Blushing Beauties

- Gerald Schofield

Summer gardens are potentially the brightest and showiest of all the seasons. Plant growth is rapid and the results are proportionately quick and therefore most gratifying. Traditionally, summer is associated with bright and bold colours – red, orange and yellow, with cooler whites and pastels tending to be confined to the more shaded areas. But there is so much more on offer from Mother Nature, so be adventurous with colour.

Pink in all its various shades and hues, from the palest white with a gentle rose blush to the most shocking pink, always catches the eye and makes a spectacular show. Use the multitude of pink-flowering annuals, perennials and shrubs to add a different dimension to your summer garden, as there are pink flowers that flourish in every part of the modern landscape.

Sun or shade?

Whenever new plants are added to the garden a few simple questions need to be answered before actual planting takes place. The most important one pertains to sun and shade, as most plants require a specific amount of sunlight in order to flourish. Pink flowers abound in such a huge range that there are shade and sun options to choose from, but make sure that you know the particular sun requirements and tolerance levels of each plant type. Some are more adaptable than others and can grow in a range of light intensities whilst others are less so.

Colour schemes