Illuminating yellow and Ultimate gray are the 2021 Pantone colors of the year. Two colors that are indicative of what we need right now in this garden I call life. Pantone has chosen a color of the year for the past 21 years. The color of the year reflects current trends. In my opinion, the colors chosen this year are indicative of the times we live and garden in.
The increase in people who began their garden journey in 2000 was quite amazing. Their exuberance and sometimes disappointments were all part of the experience. Consider this thought as we think of illuminating and ultimate experiences seasoned gardeners have endured. Seasoned gardeners are familiar with this feeling. The yellow symbolizes a sense of excitement. The gray exudes a sense of calm.
ILLUMINATING YELLOW
Our summer gardens are usually sizzling and overflowing with hot colors. Blooms are found in abundance. By including yellow in the flower border, there is a sense of optimism. Yellow daffodils represent the cheerfulness of Spring. One must admit, a totally yellow border might be a bit much – to some. Too much yellow can be overwhelming and overstimulate our senses, blurring out the rest of the garden.
There are some flowers that one can never get enough of. According to the National Garden Bureau, this the year of the Sunflower. This multitasking plant that gives back to nature from its nectar to its seeds is simply beautiful. The diversity found in the abundant cultivars is sure to be a game-changer as it causes a stir in any border.
ULTIMATE GRAY
Gray has a calming effect. This is just one of the virtues of including gray in the garden. This color suggests an opportunity to pause. Gray tends to be one of those colors which is subtle, not screaming for attention. The quiet presence of gray represents balance. It can tie a garden together and create a place for the eye to rest. According to Sensational Color, gray is a dignified color. Gray represents diplomacy. In our life gardens, a little gray is welcome. Gray can help us get through some unsettling situations.
COLOR IN THE GARDEN
As gardeners use the Pantone colors this year it will reflect current trends. Illuminating yellow offers excitement in pots or borders. Here are a few suggestions for Illuminating yellow:
Helianthus salicifolius, Coreopsis – tinctoria or Zagreb, Hemerocallis – Happy Returns or Stella de Oro, Achillea x ‘Moonshine’
Using Ultimate gray will offer a softening effect that goes a long way. Some suggested plants to look for are:
Artemesia – Powis Castle, Valerie Finnis, Silver Mound, Athyrium Ghost, Dichondra, Lavender
Each of these plants has a role in the landscape. One creates an exciting pop. The other sets the stage for a sense of balance. Thank you Pantone for a color combination that reflects the times we live in. There are many things that we can relate to life in the garden.
HOW WILL YOUR GARDEN TREND?
The new gardener experienced Gardening 101 – The First Season. Through trial and error, a new season is within reach. The excitement of what’s new in the world of horticulture is paramount. For some, the uncertainty of breaking ground “again” looms large. Either way, gardens will be made and colors will be important.
Will you grow Sunflowers to illuminate your garden? Will you seek out gray foliage to add a sense of calm along the way?
Looking through catalogs imagining ways to illuminate the ultimate plant combinations for my patio.
Teri, Cottage In The Court
by 
Leave a Reply