Is red in the garden a good idea? Red is a bold, strong colour that takes up a lot of space. In some quarters it’s considered safe to use it in moderation. Especially when it comes to flowers as red in the darkish hours looks almost black and as such has zero impact. Using red in the right way, however, is in my opinion a great way to add zest to garden design.
Red pigment made from ochre was one of the first colors used in prehistoric art. It’s a primary colour in the RGB colour model and has a number of cultural associations. Red sits in the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, which is why it’s so eye-catching. So how could red be used? Here are some examples.
An obvious red ingredient in a garden is blooms. Add them to an area where you want to make a statement. Mix them up with greenery as red and green is a great colour combo. An option is to focus on red berries, rather than flowers. Or use them in combination. That would pro-long the “red season”.
Red furniture is an instant way to add drama, as are textiles. Why not in combination? Keep in mind though that red soaks up the UV rays which means that materials can fade drastically. Cover when not used, or put out of direct sunlight is good idea.
Why not try red sculpture? Saw this creative installation in Alghero, Sardinia where the red branches represent red corals. Really cool I thought.
As I posted about yesterday, a red pool (area) would be the ultimate statement in a garden. The drama is complete with matching red furnishings.
