How To Add Color To Garden (14 Proven Ways)

When you’re planning your garden, color is a key element. After all, why would you spend so much time and money creating a space that looks drab? 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to add color to your garden using plants and other materials. In this article we’ll look at 16 different ways you can add color to your garden. 

We’ll cover everything from the most basic ideas like planting flowers and herbs, all the way up to more elaborate projects like building a gazebo or pergola.

Color schemes for a gorgeous garden (pro tips)

Sure, here is a single column takeaway table based on the TITLE:

Takeaways
Tips for adding instant color to a garden with containers
Advice on adding garden lights for ambiance and color
Ideas for adding color to your garden with edging
Tips on improving garden drainage for healthy and colorful plants
Guide to improving soil quality for maintaining colorful & healthy garden
Further reading on creating a colorful garden with Pantone’s Classic Blue
Strategies for increasing flower color
Adding color to the garden in winter
Helpful FAQs about adding color to your garden or landscape

Garden Bed Ideas

Use a variety of colors and textures: The best way to create an eye-catching garden is to use plants that are different in color, size, shape, and texture. Choose plants with contrasting flowers and foliage such as white daisies next to yellow marigolds or dark purple pansies next to light pink roses.

Use a variety of heights: When planning your garden beds it’s important that you include plants with different heights so they can coordinate together well. 

For example, taller plants like ornamental grasses or rose bushes should be placed towards the back of your garden bed while shorter herbs like basil can be planted closer towards the front where they won’t obstruct views of other elements such as stone pathways or birdbaths when viewing from above.”

Adding instant color to a garden can be accomplished with container planting. Consider using containers to add color that can be easily moved around the garden or patio area.

Plant Flowers

Flowers are a great way to add color to your garden. There is a wide variety of flowers available in different colors, so you can choose the ones that best match the style and theme of your garden. 

If you have an existing flower bed, it’s easy to add some new blooms. If not, consider adding flowers around trees or shrubs for maximum impact and color coordination.

Flowers attract bees and butterflies as well as birds and other pollinators, which will help keep them healthy and happy!

Table: Popular Flowers to Add Color to Your Garden

Flower NameColorBloom TimeSunlight NeedsWater Needs
RosesVariousSummer & FallFull SunModerate
TulipsVariousSpringFull Sun to Partial ShadeModerate
DaffodilsYellowSpringFull Sun to Partial ShadeLow
DahliasVariousSummer to FallFull SunModerate to High
MarigoldsYellow and OrangeSummer to FrostFull SunLow
PansiesVariousFall to SpringFull Sun to Part ShadeModerate
PetuniasVariousSummer to FrostFull SunModerate
ZinniasVariousSummer to FrostFull SunModerate to High

Note: The aforementioned flower options are just a few examples of the many colorful flower options available for your garden. Be sure to research which flowers will thrive in your specific region and climate, and also consider factors such as soil type and planting location.

Plant A Herb Garden

Herbs are a great way to add color to your garden. You can plant them in pots or in the ground, and they can be used for cooking and for medicinal purposes. Herbs are also easy to grow indoors or outdoors, so you don’t need a green thumb!

Garden lights can add ambiance and a pop of color to any outdoor space. If you’re considering adding lights to your garden or outdoor area, check out our tips on how to add garden lights to learn more.

Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a great way to add color to your garden. They’re easy to move around, and you can even use them indoors. Hanging baskets come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits your space perfectly.

A hanging basket is also a great place to grow vegetables, herbs or flowers. You’ll need just a small amount of soil and water will keep these plants growing strong!

Hanging baskets are an easy way to decorate your home as well; they make great additions in every season!

Garden Arch

You can use a garden arch to create a focal point or to act as a path through your garden. If you would like to have an archway, but don’t have the space for one in your garden space, consider using several vertical pieces of wood or metal and connecting them with wires so you can grow vines on them.

You can also use stones and bricks as part of your landscaping plan by creating a stone fence around the perimeter of your home or property. You can leave some areas open for color and plants that match each other.

Edging can help to define garden beds and pathways while also adding color and a touch of style. Check out our guide on how to add garden edging for tips and ideas to get started.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a great way to add color to your garden. They’re easy to grow and hardy, so you can use them in lots of different ways. 

They make excellent borders when planted around the edges of your garden and they also look great as hedges.

Ornamental grasses come in a variety of bright colors, including yellow, orange and purple. You can plant them in groups or even set them out by themselves if you want something that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale setting!

Table: Beautiful Ornamental Grasses for Your Garden

Grass NameColorHeightSunlight NeedsWater Needs
Blue FescueBlue-Green6-10 inchesFull Sun to Part ShadeLow
Feather Reed GrassGreen, with feathery plumes in summer and fall3-5 feetFull Sun to Part ShadeLow to Moderate
Japanese Forest GrassGold, Green1-2 feetPartial to Full ShadeModerate to High
MiscanthusVariegated, with tall plumes in late summer and early fall6-8 feetFull Sun to Part ShadeLow to Moderate
Purple Fountain GrassMagenta, Purple3-4 feetFull Sun to Part ShadeModerate
Switch GrassRed, Purple3-6 feetFull Sun to Part ShadeLow, Drought Tolerant
Zebra GrassGreen with yellow banding, with tall plumes in fall4-7 feetFull Sun to Part ShadeLow, Drought Tolerant

Note: This list contains only a few examples among the many ornamental grass varieties available. Be sure to research which ones are best for your specific region and climate, as well as to consider the desired effect and impact on your garden design.

Pots And Planters

Pots and planters are an excellent way to add color to your garden without having to commit to a large project. 

