COLOUR IN THE GARDEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22422, 17 November 1934, Page 20

COLOUR IN THE GARDEN

We cannot imagine a garden without a wealth of colour—it is the very essence; yet many an otherwise deliglittul lay-out is largely spoiled by indifference to colour harmony. Daring combinations certainly may succeed with flowers which would be impossible with anything else. This is due to the texture of the petals and the abundance of green foliage. Colour is a sensation, so it is not surprising that tastes vary as to choice, borne people approve of blues and purples to* gether, and others would keep them m far apart as possible. It is impossible to lay down hard-and-fast rules, since e\cry gradener should plnnt his garden ta suit and express himself. Perhaps planting for colour requires as much experience as any branch or the art, since it implies an intimate knowledge of the different plants, not only ot their tints, but of their habits and flowering periods as well. Even then a backward or forward season can spoil the bestlaid plans. . Beginners show a tendency to put the brightest colours in the dark corners to brighten them up. and the cool, subdued shades in the sunny spots. This results in conspicuous failure. Bright sunshine always makes any colour several shades lighter, and, when pole mauves and blues are used in such a position, they appear faded and washed out, while the bright reds, if they bloom at all, merely look heavy in shadow. The question of aspect is important. It is well to take a lesson from Nature. Many of the most brilliant plants come from tropical countries, where the air is clear and the sun shines strongly. Blues, mauves, and pale yellows arc strewn in woodland glades. Think of a misty blue carpet of bluehellp stretching under pines, then picture the same plant grown in .a bod in full sun. The effect of the bed is dowdv, while that of the wood is enchanting. That is why trees are so valuable in the garden scheme. They provide shady and semi-shady areas, which can be planted with colours to give rest and refreshment to tired eyes aching from

the glare of the brilliance in hot sunshine. , , . . This doeg not mean that a desire to include pastel shades must be denied because the garden is a sunny one. A border can bo made to run from north to south, and, it tall plants are included, there will be ample opportunity to use pale tints effectively in its western aspect. Also the mixed colour border makes the inclusion of all shades possible. In a kaleidoscope of colours the risk of clashing tones is reduced?to a minimum, as they help each other out, but they must be well mixed, and white should be used sparingly, or the result will be spotty. Graduated colour schemes in borders are only really successful when the latter are of large dimensions, and each tone can be represented in generous breadths of colour. In a small border, the eye takes in too much at once. All the same, colour harmony con be achieved in the smaller border by avoiding harsh contrasts and colours that clash, and by arranging a harmonious blending of shades throughout the border. A much more telling effect of a colour mass is obtained from a dwarf planting than from a tall one, because the small planffc arc directly >undor tile eye. ‘ . Generally some colour must be omitted if the border is small, because of the difficulty of isolating the more strident colours. Thus scarlet and orange, if much pink is desired, and vice versa. The liberal use of foliage plants, particularly of grey tones, as found in catmint, lavender, santolinn, and the more feathery artemisias, is a great help in colour mingling, as they have a softening and lightening influence. Blue is a favourite garden colour, although tlie inclusion of lilac and purpleblues is usually Intended. A group of delphiniums is the mainstay of a summer border; while a drift of myosotis in spring is suggestive of blue skies mirrored in the earth. Yellow, too. is invaluable. Y'ollow flowers are prodigal in snring, when all need their cheering note. There is abundant choice among perennials and annuals. What can be more stimulating and gay Ilian a blaze of mancolds. Siberian wallflower, or ursiuia 9 What more restful than the fluffy inflorescence of Thalict.rum plaucum (especially in conjunction with pale blue delphinium), or anthemis? Special thought should be given to the colour of walls against which it is proposed to plant climbers. Brick, if old and incllow, is a charming background for most flowers, except rod, but a new brick wall is bettor hidden as ramdly as possible by something prolific in foliage and with white or creamy flowers. Such plants as Jasmintnn officinalis or Clematis montana are invaluable. White or grev stone asks for mauve, purple, or pink. Wistaria or pink roses, rambling over such a wall, are always pleasing. In shade snots, where ferns thrive, flowering plants become limited in Rejection. In’ Rummer the white fragrant flowers of Nicotirfna affinis are very effoc(jivc__'D. C„ in Amateur Gardening.