Sweeten a Summer Garden With Pink Flowers
Whether you stir in hot pinks or sprinkle in some pastels, pink blooms can make your garden deliciously pretty
When you walk into a garden, you might notice scent first. Walk into a lilac garden and you'll almost be knocked off your feet by the fragrance. Or perhaps you are the type of person who notices shade and shape first. Maybe you are just the type who drinks in everything in the garden and focuses on the overall ambience of the space.
Or perhaps you are like me, and the first thing you notice is the color. You notice the variations of yellow in that field over there and are captivated by that shade of blue. The translucence of those peach petals is incredible, and wow! — are those black hollyhocks?
So far we've delved into gardens colored with white, red and blue flowers. Now that Independence Day has passed, though, we're moving on to sweeter colors, the girly girls of the garden — the pinks.
Or perhaps you are like me, and the first thing you notice is the color. You notice the variations of yellow in that field over there and are captivated by that shade of blue. The translucence of those peach petals is incredible, and wow! — are those black hollyhocks?
So far we've delved into gardens colored with white, red and blue flowers. Now that Independence Day has passed, though, we're moving on to sweeter colors, the girly girls of the garden — the pinks.
Pink whispers femininity when it is pastel and shouts it when it is bright. A simple pot of vibrant, hot pink blooms makes an entrance that can't be missed.
Try grouping pinks to create the most stunning of surrounds for your outdoor entertaining area. To get this look, try crepe myrtle, weigela or camellias.
Roses are the classic choice for a fragrant pink in the garden. From bushes to climbers to the Old English ramblers, roses have a place in any garden. This particular one is a flower carpet rose.
You might want to try one of my favorites, a pink rugosa rose, for a rugged, tough plant that will grow in harsh conditions.
Classic roses are the perfect design tool for your interiors. Simple yet luxurious, they can take a neutral room and spin it on its heel in an instant.
Of course in spring, there is nothing better than the classic pink peony. From bud to bloom, these flowers are a perennial favorite.
Hardy hydrangeas are another perennial favorite. Use them as stand-alone plants in mixed borders or display them en masse for an intoxicating effect.
Rhododendron bushes are yet another classic pink that will burst into bloom every year and leave passersby slack-jawed by their beauty.
If your garden is a little more relaxed than classic, a little more desert than woodland, you might want to try grasses. Muhly grass (shown) is an excellent choice for a wallop of color.
If you want to stick with the milder side of pink, you might want to invest in a few fruit trees. From Japanese cherry to some varieties of apple and plum, many fruit trees have pink blossoms that abound in early to mid spring. Plant flowering fruit trees in tandem with Eastern redbuds and flowering almond bushes for a symphony of pink before summer.
Bougainvillea is another great choice to pair with flowering fruit trees.
Another plus: These flowering fruit trees are perfect for forcing each winter for a burst of springtime in the middle of February or March.
Give your pinks a little depth by mixing them with a deeper coral.
Whether you choose to go bold with hot pink standouts or a less in-your-face with baby pinks and salmons, pink can play a vital role in your garden. Use it to stand out, stand alone or blend in with other perennials. Use pink to brighten a border or bring vibrancy to your interiors. It is the classic color of traditional gardens and a favorite the world over for its charm and its grace.