THE POWER OF COLOR IN THE LANDSCAPE
"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Power of Color in the Landscape
Even on the bleakest of winter days, color is all around us, but winter color in the landscape may not be as vivid as it is in the spring. It is the perfect time to let your imagination take over and create a colorful Springtime landscape plan for your customers. They will thank you when the weather gets warmer and you have a set plan.
Understanding color and the role it has in the landscape is crucial. Different colors can suggest distinct responses and emotions in people. For example, Red, Yellow and Orange will stimulate a sense of excitement and bring a warm feeling to an area. Colors in this range will draw an eye to a certain location or a focal point. Blues, greens and purples create a more calming state and will make an area more tranquil and relaxed. Perfect for a setting like a hospital common area or backyard patio.
Color in the landscape can also help with space perception. Lighter colors will make a space seem larger, good for use in smaller areas. Just the opposite, when using darker colors, this will make an area more intimate and closer, good for use in expansive landscapes.
When selecting color combinations for plant material keep in mind the feeling you would like to evoke.
Some harmonious color schemes to try are:
Complimentary Colors, opposite on the color wheel. Good for attracting attention.
Analogous colors such as Blue and Violet, next to each other on the color wheel, will create a more soothing display.
Monochromatic colors combine any tint tone or shade of one color. A pallete very easy on the eye. This combination creates a clean cohesive look.
Playing with color combinations is an invaluable tool landscapers have in their arsenal. Understanding the visual impact, it will have will set your designs apart from others, turning your customers landscapes into an art piece.
If you would like some more inspiration for spring designs, Sheri came across a beautiful Golf Course in Wisconsin and they have transformed one of their holes on the green, to be known as the “Flower Hole”.
Click the link below to see the beautiful creation they have crafted.
https://wiscogolfaddict.com/2022/07/17/sentryworld_flowerhole/
Happy planning and creating a colorful landscape!
