Color In The Shade
Gardening with color is an exciting, creative endeavor, with the added satisfaction that comes from working with living, changing materials. Ideas for color schemes can be found anywhere: in a neighbor’s garden, in the colors found in a single blossom, or in something as practical as the new exterior paint in your house.
The assortment of blooming shade plants is extensive, and the possible color combinations are endless. You might try using tints of pink, and a deep shade of red or maroon. The various shades of “leaf” green will be pleasant complement to the colors. Or use plants whose colors are related -red-violet, violet, and blue-violet, or yellow-orange. Some gardeners prefer using plants whose colors complement each other - orange and blue, yellow and violet, red and green. Although these combinations are very bold, they may be ideal in a deeply shaded garden. Another color scheme is to plant a random sampling of any and every color available. This light-hearted approach to gardening with color may be termed amateurish by some, but it can be most attractive.
Flowering plants can be used to change the atmosphere of the garden. If you long for summer warmth in your cool, shady yard, try using plants with warm colors ranging from yellow to red, The colors will brighten the area and make it feel warmer. Masses of warm-colored flowers make a space appear smaller than it actually is. Shaded areas planted with colors ranging from green to violet will give the impression of coolness highlighted with subtle colors. Cool-colored plants are good for close viewing and help make an area appear larger.
Use blooming plants to highlight areas that would otherwise be unnoticeable or unappealing. Give visitors a cheery welcome with colorful plants along walkways and by doorways. If you enjoy relaxing and entertaining on your patio, decorate with pots of plants, and landscape the surrounding garden areas that can be viewed from the patio. Don’t let that area under tall shade trees go to waste just because grass won’t grow there. That area might be fairly sunny in the early spring before the trees leaf out. Plant some bulbs there for early color before the shade develops. Select later-blooming shade plants for color after the tree is in leaf.
When selecting your flowering plants, note which are early, mid, and late-season bloomers so you can plan and plant your garden for a sequence of bloom. For the greatest impact, mass or group the plants together, rather than planting them individually or in straight rows. Plan to get the most from your garden by selecting some plants that are also good cut flowers, as well as those that are fragrant. Remember to select for fragrance both indoors and out.