How Do I Create a Harmonious Colour Scheme for My Garden?

The Palette

When you visit a garden centre, it's like entering a sweet shop. Whilst the vibrant array of colours can make it tempting to pick up a little of everything, it’s important to consider that the result may be less impactful. Instead, try sticking to a reduced colour palette and fewer shapes and forms for a more focused and harmonious garden colour scheme.

Layout

Planting in larger groups and repeating these groupings can have a more significant impact and create a unified appearance in your garden. As humans, our eyes naturally gravitate towards patterns, so this approach can be most visually appealing. It’s wise to also think about where you'll be viewing the plants from. If you have a smaller garden, they'll be viewed up close therefore more intricate details are suitable, while larger plants or groupings will work better when viewed from a distance.

Selecting For the Seasons

Most garden centres tend to showcase what’s looking good at the time, so if you shop during autumn, you’ll find plenty of late-flowering plants. Top tip, think about when you'll be using each garden area or viewing it from indoors on a chilly autumn day. Different areas may need to shine in different seasons. For instance, your front garden should ideally look appealing year-round.

When it comes to seasonal transitions, creating a beautiful border for spring and early summer is straightforward, the challenge grows as autumn turns to winter. During these times, creativity is key. Think about incorporating autumn leaf colours, evergreen foliage, berries, and attractive bark on trees. Don't rush to cut back; ornamental grasses and herbaceous plants with seed heads can look breathtaking on a frosty morning.

Right Plant Right Place

Each garden plant has a unique background, most selected or bred from wild plants. Some of these will thrive in damp meadows, while others prefer woodland shade or hot, sunny climates. To ensure your plants thrive rather than merely survive, choose plants that suit your soil and microclimate.

Plant labels will often state the need for a ‘moisture retentive but free draining soil in full sun’, which in reality is quite rare, so understanding what a plant will tolerate will broaden your choices. Professional advice from a garden landscaper is advised here (that would be us!).

Plan for Growth

Have you ever made an impulse purchase… like the charming dwarf tree that now towers above the house? To avoid this, always check the mature height and spread of your chosen plants. It’s important to also think about how they'll fit alongside their garden neighbours, otherwise, you might find your garden will start to look a little cluttered and chaotic within a few years. If things do look sparse, you can always interplant with annuals or plant closer and have a plan to thin out plants as they mature.

Make It Yours

Gardens come in countless styles, from informal cottage gardens to formal and symmetrical designs, Mediterranean paradises, Japanese minimalist layouts, pastel pastiches, and vibrant and colourful. Before assembling your plant list, think about what style resonates most with you.

Planting your dream garden may seem daunting, but by considering all these elements and crafting a well-thought-out plan, you can achieve a beautifully planted garden that reflects your unique style.

Beautiful planting schemes form the heart of many of our gardens at Haywood Landscapes. If you’re based in Kent or the South east and ready to embark on your dream garden, don’t delay, contact one of our garden designers today.

Contact us here or call us on 01227 733447 for more information.