Creative Bug: Friendly Colors

In previous springs, as I’ve headed off to the gardening centres to get bedding plants for my (far too numerous) planters, I’ve gone without a plan. Usually I get there, look around (get overwhelmed) and then do the standard “find a plant you like and then find other plants that pick up some of the colours in the first”.

Whatever. That usually hasn’t worked, and I’ve often ended up with planters that look like “what not to wear” in the gardening world.

So this year, as part of my “discover my creativity” theme, I did a bit of research into how to make pleasing planters. Apparently getting colors to work together is one of the keys (along with height, light and water conditions). So I went to my office, reached way back into a very full drawer, and pulled out my color wheel.

I’ve had a color wheel for years – thought it was kind of a cool “artsy” thing to have, but although I understand the basic premise, I really haven’t ever used it properly (and by properly I mean “at all”).

Did some Googling, and found out a few basic fundamentals in designing good planters. There are generally 3 themes …

Harmonious – sounds a bit like going to the symphony.

Harmonious colours are next to each other on the color wheel. Sort of like having the flutes positioned next to the violin section, or the trombones next to the trumpets. Harmonious colors have a soothing effect. Melodic.

Complementary – opposite each other on the colour wheel. I imagine complementary colours being fascinated with each other…

“My, Begonia, you really accent that shady planter with that stunning shade of red.” “Why thank you Miss Gerbera Daisy – your bright yellow is really outstanding.”

Complementary colours add excitement and drama- like going to a cocktail party full of interesting people.

Monochromatic – composed of plants in the same general colour. Monotonous. Easy to remember.

So this is what I ended up with.