Spring is All About Colour: Transform Your Garden with Vibrant Planting

Spring is the real season of renewal, bursting with life and vibrancy. As the days grow longer and the temperature starts to climb our gardens come alive with a rainbow of colours from soft pastels to bold dramatic fiery reds and orange. Whether you’re looking to create a tranquil sanctuary or an energising outdoor space, spring is all about colour. By embracing the technique of colour blocking and drawing inspiration from the stunning Colour Gardens at The Newt in Somerset you can create a harmonious visually exciting garden that welcomes in the new season with a bang!

Read on for some ideas on how to design your spring garden using colour themes, combining expert tips on colour theory with inspiration from The Newt’s breathtaking displays. 

The Power of Colour in Garden Design

Colour does more than just make your garden look great - it influences mood, perception, and atmosphere. Thoughtful use of colour can make your garden feel larger, more inviting, or even more calming. One of the most impactful design techniques is colour blocking, which involves grouping plants of similar or complementary colours to create bold, unified statements -this enhances the vibrancy of each hue and establishes a cohesive, dramatic look.

For a masterclass in colour blocking, look no further than The Newt in Somerset. Inspired by the work of Canadian gardeners Nori and Sandra Pope, The Newt features a series of meticulously crafted Colour Gardens, each dedicated to a specific colour—red, blue, and white. These distinct garden rooms demonstrate how focused colour schemes can evoke different moods and create breathtaking, sensory experiences. By borrowing inspiration from The Newt, you can achieve similar effects in your own garden.

Understanding Colour Theory in Garden Design

Before diving into colour blocking, it’s important to understand some basic principles of colour theory. The colour wheel is a great way to look at the relationships between colours, helping you create the perfect harmonious result. 

Complementary Colours -  Opposite each other on the colour wheel (e.g., purple and yellow), these colours create vibrant contrasts and high visual impact.

Analogous Colours - Next to each other on the colour wheel (e.g., pink and purple), analogous colours provide a serene, harmonious look.

Monochromatic Colours - Variations of a single hue create a unified and soothing appearance.

By strategically combining these colours, you can create intentional, balanced compositions that enhance the beauty of your garden.

Designing Your Colour-Themed Garden

1. Selecting a Colour Palette

Begin by choosing a palette that resonates with you and suits your garden’s purpose:

• Personal Preference: Select colours that you love and that complement your home’s exterior.
• Garden Purpose: Warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows) evoke energy and excitement, while cool colours (blues, greens, purples) create a calming, serene atmosphere.
• Seasonality: Consider how your chosen colours will look throughout the year, ensuring continuous interest from early spring to late summer displays.

2. Creating Colour Blocks

Colour blocking involves planting large swathes of a single colour or grouping complementary hues together. 

• Pair complementary colours for striking contrasts (e.g., purple alliums against bright yellow daffodils).
• Use analogous colours for a seamless, flowing design (e.g., pink tulips next to lavender).
• Repeat colours throughout your garden to create continuity.

Inspiration from The Newt in Somerset

The Newt’s Colour Gardens showcase the power of bold colour blocking, with vibrant displays like the Yellow Garden featuring golden daffodils, primroses, and wallflowers, while the Purple Garden offers a tranquil retreat with majestic alliums and lavender. Take inspiration by dedicating sections of your garden to specific colour themes, allowing each hue to shine without competition.

Choosing Plants for Colour Blocking

When selecting plants, consider not only the bloom colour but also the foliage, stems, and even bark to maintain interest throughout the seasons - Some of our spring favourites include:

• For Bold Yellows: Daffodils, primroses, and wallflowers.
• For Vivid Purples: Alliums, lavender, and irises.
• For Soft Pinks: Tulips, cherry blossoms, and bleeding hearts.

Enhancing Your Design with Agriframes Structures

To amplify the impact of your colour-blocked garden, incorporate garden structures that complement and enhance your display.

Here are some top picks from Agriframes to bring your spring vision to life:

1. Elegance Obelisks
These elegant supports add height and interest, perfect for climbing spring blooms like sweet peas and clematis. Available in subtle colour finishes, they blend seamlessly with vibrant borders while adding vertical elegance.

Tip: Place obelisks in the middle or back of colour blocks for dynamic layers and to draw the eye upward.

2. Classic Round Arch
Create stunning entrances to different colour-themed areas with the Classic Round Arch. Its elegant curves beautifully frame cascading favourites such as climbing roses or honeysuckle.

Tip: Position the arch between contrasting colour blocks to create dramatic transitions and enhance visual impact.

3. Monet Pergola
The Monet Pergola is ideal for creating a transitional walkway defining garden rooms and supporting a variety of climbers, from fragrant jasmine to vibrant clematis.

Tip: Underplant with tulips or alliums in complementary colours to create a layered, immersive experience.

4. Zinc Planters
Perfect for patios or balconies Zinc Planters can be grouped with single-colour plantings for mini colour blocks that echo themes in your garden beds.

Tip: Use them to showcase architectural succulents or vibrant annuals for a dynamic, ever-changing display.

Bringing It All Together

Spring is the perfect time to experiment with colour. By embracing colour blocking and drawing inspiration from the Colour Gardens at The Newt in Somerset, you can transform your garden into a vibrant, harmonious retreat. Whether you’re inspired by the bold contrasts of complementary colours or the soothing flow of analogous hues, Agriframes garden structures will help you bring your vision to life.

Ready to transform your garden this spring? Explore our full range of garden structures and start planning your colourful spring display today!

Visit The Newt for Inspiration

For those seeking inspiration a visit to RHS Chelsea Flower Show Sponsors The Newt in Somerset is a must this spring. Their stunning Colour Gardens showcase the power of colour blocking and demonstrate how intentional design can evoke emotion and create unforgettable experiences.

This spring, embrace the vibrancy of the season and let colour take centre stage in your garden. Happy gardening!