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 tiptoe into the world of COLOR.

COLOR IN THE GARDEN

Color theory is the study of how colors interact and how they can be combined to create certain visual effects. When applied to planting design, it can help you achieve balanced and beautiful outdoor spaces.

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Though color is the most fleeting in the garden (in terms of planting design), it can be used as a dynamic layer to unify the structural elements of form and texture. Form and texture provide the overall framework (or structure) for your planting arrangement (since they are more consistent), while color provides a dynamic unity. Color comes and goes, but if focused and choreographed well it adds a layer of movement and excitement to your plant composition. 

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Whether you're looking for a tranquil retreat or an energetic and vibrant outdoor space, understanding and applying color theory can help you achieve your desired garden aesthetic.

A great place to start when focusing your color palette is choosing a combination from the color wheel. We’ve included three common color combinations below for inspiration. 

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MONOCHROMATIC

A monochromatic color theme focuses on blooms and foliage all in one color family (all pink or all white). Consider dark and light tones within the same color to add depth and interest.

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COMPLEMENTARY

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. These include: Green/Red, Orange/Blue and Purple/Yellow. These pairings tend to be bold and provide the most contrast.

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ANALOGOUS

Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel. They can be categorized into warm and cool colors. Warm colors include reds, oranges, and yellows. Cool colors are greens, blues and purples.

Depending on your colors, your garden can invoke different moods. Warm colors will add energy and vibrancy to your space, whereas cool colors will lend a relaxing and restful atmosphere.

GET INSPIRED

Here is a fun post I wrote on CREATING A COLOR PALETTE FROM A THEME.

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We've highlighted several colors in past newsletters. Take a peek in THE PENCIL CASE VAULT for more color inspiration.

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Here are several books on COLOR IN THE GARDEN. Don't we all need a few additions to our library?

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We are also super excited about our new 10x10 Garden Design Tips email series that includes a group of 10 tips dedicated to COLOR, plus 90 other design tips!  Learn more here.

LET'S DO THIS! 

How have you used color in the garden? Please share by tagging me on Instagram @paper.garden.workshop

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We are gearing up for the next round of GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT! This is our 8-week course that teaches you how to draw the components of a garden. We even have one module dedicated to COLOR (pencil and marker)! This course is offered once a year in January. You're invited to join the waiting list and 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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With warmest regards in this fall season,

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.