Page 14 - LandscapeSA Issue 110

FEATURE

SHADES OF BLACK,

WHITE AND GrEY:

A COLOUR STUDy

An achromatic colour scheme refers to the use of neutral colours of black, white

and grey in landscape design, providing a backdrop which is both contemporary
and timeless. These colours simultaneously allow the introduction of leaf
variation, texture and a planting mix which can be layered to tell its own story. A
monochromatic colour scheme uses varying shades of one colour.

here are many white plants and flowers that can be used
in landscaping, but the trick is to find a combination that is
Tpleasing to the eye. The numerous shades of white are only
truly noticeable when they are grouped together. Most white
flowers are not pure white and have subtle shades of yellow, pink,
green or blue. play with the plants and hold them next to each other
to really appreciate the differences; as you do, you’ll discover what
combinations work for you.

There is no single way to create a white garden and more often
than not, the addition of a secondary shade gives dimension to the
garden, making the white more prominent. White can have a cooling
effect when paired with other colours, but an all-white garden can
easily become a glaring blur.

Avoid monotony with white plants by using contrasting forms
and textures, both in plant and flower shapes, for instance, tall,
spiky, white Iris with ruffled white peonies or lilies, single-flowered
white clematis and mop-head hydrangeas. To further break up the
monotony, include plants with strong texture and variegated, silver
or grey leaves. These have the effect of softening the glare.

The same principles of basic garden design apply to a design
featuring white. Select varying heights, repetition of plants and
shapes, and some larger focal points. Its easy enough to fill out
a white garden with tall plants, grasses, groundcovers, seasonal
Grey tones can be repeated in both hard landscaping elements as well as leaf blooms and climbers.
texture and tones in certain plants
Many silver and grey foliage plants have fuzzy leaves that will provide
a textural contrast to bright white flowers and create a backdrop that
will make the white flowers even more eye-catching. White reflects
light, which is why white flowers are favoured in evening gardens.
play up that feature by using low growing white flowers along
walkways, particularly those paved in pale concrete or stone. A white
walkway can be created within or apart from an all-white garden.
Go grey
Grey has become a popular colour choice for interior walls as it
combines well with many colours without overpowering them. It is
what’s known as a neutral or achromatic colour – a colour without
colour. Grey can adapt to the colours adjacent to it, becoming lighter
or darker and creating a calm, contemporary living space.

Grey and silver plants tend to be suited to dry climates and can
create a monochromatic silver-grey garden. They can also provide
White elements provide timelessness to a space and often reflect the a framework for other colours, allowing features to blend or toning
surrounding architectural features, ensuring harmony and repetition within a down brightly coloured plants while acting as a buffer between
landscape colours that might otherwise clash. As a neutral colour, one of grey’s

12 Landscape SA • Issue 110 2022