The Beauty of White

When I think of the four seasons, the first thing I usually think of are the colors of each season's palette, especially the colors found in the trees and flowers.

WINTER Grasses

SPRING Japanese Magnolia Branch

SUMMER Lantana

FALL Foliage

Colorful plants and trees are beautiful, of course, but white has a place in Nature's landscapes, too ... and in our gardens. For instance —

Bradford Pear Tree blossoms are truly exquisite ...

And one of the first signs that Spring is on the way — Paperwhites

Nothing can compare to the elegance of a creamy white Magnolia Blossom ...

White Clusters of Lady Banks Roses are stunning, too.

"A rose is a rose is a rose ..."
and White Roses are especially beautiful.

White Crape Myrtle Blossom

And last, but certainly not least ...
White Dogwood

Those are just a few examples of white-flowering plants you can use in landscaping projects. There are literally hundreds available, and where and how you use them is only limited by your imagination.

So, the next time you are replanting an existing flowerbed, designing a new one, or doing a major landscaping job, don't overlook using white in your garden. You can create a very elegant and peaceful look with white flowers and/or white-flowering trees.

When used as a border, white flowers are a stunning way to highlight a flowerbed, or outline a path. They also add interest and contrast when scattered in and amongst more colorful plantings. And, to me, nothing is more welcoming than a pair of urns at a front door — and white flowers, interspersed with ivy or ferns, would create a "neutral" look that wouldn't take away from or contrast with the exterior colors of the house and trim.

I have to admit that I have never thought about using white in my landscapes, but I have inspired myself to consider it next Spring when it's time to replace my winter Pansies. How about you? Do you think you would like white flowers in your garden?