Designing a Landscape Color Scheme: Moving Beyond Red with Brick

Avoid Red-on-Red

Red flowers against red brick disappear. Instead, choose contrasting or complementary hues: whites, purples, blues, yellows, and variegated foliage.

Seasonal Color Flow

In many regions, the "flower year" progresses: whites/blues in spring, pinks in early summer, yellows/oranges in late summer/fall. Plan for succession so something is always in bloom.

Plant for Views, Not Lines

Don't just mimic hardscape edges. Ask: What do I see from the driveway? The kitchen window? The deck? Place focal plants (specimen trees, flowering shrubs) at those sightlines. Use masses of perennials and groundcovers to fill beds.

One Color vs. Mixed

A single-color theme (e.g., all white) creates a calm, cohesive look but may have a short peak season. Mixed palettes offer longer interest but require more design discipline.