Healing Colors

The garden is a feel-good place for all of the senses. We’ve all experienced that relaxed, refreshed feeling when we enter a place of beauty in nature. A few minutes in a beautiful backyard or a hike into the deep woods, or even a trip to your neighborhood garden center can create a feeling of reduced stress and tranquility.   Plants seem to provide a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Throughout history different cultures have associated colors with certain emotions. You may have a favorite color that makes you feel happy. By planting certain colors in your garden you may be inspiring emotions and cultivating wellbeing. Below is a list of common colors and some of the feelings that have been associated with them.

 

Red is associated with Vitality, Energy and Courage, It can enhance confidence and brighten low moods and depression. Red Geraniums are a good choice with their never ending bright blooms and their soft ruffled leaves.

 

Orange is associated with Optimism, Independence and Happiness. Orange regulates circulation, metabolism, and it has an ability to energize. Orange Nasturtiums will perk up your garden corner with their round edible leaves and cheerful orange flowers.

Yellow is associated with Mental Ability, Increased Awareness, Wisdom and Clarity. Yellow is very effective in relieving depression and headaches, it improves memory and awareness. Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan) is a wonderful, deep yellow color and can brighten any mood or garden space.

 

Green is associated with Growth, Healing and Calming. Green is the overall the color of healing. Green helps calm nerves, relaxes you both mentally and physically, it promotes self control and harmony. Try an Asparagus Fern with its tufts of soft green spikes that feel wonderful to the touch. 

 

Blue is associated with Peace, Knowledge, Health and Faith. Blue is calming color and helps induce sleep and helps communication flow easily. Plant a serene Blue Hydrangea with its soft orbs of blossoms like fluffy blue clouds floating over a sea of dark green.

 Purple is associated with Intuition, Imagination, Understanding and can enhance creativity. Lavender is a wonderful addition to the garden with its gentle spikes of soft purple and its scent that has been used for centuries to induce relaxation.

Pink is associated with Youth, Vitality and healing of sadness and grief. A good Pink option for your garden would be Pink Peonies with their many shades of silky, fragrant flowers that unfurl delicately in the spring sun.

White is associated with Balance harmony and Peace. Cleansing and Healing. A good Plant choice for White is the Gardenia. Its scent is intoxicatingly fresh and its creamy white flowers are the perfect contrast to its glossy dark green leaves.