When you think of the term, garden, what comes to mind? Is it a grove of birch trees or does it remind you of a camellia blossom in perfect form?

Whatever the case, color is actually a combination of light absorption and reflection off an objects’ surface. Depending on its composition, the eye relates that information to the brain. Often the response is of an emotional nature.

Next time you go for a stroll in the neighborhood, look at the diversity of color in plants. Look at the different shades of green found in different trees. Look at how light plays differently upon leaves - some aglow in a low setting sunlight.

Because of the differences in foliage color alone, if planned correctly a garden could be flowerless and still be beautiful.

For every client I have, I design a landscape to offer different views and desires when it comes to color.

Most like color in the garden with a variety, mainly, pinks, blues, white and lavender, with yellow, orange and reds the most controversial.

Also, I have designed gardens for those who do not wish to have flowers, or that the flowers be kept at a minimum. This has been for fear of bees, to avoid messy flower clean-up, the client was colorblind and a few others just want the monotone look of all greens.

My point here is that when it comes to color in the garden there is no right or wrong, no black or white, so to speak. Since color is how we view things, it is an individual preference.

As a plant collector, I must say that I like them all. My five-acre garden is a collection of colors, both foliage and flower. I suppose that orange in the garden is probably my least favorite, but in the proper combination with other colors like lavender, it can work as a minor accent.

Personally, if I was limited, I’m sure I would choose foliage color over flower, as flowers are transient - while foliage is often present the year round.

In nature, beauty comes natural. A beautiful garden is a result of combining the colors of God’s great creative palette and the possibilities are limitless.

Rod Whitlow is a ISA certified arborist, certified. nurseryman and licensed landscape contractor. Contact Whitlow at 687-TREE or www.rodwhitlowdesign.com.

source : www.theloomisnews.com