Perfect Pinks

Pinks come in two kinds – the bright, lipstick shocker, and the quiet one, gently fading. Make sure you know exactly which kind you are getting. When looking for companion colors, grays are always successful, as are pale blues, and the softer lilacs and mauves. And when looking for the right type of pot, faded terracotta makes a very good match. It is also worth noting that many flower buds, especially of roses, have rich pink coloring before opening to darker shades.

BASKETS FOR SUBTLETY

ABOVE: While many hanging baskets aim to explode pockets of color, it is worth noting that many are equally satisfying when trying to calm things down. This mix of busy Lizzies, pansies, and dianthus makes a gentle blend.

WINTER CHRISTMAS ROSES

RIGHT: A good display of pink winter flowers using bellebores, hyacinths, and polyanthus.

DEEP PINK WINDOW SCHEME

LEFT: This summer show includes verbena, oxalis, and pelargoniums.

BLUES AND GRAYS

LEFT: A twin-theme hanging basket, relying solely on blue-faced pansies and small-leaved gray helichrysum.

POTTED LACECAPS

RIGHT: A gorgeous gentle mix of blue lacecap hydrangeas with a mound of lobelia.

BLUE AGAINST BLUE

BELOW LEFT: An ornamental metal seat makes an excellent stage, holding up pots of petunias, helichrysums, and the blue-green, sword-shaped leaves of Astelia nervosa “Silver Spear”, all seen against a blue-painted trellis.

Petunia

Penstemon “Garnet”

Pansy (Viola)

Tulips (Tulipa)

Verbena bonariensis

Dittany (Origanum laevigatum)

Scaevola aemula