In a world of constant hustle and bustle, the trend forecasters at Pantone believe that we can all do with a little time out. As such, the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 is Classic Blue, a solid, peaceful hue that’s reminiscent of the ocean or an early evening sky. In a recent press release, Pantone gave the following rationale for its latest shade:
“As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colours that are honest and offer the promise of protection. Non-aggressive and easily relatable, the trusted PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction. Imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit, offering refuge.”
What better (and easier) way is there to bring this calming tone into your world, than in your garden? It just so happens that blue flowers attract butterflies and bees, and this means your garden will become a sanctuary for nature as well as an escape for your psyche. Surround yourself with serenity and confidence and add these plants for a splash of blue in your outdoor palette.
ALSO SEE: How The #Spekboomchallenge Can Save The Planet
1. Find Solace in Agapanthus
Cool down on hot summer days with a sea of blue Agapanthus. Agapanthus is also known as the Lily of the Nile and comes from the Greek words “agape”, meaning love and “Anthos”, meaning flower. You’ll fall in love with Dwarf Agapanthus ‘Tinkerbell’ with its variegated leaves and clusters of pale blue flowers, while Agapanthus ‘Blue Velvet’ has deep cornflower blue flowers and a stunning velvet sheen. It can be grown in broad sweeps in the garden, grouped in borders, as edgings along paths, or in large pots. Their robust root system also makes them suitable for holding the soil on banks.
2. A Sea of Blue With Butterfly Bush
The colour blue is associated with the sea and sky, evoking feelings of peace and tranquillity. As such, Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a wonderful shrub to keep in your garden. These tasty nectar-producing plants attract butterflies which add charm and beauty to your garden. Butterflies also contribute to some restoration of the natural ecology of life in urban gardens. Butterfly Bush is available in a few smaller varieties such as Buddleja ‘Buzz’ and Buddleja ‘Lo and Behold’, which are hybrids of our indigenous varieties and have more colours available in blue, purple, and cream.
ALSO SEE: 5 Gardening Tips To Create A Waterwise Garden
3. Get Edgy With Torenia
Incorporate Pantone’s Colour of the Year with Torenia or Wishbone Flowers (Torenia fournieri) – summer’s answer to the pansy. These compact (30cm), shade-loving bushes with dainty flowers of blue, purple, or pink with yellow throats, are suitable for edgings, beds, hanging baskets and window boxes. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly for best results. Torenias also make good companions with other shade lovers, such as impatiens and bedding begonias.
4. Succumb to Spires of Salvia Black and Bloom
Salvia Black and Bloom (Salvia nemorosa) creates waves of gorgeous blue bushes. These popular perennials have unusual black stems and are happy in partial to sunny areas. They also parade large, well-branched bushes with intensely-coloured flowers. Create a reflective, meditative space with blooming Salvia Mystic ‘Spire Blue’ – long spires of dark blue flowers that bloom throughout summer and attract butterflies. But be sure to add the proud Salvia ‘Victoria’, with its upright flower spikes parading indigo-blue flowers above the foliage.
5. Lovely Lobelia
Lobelia is part of the Campanulaceae family and has over 300 species. The most common species in our gardens is Lobelia erinus and this easy-to-grow plant enjoys the full morning sun as well as some afternoon shade. It likes soil that is rich in organic matter, so ensure that you add compost to the soil before planting. Keep the soil moist, but not sodden, and pay particular attention to watering if in pots or baskets. Lobelia does not like to get thirsty!
ALSO SEE: Dress Up Your Dinners With These Edible Flowers
If you’re struggling to find ways to bring Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020 into your garden, simply ask for advice at a nearby nursery or garden centre. Above all, your garden should be a tranquil space where you can relax completely and recharge.
Compiled by Life is a Garden; Claire Badenhorst
