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 black in celebration of this moody month. ♥︎

BLACK IN THE GARDEN?

When thinking of gardens you might imagine more traditional, lighter colors painting the landscape. Now imagine something completely different: darker colors like deep purple, shadowy greens or even...black. Black can be incorporated into your outdoor space with plant life, plus many other options!

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To start, find some awesome black (or very dark purple) plants in your zone using the Monrovia Nursery Plantfinder, then include elements such as furniture, paving, arbors and other decor to bring this dramatic color into your garden.

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A little hint: Pair it with lighter colors to make the dark pop even more! Contrast is powerful.

BLACK SYMBOLISM

Another way to use the color black is to harness its symbolism. Though the color black can represent mourning or sadness, it can also create a sense of mystery, power or elegance. The last three can inject some beautiful, moody vibes into your garden. Consider incorporating these ideas...

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Mystery: Create a path leading to an unknown destination such as a secluded reading nook or hidden swing. Don't forget to include some black plants and furniture!

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Power: A stately black pergola over an outdoor dining area is a powerful way to make a statement with scale and color.

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Elegance: Eclectic dark statues, black fountains, trimmed topiaries in darker containers or simply a manicured lawn surrounded by black plants can evoke a feeling of elegance.

BLACK GARDEN INSPIRATION

We created this PINTEREST board with lots of inspiration for your black garden.

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Several years ago I created this post on THE BLACK BORDER from a beautiful design I saw at Reiman Gardens.

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Earlier this year I had the opportunity to work with Monrovia on a DARK MEETS LIGHT garden design for their 2022 LANDSCAPE STYLE GUIDE. See the image below that was included!

LET'S DO THIS! 

How do you use black (and darker colors) in your landscape? Tag me on Instagram or hit reply to this email.

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This upcoming January I'll once again open my 8-week course, GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. If you'd like to learn how to draw garden elements in plan, elevation and perspective we'd love to have you join us. You can LEARN MORE 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 your inbox! I look forward to seeing you very soon. 

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.