How to Add Colour to Your Garden: Three Simple Tips for a Vibrant Outdoor Space
Designing a garden is one of life’s little pleasures—it's not just about planting a few flowers and calling it a day. It's about creating a space that feels natural and truly you. One of the easiest ways to do that is by picking a colour scheme that ties everything together. A thoughtfully chosen palette can transform your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat or an energizing haven, depending on the mood you’re after.
In this post, we’ll walk you through three simple steps to help you pick the perfect colours for your garden!
Step 1: Start with a Colour You Love
Begin by choosing a colour that speaks to you. It could be your favourite hue or something that makes you feel calm or excited. If you’re looking for a peaceful vibe, consider cool colours like blue, purple, or white. For a more lively, energetic garden, try warm tones like red, orange, or yellow.
Here's a breakdown of what these colours can bring to your space according to Award-winning Landscape Designer Jan Johsen:
White: Super versatile—cools things down in the summer and shines bright during those chilly fall evenings.
Purple: A symbol of originality, calm, and a touch of royalty.
Blue: Brings tranquillity, focus, and a sense of calm.
Red: Bold, full of energy, and perfect for creating a sense of excitement.
Yellow: Brightens your mood and lifts spirits—ideal for an optimistic space.
Orange: Warm and vibrant—perfect for creating energy and stimulating emotions.
Green: The most restful colour—great for calming anxiety and blending into the natural landscape.
Step 2: Understand the Colour Wheel
Once you've chosen your main colour and overall mood, it's time to think about how to combine it with other colours. Don’t worry—it doesn’t need to be complicated! By understanding a bit of colour theory, you can create a garden that feels well thought-out without overthinking it. The colour wheel is your best friend here.
The colour wheel has 12 colours: three primary (red, blue, yellow), three secondary (orange, green, purple), and six tertiary colours (like amber and teal). Primary colours mix to create secondary ones, and combining those with neighbouring hues creates a full spectrum of colours to work with.
Step 3: Choose Your Colour Scheme
Now comes the fun part—picking your colour scheme! If you want your colours to look good together, the colour wheel’s an old-school trick that really works. When you pair colours the right way, they just feel right—easy on the eyes and naturally balanced.
Here are a few simple ways to do it, based on good old colour theory:
Monochromatic: This one’s simple and soothing. Use different shades of a single colour for a peaceful, cohesive feel. Perfect if you want a garden that feels calm and cohesive without too much contrast.
2. Analogous: Choose three colours next to each other on the colour wheel. Since the colours are similar in tone, they naturally blend together, creating a calm, unified look.
3. Complementary: This one’s bold! Choose two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel—when placed side by side, they really make each other pop. It’s great for creating focal points.
4. Complex: A bit of a mix—this combines three analogous colours with their opposite for a balanced yet dynamic look. It’s perfect for a lively, yet harmonious garden.
Choosing the right garden colour scheme brings harmony and personality to your outdoor space. Start by picking a favourite colour to decide on the overall mood—peaceful or energetic. Use the colour wheel to guide combinations: complementary for contrast, analogous for calm, or complex for balance. When it comes to colour, less is often more. Stick with a few main colours and repeat them throughout your space for unity. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little and see what feels right for you!
At OFM, we offer a stunning selection of annuals and perennials in every shade and hue you can imagine! Come visit us for a colourful escape and let the joy of vibrant plants inspire you. We can’t wait to help your garden bloom with the perfect colours that reflect your unique style.
Let us know in the comments below which is your favourite colour scheme?
What will you be planting in your colourful garden this year?