You can easily find pots in any size or shape, from traditional clay pots to modern plastic ones. They’re also relatively easy for beginners as you only need soil, seeds and plant food!

If you’re planting bare root plants (plants that were not started from seed) then keep in mind that they may need extra care at first until the roots establish themselves into the soil. Be sure that your pot has drainage holes so water doesn’t pool at the bottom of the pot once it starts raining outside.

It’s always best practice not to over-water your potted plants because this can lead them becoming too moist and developing mold or algae growths due lack of oxygen reaching their roots

Proper garden drainage is essential to ensure your plants receive the right amount of water to maintain their color and health. Consider adding a French drain or a rain garden. Our guide on how to add garden drainage provides tips and alternative solutions to improve garden drainage.

Water Feature

A water feature can add a lot of color to your garden. There are several types of water features that you can choose from, including ponds, fountains and waterfalls. Water features are also great for attracting birds and other wildlife to your garden. An added bonus is they look very pretty as well!

Trellis And Arches

Trellises and arches are great for growing climbing plants. They can be used to create a living wall or use them as the focal point in your garden.

Arches are perfect for framing a path or walkway, allowing you to make use of space that might otherwise be wasted on gravel or grass.

Soil quality plays a critical role in maintaining a colorful and healthy garden. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, your plants may suffer. Check out our guide on how to add garden soil to learn more about improving soil quality with organic and natural methods like composting and using manure.

Pergolas And Gazebo

A pergola or gazebo is a great way to add color to your garden. If you have an outdoor space that you would like to make into an inviting place for people to gather, then consider adding a pergola or gazebo. 

Pergolas and gazebos can be used as a dining area, sitting area, or even both! They are also ideal for providing shade during those hot summer days.

Summerhouse Or Garden Shed

A summerhouse or garden shed is a great place to add color. These rooms are often small and have minimal windows, so they can be difficult to decorate in a way that looks good but also feels light and airy. 

Try using bold colors on the walls and furniture to create your own focal point in this room. You may want to paint an accent wall with a brighter shade of blue than you would normally choose for an entire room of your house such as an ultramarine blue like Benjamin Moore’s “Cameron Blue.” 

Painting the woodwork around the windows in a bright orange such as Benjamin Moore’s “Burnt Sienna” will give the space more energy and make it pop! If you’re looking for something even simpler, consider adding colorful cushions on benches or chairs throughout the space.

Sculptures And Statues

Sculptures and statues can add a lot of interest to your garden. You can place them in the center of your garden, or along the edges to frame it. Here are some tips for selecting sculptures and statues:

Choose a sculpture that complements your home’s architecture. If you have a Victorian-style house with gingerbread trim, for example, it would be best if you chose a statue that is also made of stone or metal (such as iron).

Place the sculpture or statue in an area where water won’t pool around it or damage its surface you don’t want to see cracks appear on the sculpture over time! 

If you live in an area that gets lots of rain, consider placing a basin underneath so that any water can drain away from harmlessly into the ground below where no one will step on it later on down the line when visiting your home during springtime months before summer arrives again next year.”

Bird Baths, Feeders And Houses

The visual appeal of bird baths and feeders is very similar to that of a garden statue. They can add color and personality to your space, but they also have the added benefit of attracting birds, who will then visit your garden and provide you with hours of colorful entertainment. 

Bird houses are another way to attract beautiful birds to your garden! Birds need water, food and shelter just like all living creatures do; providing them with one or more will ensure that they stay around long enough for you to get acquainted with them.

By Using Your Creativity You Can Add Color To Your Garden

Use your imagination. If you are a creative person, use it to add color to your garden.

Use your creativity. If you want something that will look really nice in the garden and be easy to maintain, consider using plants with different shapes and sizes instead of only one type of flower or plant. This can make a big difference in how much color there is in your garden and also help keep it looking good for longer since there will be more variety when compared with other types of gardens where all the plants have similar shapes and sizes.

Try different textures too! You could try adding rocks which have soft surfaces like mosses or lichens growing on them as well as hard ones like agaves if this suits what kind of look you’re going for; woodchips are another option but these don’t last forever so keep this in mind when deciding whether or not this would work for yours too!”

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 16 ways to add color to your garden. These ideas can give you some inspiration for your own space and maybe even help you get started on those projects that have been on the back burner.

Further Reading

Creating a Colorful Landscape with Pantone’s Classic Blue: This article provides ideas and inspiration for adding the Classic Blue color to your garden or landscape.

4 Strategies to Increase Flower Color: This HGTV article provides tips on increasing the vibrancy of your flower colors.

Adding Color to the Landscape in Winter: This article by HGTV provides ideas and guidance for adding color to your garden in winter.

FAQs

Can I add color to my garden during winter?

Yes, you can add color to your garden during winter by using evergreen plants, winter-blooming flowers, or adding color to hardscaping elements such as garden furniture.

How do I improve the color of my flowers?

To improve the color of your flowers, you can plant them in the appropriate location with ample sunshine, use fertilizers appropriate for the specific flowers, and provide adequate water.

How do I choose a color scheme for my garden?

Choosing a color scheme for your garden will depend on personal preference, but you can consider using complementary colors, a monochromatic scheme, or contrasting colors.

Is it necessary to use color theory when designing my garden?

Using color theory can help you create a more cohesive and visually appealing garden design. However, it’s not necessary, and you can always experiment with different colors and see what works best for your garden.

How do I make sure my garden has color year-round?

To ensure your garden has color year-round, consider planting a variety of plants that bloom in different seasons, adding hardscaping elements such as garden furniture with colorful cushions, or incorporating outdoor artwork into your garden design.