When considering color in the landscape, one frequently thinks first of flowers; however, foliage, fruit and other plant parts are equally valuable for color.

The subject of color in the landscape is complex. Although the colors of plants are important, the subject is incomplete if the colors of other landscape materials are excluded. Walls, steps, fences, walkways and even mulches deserve consideration in the overall color scheme.

The following are some ideas to aid homeowners in choosing and using color in landscape designs. They are merely suggestions, not rules, because if there is one rule in design that always remains true, it is that rules were made to be broken.

Making Color Choices

It is quite easy to be overwhelmed by the palette of colors available in both plant materials and construction materials. But remember, color is only one aspect to be considered, and it should not be the over-riding consideration. When deciding on colors to be used in a design, proceed with caution. Color adds visual excitement in the landscape, but if used improperly, it can create chaos.

Consider Existing

Just as it is imperative to take existing walkways, vegetation and other site factors into consideration, the colors on a site must also be considered. Try to pick plant materials in colors that will harmonize with, but not be lost among, construction materials. For example, red, magenta or salmon flowers may be overpowered by or clash with a red brick house.

Green as the Dominant Color

The value of green should not be overlooked. First, it acts as a background to all outdoor colors. Second, it can be a stabilizing factor. Green can be used to tie a design together even when many different hues are visible.

Using green as the only hue in a design has merit. Many exquisite gardens have been designed with the only color interest being the various shades of green. This treatment tends to emphasize the textures and forms of materials.

Color to Create Moods

While color experts may not agree on which colors produce which emotional responses, they agree that colors do affect emotions. It is often stated that pink has a calming effect and red causes excitement. Blue is supposed to be calming because it reminds people of water. Green is refreshing because it brings thoughts of nature. A space designed for quiet reflection would not likely have bright colors or a wide mix of hues. A restful atmosphere is created by using many shades of one or two hues. On the other hand, a space intended for active entertaining might sport a variety of bright tones.

Color for All Seasons

Remember to provide some visual interest in the landscape all through the year. Spring, summer and fall each provide a great deal of visual interest due to the distinctive colors produced by flowers and leaves. The season that produces the least amount of visual interest in terms of color is winter. Most attempts to provide color during winter involve using evergreens.

To provide relief from the dreariness of winter, one idea is to accentuate those qualities of plants that are more visible because of their bareness in winter. Plants with green or red twigs, trees with colorful exfoliating bark, fruits that persist through winter or plants with late-winter or very early spring blooms all brighten the winter landscape.

A source of spring, summer and fall color undergoing a revival in landscape design is perennials. The ease of maintenance, the fact that perennials return year after year and the tremendous array of colors throughout the growing season make perennials the choice of many homeowners and landscapers. Many perennials also provide much-longed-for color in winter. The plumes of ornamental grasses and the bronze, winter foliage of many stems and seed heads persist in winter and provide an array of golden browns, rusts and yellows.

Color is but one element among many to be considered creating balanced, harmonious and functional landscapes. Use color in a disciplined and controlled fashion to strengthen, rather than disrupt, the general form and pattern of garden and street.

(Originally published as "Controlled Use of Color Adds Visual Impact," by Robert F. McDuffie, Associate Professor, and Richard T. Johnson, former Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, in The Virginia Gardener Newsletter, Volume 5, Number 10.)