I went through a red phase when I first started decorating my own apartments in my 20s. After about five years I fell out of love with the hot hue and went headlong into a love affair with green and sometimes the slightest hint of blue. Perhaps that makes sense; that is when my love affair with gardens began too.

In any case, while I still love my greens and grays, my love for red is coming back. Forget timid pinks and subtle creams in the garden. Give me power! Give me impact! Give me red. Red can perk up a lackluster bed, bring attention to undervalued areas of the garden and bring a punch of color to any potted arrangement. Let's bring on the red and celebrate this fiery hue. debora carl landscape design Red flowers waving in the wind say, "Hello!" to visitors in a strong, welcoming voice. Windsor Companies Red draws the eye immediately, hence the appropriately colored stop signs. To bring attention to your front door, plant a swipe of red annuals like these impatiens in a classy arrow pointing straight toward your main entrance. debora carl landscape design Red can go subtler when paired with deep blues and maroons. With the high contrast of green and red, this grouping of red kangaroo paw and grasses says, "Hello!" with a beautiful South African accent. Ami Saunders, MLA If you know red in the garden, then you have probably met a Japanese maple. With cut leaves so intricate, they almost look like blood-tinged lace, Japanese maple makes a statement loud and clear. Pair your maple with understated evergreens, rocks and greens for the best show.

How to grow Japanese maples Huettl Landscape Architecture Are you tired of the same old cottage garden look? A touch of red is like a swath of lipstick, bringing a smile to the garden. AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. Don't be afraid to mix magenta and red. These often clashing tones look great when they're combined purposefully. Leave no doubt that you intended to marry the two hues for a fiery statement. 1800Lighting Coordinate your blooming reds with hard features in your home and garden. Match the hue of your crimson front door, bring attention to your red barn or plant a sea of red poppies to emphasize red trim. Christopher Kellie Design Inc. For a pop of red without much work, choose red blooms, such as these geraniums, for container gardens flanking the front door. Add some at a higher level as a bonus. JOHN DANCEY Custom Designing/Remodeling/Building Whether your red is climbing or potted, wispy or solid, it says loud and clear, "This is my home of which I am proud. Please come visit!"

Tell us: Do you use red in the garden?