm, rich colors such as fiery red, ochre, brown and purple dominate. Flowers such as chrysanthemums, asters and heathers bring a touch of color to autumn gardens. Take advantage of the flamboyant colors of autumn leaves to create striking contrasts.
In winter, gardens can seem more austere, but there are still ways to add color. Opt for evergreen plants, such as conifers and hollies, which bring shades of green all year round. You can also add touches of color with bright berries, colorful bark or winter flowers such as snowdrops and hellebores.
In conclusion
The garden is a magical place, even in winter. You can use color to make it even more vibrant and alive. We hope these tips have inspired you to add color to your garden this season!