HARMONIZING HUES: Color Theory and Planting Design in Residential Landscapes

Successful and moving paintings, clothing, sculptures, architecture and all forms of art utilize all the elements of design. Planting design in landscaping is no exception, and in this article, we want to share the importance of the planting design principles of color, massing and layering.

The element of color is often the most obvious and easy to see. For example, a bright red Monarda flower stands out brilliantly against the green backdrop of its foliage. There is even a field of science and art called “color theory” dedicated to understanding how color affects us physiologically and psychologically.

Saturated colors such as Monarda grab our attention.

Take a moment and think of how colors affect you. Do you have a favorite color? Have you noticed certain color combinations are more relaxing or appealing to you? Are there colors that irritate you? What are the colors of a favorite space you enjoy or remember? Understanding how color affects most people is important when designing landscapes and choosing plant combinations.

A few principles of color theory will help in understanding how to best use color. Generally, colors can be divided into two camps: Warm colors and cool colors.

Warm colors are bright reds, oranges and yellows that make you think of heat and fire. Interestingly, they can psychologically make you feel warmer. These colors also energize and excite, making you want to move faster or not stay as long and come forward in the visual field.

The cool colors of purples, blues and even greens are relaxing. They calm us and slow us down. Cool colors can also slow our heart rate and visually recede into the background. If you’d like to make a small space feel larger, add cool colors to the background to make it seem deeper and farther away.

Knowing how to combine colors is important, and there are rules for success. A few of the most well-known color combinations can be found on the next page.

The trending color palettes tend to be soft creams, greens and purples. Carefully selecting plant varieties and their placements for color, texture, variety and interest can significantly enhance the ambiance you wish to create in your landscape design layout. We want to share a few guidelines we see trending.

First, plant massing is a tried-and-true practice that maximizes impact by creating bold swaths of color and texture that evolve with each season. As the plants continue

By to mature, the planting design will only improve as they grow and harmonize with each other. To successfully mass plants, consider the amount of each general type of plant and the balance between them.

When determining the balance between evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs and perennials to use in a landscape design, a straightforward guide of percentages

COMPLEMENTARY Colors

ANALOGOUS Colors

TRIADIC Colors

can assist in mapping out key areas. We find it best to focus colorful perennials in dedicated, high-impact spots to emphasize design intent further. For example, you may wish to highlight an entrance to a garden or an area in front of a house with low windows. With that in mind, ideally, perennials will consist of about 10 percent of all understory plantings. Deciduous and evergreen shrubs should be 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively. This distribution ensures yearround interest with evergreen backdrops that anchor your planting design layouts and hardscape structures.

A simple example of this may be using a perennial mixture of phlox, gaillardia and echinacea, with panicle hydrangeas, cream coreopsis and fringe flower, and a taller yew, arborvitae or holly background.

Plant layering is another important element and is most effective when considering the homeowner’s or onlooker’s perspective, whether through a prominent window or while walking a wandering path. Low groundcovers or perennials are typically considered first, followed by medium deciduous shrubs backed by taller evergreen shrubs. This creates a soft, gradual transition from very short lawns to taller shrubs and larger trees. As bed width varies, following this pattern is not always feasible, but it can be scaled as needed, and it’s great to use whenever possible.

Low ground covers, such as euonymus, mondo grass and spreading juniper, can combine well with medium shrubs such as azaleas, boxwood or viburnums. Set on stage in front of a laurel hedge and under- neath the canopy of an oak or beech tree will create a stunning affect.

Utilizing the planting design elements of color theory, massing and layering can significantly improve planting designs and create year-round structure and interest in any garden. Who could ask for more fun than creating these dynamic and vibrant spaces? By thoughtfully combining these elements, you’re enhancing the aesthetic appeal and fostering a sustainable and resilient garden that can thrive through the seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, the joy of experimenting with plants is an ever-evolving process that promises endless possibilities and rewards.

Contact

Savana Craven

Landscape Designer at Northland Design

Email: scraven@northland-design.com www.northland-design.com

Skyler Westergard

Learning Manager at LandCare

Email: skyler.westergard@landcare.com www.LandCare.com