Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's explore the color red in all its bold and passionate glory!

THE COLOR RED

Red is a strong color. It represents passion, love, and adventure. This bright and daring color is known to capture attention, which is a great way to draw people into your garden.

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Red alone is bold and brilliant, but, as with many monochromatic color schemes it can feel flat unless paired with various tints and shades of the same color. You can add more depth and variety to your red theme by incorporating peaches, creams, magentas and maybe a bit of pink. Another way to think of red is considering different tones, such as a dark plum or crimson to bring the boldness down a notch. 

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Plants aren't the only way to bring in color. With red being somewhat overpowering at times, you may consider adding subtle pops with furniture and ornamentation. A red fence gate, red chair cushions or simply red brick pavers can be a tasteful way to incorporate the color into your space. 

MONOCHROMATIC COLOR TIPS

Monochromatic color schemes are a great way to set a mood, while focusing your planting design. Choose one color (like red!), then...

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Inject variety by using a harmonious mix of shades to add interest. Mix light tones with darker ones.

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Include some white or cream flowering plants (if you'd like) to make the main color pop. Red schemes, in particular, benefit when you add a few peaches (Kiana Underwood).

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Remember that color only lasts a short time in your planting bed, so it's important to consider form and texture too.

RED GARDEN INSPIRATION

Find some bold and bright red plants in your zone using the MONROVIA NURSERY PLANTFINDER.

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Here are 32 RED FLOWERS to try in your garden.

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Here's a fun post on HOW TO USE RED IN THE GARDEN.

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One of my favorite books on using color: COLOR ME FLORAL by Kiana Underwood. This book focuses on floral design, but the ideas can be transferred into your garden. Plus, check out our COLOR IN GARDEN DESIGN book list (these last two are affiliate links).

LET'S DO THIS! 

How do you use red in your landscape? Tag me on Instagram or hit reply to this email.

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We just covered monochromatic color schemes in THE GARDEN DESIGN COLLECTIVE, our awesome monthly membership. This will open for enrollment once again in October. Join our waiting list here.

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Oh, and one more thing! This fall we are gearing up for the opening of our inaugural DRAFTING SUPPLY CLUB course. This is a great way to learn about drawing tools and prepare for Garden Graphics Tool Kit in January. There is so much happening around here!

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit with you this week. You're awesome!

All my best, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for helping write this issue and for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.