An understanding of color and its uses allows gardeners to make the most of their flower beds. Color selection can make a flower bed appear close or distant. A distant planting of bright colors appears closer, if softer shades of the same color, are used near the viewer. Using softer colors at a distance and strong colors near the house reverses the effect. Colors can impart a sense of temperature.
Warm colors are red, orange and yellow.
When used on a sunny patio they give a sense of warmth. The cool colors are blues and greens. Use them in shade and they make the shade seem cooler. Use one or two compatible colors throughout the landscape to develop a restful mood. Pastel or weak colors work better then strong vivid colors.