Many artists, interior designers, healers, gardeners and some scientists believe that we respond to colour in different ways and that colour acts on our brain, influences our emotions, feelings and even human consciousness, and for this reason they can be used in therapeutic ways.
Many of us respond positively to colours that are in harmony. By painting garden structures and choosing particular flowers you can effectively change the way you feel creating a space in your urban garden or in your apartment that fills your needs.
Red is a powerful colour and is associated with vitality. It is believed that the colour red can help overcome negative thoughts. However, an excess of red in the environment can make people irritable, impatient and uncomfortable. Its effect is physical. The colour red stimulates the pulse rate and our appetite. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive. If you want your garden to stand out, try planting the fiery celosia in red. They look like little fires in your garden.
Orange is a cheerful colour. It’s used to stimulates the brain, renew interest in life and raise the spirit. It is a ‘fun’ colour and can be used around people that have a tendency to feel sad. Plant marigolds in your garden for their brightness and medicinal values.
Yellow is also a cheerful, luminous and high-spirited colour associated with the intellectual side of the mind and the expression of thoughts. Just looking at a bright yellow sunflower makes me feel good. The right yellow will lift your spirits, it’s the colour of confidence and optimism. So, if you need a little brightening, add a splash of yellow in your garden or to your kitchen.
Green connects people to the natural world. Being in the centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance. It creates a feeling of comfort, relaxation and calm. It gives a sense of space and decreases stress as it balances the emotions. By adding succulents or wild grasses to the garden you can play with many hues of green.
Blue is a cool, calming colour associated with clarity and creativity. It’s thought that strong blue hues will stimulate clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. The soft blue flower of the agapanthus (also known as Lily of the Nile) comes from the Greek words “agape,” meaning love and “anthos,” meaning flower.
Purple is often used in psychiatric treatments to help calm and pacify patients. This colour encourages deep contemplation and meditation. It balances the mind and helps to transform obsessions and fears. So, if you’re needing a space for introspection and calm try planting purple flowers. They can range from light lavenders and lilacs to more vibrant violets and magentas. Lavender is one of the most recognizable purple flowers.
White is known to stimulate peace and comfort, relieving shock and despair. It’s used to help the inner cleansing of emotions, thoughts and spirit. Beware though, too much white can make things feel sterile. Jasmine is a beautiful white flower that grows as both a vine or bush. They can thrive in temperate climates but prefer tropic zones. The delicate blossoms are small and white with five thin petals and they smell divine.
Pink is emotionally soft and soothing. If you live alone, the colour pink can alleviate the loneliness. Pink is a powerful colour it represents the feminine principle, and survival of the species. It’s used as a symbol of love and awareness. Light pink flowers similar to cheery blossoms can give you an airy feel whist bright pink blooms of a zinnia can bring on the drama. One of my favourite flowers is the simple yet complicated rose that comes in many hues of red and pink.
Brown evokes a sense of stability and relieves insecurity. It has associations with the earth and the natural world so the colour feels reliable and supportive However, excess brown can be associated with repression of emotions. In Feng Shui, brown is the colour of nature, food and the circle of life. Add structures in your garden made from weathered wood.
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