Gardening Inspiration: Pantone Colors of the Year 2016
Image source: Pinterest
This year, the Pantone Institute did something unusual by crowning two shades as color of the year. The Institute explained their decision by saying that they chose the blend of these two soothing colors to combat the stress of the modern age. So far, it looks like Rose Quartz and Serenity will reign the colors’ throne together in harmony. The soft pink shade evokes feelings of calmness, while the sky blue shade conveys relaxation, even when the times are turbulent.
This color trend will affect everything from haute couture to nail polish and living room details, but the atmosphere that these two colors project is just the kind you would want in your garden landscaping – peace and tranquility. We were inspired by these hues, and here are some ideas for garden décor that you might also like.
Image Source: Floral designers Flower Duet at flowerduet.com
Roses are Rose Quartz, Violets are Serenity
What better way to create a peaceful outdoor nook than to fill your garden with plants and flowers that will enhance your feelings of well-being? According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, hydrangeas, with their blend of faded pink and blue hues, were part of inspiration for this year’s pick. Rose Quartz and Serenity are complimentary shades, which makes them convenient for combining. In the Rose Quartz spectrum, Fairy Magnolia® blush is a good choice with its pink dusted petals. It can be grown in a planter, or as a hedge shrub. The soft pink blooms spread the sweet fragrance of spring. Fairy Magnolia® blush likes full sun, is very resistant to diseases, pests, and dry conditions, and copes well in all types of soils. What kind of garden would it be without a rose? Flower Carpet® appleblossom is not just lovely, it is also solid as a rock, and has an extraordinarily long blooming period.
Image Source: Tesselaar Plants at youreasygarden.com
To get the soothing blend the Pantone Institute was aiming for, inter-plant these Rose Quartz plants with some of the Serenity color. Our first choice is Blue Storm™ agapanthus. It is in bloom the entire summer and the flowers ‘smother’ the plant. It is also an easy-care plant. Lupines are also Serenity blue annuals that grow in all climates. Other low maintenance choices include light blue lobelia, forget-me-nots, and petunias. Nigellas, bachelor’s buttons, pincushion flower, hyacinths, and astilbe are available in both Rose Quartz pink and Serenity blue.
Whatever plants you choose, make sure they are easy-to-grow, so you have more time to enjoy in your garden. Instead of mixing different color flowers, you can also plant a Rose Quartz plant in a Serenity shade planter, or vice versa, and get the same calming effect.
Image Source: Destination wedding photographer Corbin Gurkin, www.corbingurkin.com
Pink and Blue Outdoor Sanctuary
Want to add a touch of serenity to your outdoor décor? Add softness to your outdoor living room with luxurious blue and creamy pink shades. Toss a few cushions in these colors on classic patio chairs or a wooden bench for a quick update that you can easily change as the trends do. Make patio furniture with Rose Quartz upholstery the center of the garden and you will feel like you are in heaven. If your outdoor area does not have an awning, use a piece of fabric in Serenity sky blue and make a canopy. You could even pave a backyard area with Rose Quartz stones. Use these complementary colors to create a Zen corner in your landscaping by suspending a hammock and hanging an assortment of lanterns above it. Jazz it up with any other details, from a table centerpiece, to planters and shelves.
Could there be a better start to spring than to redecorate your garden so you can enjoy in it the entire season?
Author’s Bio: Guest blogger, Lana Hawkins, is a student of architecture from Sydney, Australia. She enjoys writing about landscaping and green architecture and is a regular contributor to the blog Smooth Decorator. Lana loves spending time outdoors and cooking for her friends and family.