Does Your Yard Have a Landscaping Theme?

3 Tips For Using Color Theory In A Predominately Green Landscape

by Dan Mckinney

Green is by far the most common color seen in landscapes. Unfortunately, this can be dull if you do not put the effort into adding the right colors. By using color theory, you can find several colors that work well with green.

Start With Red

Since the complementary color of green is red, it is a good idea to use some red in your landscape to make each color pop. Going with a primary red may not be ideal since it can make your landscape look more like a holiday scene. One way to integrate red is through mulch or metal, although they will not be exact complements, they still work. For example, red mulch is a popular choice for bedding under plants, trees, and shrubs since it brings in some color over choosing traditional brown mulch, but is not overwhelming in color. Another option is the use of copper for a fence or decorations. Copper is generally considered to be a reddish-orange color and not only works well against green but will be effective against any greenish-blue colors. Other options include red bricks for your walkway or as a small barrier around flower beds.

Bring In Variation

Sticking with a complementary design does not mean red is your only option. Start incorporating shades and tones that will add variation to both green and red. Some plants have leaves that may vary from a light yellow-green to a deep forest green, so bringing different shades of green will also allow you to include more shades of reds without breaking your color scheme. With red, think about including plants or decor that are a deep red or maroon. Most people think of pink as being a separate color, but pink is simply red with white added, so it will work alongside the green and red. A major benefit of including pinks is they are a common color in different flowering plants, such as roses, pansies, or sweet peas, which are generally easy to grow and maintain. You can typically find flowers that range from a soft pink to magenta and cover virtually any shade of pink.

Add Another Dimension

Since green works well with almost any color, it is easy to add another dimension to your landscape. Try choosing a third color, then add the complement of that color. For example, blue is a good addition to your landscape, especially if you can find items that are blue-green so they can easily blend into your design. The complement of blue or blue-green will be orange or red-orange. Assuming you went with the variations of red, adding red-orange should be easy. Again, copper fits nicely, and some flowers that may work well include zinnia, marigolds, and tulips.

When you want to add color to a predominately green landscape, working with the color wheel will make the process easier. Fortunately, you can go in several different directions when starting with green as your primary color.

For more information, contact a landscaping contractor.

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