This year we are looking at color in the garden, using
Penelope Hobhouse’s book Color in Your Garden as our guide. The first color we’re exploring is white, ironic
since a white surface reflects all light so white is the absence of color
(see Color Theory). Hobhouse provides a plant catalog of white flowers and foliage by season. Many of the plants are suitable for planting in the San Francisco Bay Area.
White creates a feeling of space and lightness and airiness. White comes in an infinite array of tints ranging from yellows to reds to blues to grays (just try to pick out a "white" paint chip and you know what I mean)! White flowers or bracts may be accompanied with flower parts of another color, such as yellow or pink or lilac. Following is a gallery of plants that thrive here in the Bay Area (some are California natives, others thrive in a Mediterranean climate).
Spring
The surface texture can also vary how white appears. Flower petals
may be shiny, waxy, papery, or velvety, all of which reflect light in
a different way.
Summer
A white garden is appealing for its restfulness and purity,
and is especially beautiful at dusk and in moonlight. The white petals or
foliage reflect light, making them viewable in low light. Some white flowers
are very fragrant, adding to the effect. White flowers can soften nearby colors, and
tone down very bright flowers.
Fall and Early Winter
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| Roses stand out against green foliage |
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| Honey Locust |
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Leaves and foliage may also have a white component – possibly variegated, silver, or gray. In the daylight, white flowers stand out against both dark green foliage and silver or gray.
Foliage
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| Fescue with a silvery look |
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| Variegated ivy |
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| Silvery olive tree |
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| Velvety leaves give a white cast |
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