I think that the continuation of her color scheme would look great. If you chose a clashing color, that would be a different story.

My first reaction is that your yellow tree just reinforces the yellow theme and doesn't steal it's thunder. I would not be offended and I don't think your neighbor would be either. Are you good enough friends so that you could just ask her? Maybe phrase it as looking for advice on where would be the best spot? You could tell her you were inspired by her beautiful yellows!

Kate

I agree. I can't imagine anyone being insulted by you planting a tree in their color scheme. It just compliments it. And you must be a very thoughtful person to even worry about this. I can honestly say it has never crossed my mind to think about it before. Of course, I've seldom (maybe never) had neighbors who actually garden, and most wouldn't notice what I did with my yard, as long as I mowed the lawn. (They are often obsessed with grass.)

Anyway, I agree with everyone else so far. Your neighbor should not be insulted, and if you tell her how much you admire what she has done, and how you want to be sure your yard is complimentary to hers, I think she will be all for it.

Marcia

Do you have a photo of her yard? I am always inspired when I see a great garden and you are in the same zone.

Luckily, my neighbor gardens, but as newbies, we are all in the 'try-out' phase.

I actually picked my color scheme in my front yard to match the colors that my neighbors on both sides had, so we wouldn't clash!! Red is predominant in their yards so I picked red, yellow, orange and white (white was already there with the crepe myrtles and magnolias) I think it looks nicer that way. I have a different color scheme in the back yard - pink and purple mainly to try to compliment the pink tile in my pool that I am really not fond of but can't do anything about.
You are really considerate thinking that way!! I say plant that sucker.
Lisa B

If someone copied my color scheme, I would feel smug and think that the person copied my idea because they couldn't come up with one of their own. I wouldn't feel angry or upset though. I don't think that one tree is a big deal as long as you don't base your whole design theme on the neighbor's.

I don't think just having one thing in the front yard that is yellow is completely copying the neighbor. You could try adding some blues in with the yellow to mix it up a little. Blue and yellow look nice together.

Well teeka, since I obviously inherited the "murphy" gene (It's going to happen to me), here's my take on it.

About the time I decided to not plant it, she would tell me that she's sick and tired of yellow and changing her whole yard. :-)

Just ask, can't hurt. I would love it!

Corrie

We have only been in this house for two years, everyone around has been her for 20+++ years, and I have already dug up all my grass and replaced w/ mulch(everyone else has the lawn) but my neighbor has a few nice plants(one of them is this amazing bougainvelia...not spelled correctly, I know. She has trained it through the years and it is a stunning canopy over the entrance to her house and these yellow perennials).

I am going to sit and think over what you all said and see if I want to approach her. The problem is that my front yard stands out because I don't have the grass whereas all the other lawns blend together and you don't see the start and finish of one property. So our front looks alot bigger than her front(don't think it really is) and if I put this very strong yellow blooming tree I think it will just overshadow her smaller plants, though many of you think it will just complement, so I need to think and maybe I'll just ask her.

I wish I had my front yard in the back, more space in the front and I just want to do whatever I want and not be concerned about all this front yard stuff!! I've filled the back with too much already and I am just trying to not overdo it in the front yard,though all that open space is just calling my name!!!

thanks again, I have some things to think over! Oh, yeah, Corrie, and wouldn't that be the case that she'd be thinking of changing it up,lol!
teeka

If someone copied my color scheme, I'd be amazed.

Color scheme ? What's that ? I'm thrilled if any plant survives let alone what scheme I am adhering to .
I admire those of you who are so thoughtful and considerate . One of the great reasons many people like to visit this forum . Thanks !

I don't believe you should act like you are getting her permission but let me tell you,my neighbors always are giving me THEIR opinion. If it is important such as the ole gal across the street having a hard time where my mailbox was,ok I move it.
But she may tell you she hates that tree or its messy and she better not find its droppings in her yard and then what do you do? I am speaking from experience unfortunately.
Maybe if you told her how great your new tree was and how you would SHARE some seed later she may share some of her pretties. I always am taking my extras to a neighbor that recently moved in and she loves it.
Anyway be prepared for whatever.

If I had a color scheme, I'd be amazed.

Anyone want to copy mine?
{{gwi:954411}}

The landscaped approach to Ms. Sisthree's home combines a collection of subtle borrowings from nature with modern design elements, resulting in a delicate palette that one could find difficult to duplicate.

hahahaha! good one :)

Nobody could possibly copy my scheme, because it's not color based. it's based on cultural requirements and nerdy botanical familial similarities. I'm sure passersby simply see a bunch of stuff in the yard. No no no... it's all tied together, man....

teeka, do what's best for you.

irma - you made my day ! Perfectly described to a T . What a gift you have !
Remind me to thank my thundering herd of dogs for helping me " return my yard to it's natural beauty " and reward them .
irma - you are tooooo funny !

It is so gratifying to know others appreciate my aesthetic! Thanks Irma :)

Seriously, Teeka, now that you have seen my front yard I am sure you will not value my opinion on yours but, for what it is worth, I think repetition of a color used in your neighbor's yard would be lovely.

Rats, this is depressing: Yet another thing I didn't know I had to worry about to add to my list! Before I read this thread it would never have occurred to me to wonder if my plants clash with whatever the dude across the street is up to. I was all proud of myself just for keeping the grass mowed! Yards are hard...... :)