COLOUR SCHEMES

MONOCHROMATIC SCHEME

In a monochromatic scheme the various tints and shades of a single colour are used. The visual effect of a container can be heightened by the simplicity of such a planting. Simple, but it need not be monotonous if you use a wide range of the basic colour - for example pink Petunias, blood red Geraniums and maroon Antirrhinums in a pot or bowl. White and yellow are popular choices - blue is the most difficult as the range is limited

ANALOGOUS SCHEME

In a analogous (or related) scheme, the two, three or four colours used are all neighbours on the colour wheel. Such an arrangement has much of the subdued charm of a monochromatic scheme but there is of course a much larger range of plants from which to make a choice. Here reds and violets have been used, ranging from pale pink to deep violet. White flowers or silvery foliage can be used to brighten an analogous scheme

CONTRASTING SCHEME

In a contrasting (or complementary) scheme the chosen colours are directly across from each other on the colour wheel. For maximum impact the pure colours rather than pastel tints should be used - yellow Marigolds and violet Lobelias as in the Antirrhinums and blue Scaveola, and so on. The effect, however, may be garish and so tints and shades of the basic colours are often preferred

POLYCHROMATIC SCHEME

In a polychromatic (or rainbow) scheme colours from all parts of the colour wheel are used - a patchwork quilt of reds, violets, yellows, oranges etc. This was once everbody's idea of a hanging basket and is still widely used in pots, tubs, window boxes and so on, but there is a distinct movement away from polychromatic schemes these days and the appeal of simplicity is taking hold

To order your hanging basket, please e-mail your requirement to: sales@babylon-nurseries.co.uk