Color Harmonies

     Thinking flowers?  Think color wheel!  When planning your flower beds make a splash using a complimentary color scheme.  Complimentary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel.  How about purple and yellow petunias?  Go wild with orange and blue-violet daisies.  Perhaps soothing colors are more your style.  If so, try a complimentary scheme using pastels.  Pink and yellow or pale blue and peach could create a dreamy garden scape. 
      Monochromatic color schemes use only one color and can give your garden a real theme.  Use red if you're looking for a garden that's really lively.  Red excites the eye and seems to advance toward the viewer.  Don't forget foliage when planning a monochromatic garden.  You can create a sense of tranquility with three shades of quieting green.  Blue, green, and green-gold hosta would fit the bill nicely.  Pure white is wonderful in formal gardens, and lends an air of elegance.  Bring in the qualities of texture and shape by using plants with interesting foliage such as daylily, artemesia, ferns, and sedum.
      Analogous color schemes consist of colors side by side on the color wheel.  Yellow and orange California poppies look great together as do purple pansies and blue forget-me-nots.
      You probably have perennials and roses you can mix and match now to create pleasing color schemes.  Early spring is a fine time to do some transplanting.  Try color harmonies in your garden this year.  Have fun!

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