Red (hot) annual salvia and yellow
gaillardia sizzle beside cooling
white Shasta daisies.

Summer Favorites

Summer favors a red-hot color scheme that stands up and shouts despite punishing heat. Beds and borders catch fire with golden yellows, searing reds, and volcanic oranges. When composing midsummer trios, always include at least one cooldown color to keep the fire under control. A splash of silver or dabs of white take the temperature down a notch. Calming pinks and blues also moderate hot colors.

 

The gold blooms of rudbeckia
play out against the cooler
lavender aster and silvery fuzz
of lamb's ears.

Winning three-way garden partnerships combine red, white, and yellow or orange. Orange, yellow, and blue-theme borders prove that one cool tone plus two fiery allies can hit it off. Midsummer blues come from bachelor's button, campanula, delphinium, ageratum, and ladybells. Purple, gold, and silver reflect the sun's glory in a cooler, sophisticated scheme. Imagine the refreshing and reflective nature of a shady summer oasis painted green, white, and lavender or pink.