It is so
enjoyable to see the intense "WOW" colors of individual native
wildflower blossoms, but it is the interaction of certain colors that add
spice and wonder to our gardens. Sometimes, these interactive colors happen on
their own, but we can also design them intentionally, thus adding another level
of pizzazz to a garden area. In this photo, for example, we see that the
radiant violet purple of native Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) is even
more intense as seen against the bright (complementary) color of Orange
Coneflower. On a color wheel (which one can purchase at any art store or
online), you can find a color, and its opposite (complementary) color and plant
native wildflowers that bloom at the same time in those colors. Another example is Cardinal Flower (Lobelia
cardinalis). Its intense red blossoms stand out even against its own green
foliage (green and red being opposites.) That's one reason why Cardinal Flower
plants look so stunning when planted close together in large swaths. The greens
and reds are amazingly intense and always draw the attention of Hummingbirds
and humans!
For more information on using regionally native plants species in home garden design, you can now buy an accessible and fun book. It is the narrative of Anne Milligan and Stephen Brown's 12+ years native gardening project in southeast Jefferson County, Kentucky. Click on this link to purchase Let the Earth Breathe
