The Color Green
When we plan a garden, we often think first about flowers—pink, red, orange, white, blue, purple. But what about green? It’s easy to overlook because it’s everywhere, yet green is the quiet foundation of every garden. And it’s not just in plants—fences, furniture, sculptures, even a painted fountain can carry this fresh, grounding color.
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USE GREEN IN THE GARDEN TO…
Set a mood.
Green is known for its calming effect. According to Bourne Creative, it’s the most restful color for the human eye. Think about how it feels to step into a lush, leafy park or woodland trail—instant peace. Adding layers of green to your garden creates a soothing backdrop that can feel like a little escape from everyday life.
Unify planting beds.
Did you know green is considered a neutral in garden design? No matter what flower colors you choose—whether bold red, soft pink, or bright yellow—green ties everything together. Even when the flowers fade, the greens hold the composition together.
Emphasize other colors.
Because green acts as a natural backdrop, it makes other colors pop. Think of it as the stage that lets the flowers be the stars. The shade of green you choose— cool, warm or silvery—can change how other colors look and feel.
Explore subtle hues.
Not all greens are alike! There are yellow-greens, blue-greens, gray-greens, chartreuse, and deep forest greens. Designing with these subtle shifts in hue can be surprisingly exciting. You can even make an all-green garden by mixing shades and textures: think large leaves next to delicate feathery ones, matte foliage beside shiny. These differences create a rich, layered tapestry without a single bloom in sight.
BEYOND PLANTS: USING GREEN IN GARDEN ELEMENTS
Plants aren’t the only way to bring green into a garden. You can carry this color through hardscape and decorative elements, which keeps the theme going even when flowers aren’t blooming.
Furniture: Try painting a wooden bench, bistro set, or Adirondack chairs in a leafy green or deep forest tone for a soft, natural look.
Fences and Trellises: A green-painted fence, arbor, or trellis blends beautifully into the landscape and lets the plants take center stage.
Containers: Glazed ceramic pots in mossy greens or muted sage can make foliage colors sing.
Sculptures and Accents: Add a garden sculpture, fountain, or birdbath with a green patina to subtly echo surrounding plants.
Pathways and Pavers: Green-tinted tiles, moss tucked between stepping stones, or low-growing lawn alternatives (like thyme or carex) can add soft color underfoot in a fresh, natural way.
These elements work like quiet echoes of the plantings, creating a space that feels intentional and cohesive.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Green might be the quietest color in the garden, but it’s also the one that holds everything together. Whether you layer shades of foliage or echo green in benches, trellises, and pathways, this color brings calm, connection, and balance to any space. Next time you plan a garden, take a moment to really notice the greens—they’re doing more than you think.
GREEN INSPIRATION
I had the opportunity to work with Monrovia on a GREEN DRENCHING garden design for their 2025 LANDSCAPE PROJECT GUIDE. See the image above that was included.
