Written by: Manoj Malde
“Colour is where our brain and the universe meet,” said Paul Cézanne — and I could not agree more.
For me, colour is pure joy. It is emotion, memory, culture, energy and personality all wrapped up together. It has the power to completely transform not only a garden, but also the way we feel when we step into that space. A garden should never just look beautiful — it should make you smile the moment you walk through the door.
When I designed Beneath a Mexican Sky for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, visitors constantly said to me, “I could stay here all day — the colours just make me happy.” That, for me, is what great garden design is all about. Creating spaces that lift the spirit, spark emotion and connect us to nature and one another.
Why are we so afraid of colour?
I find it fascinating that most people are perfectly happy choosing bold colours inside their homes, yet panic when it comes to using colour outdoors. Suddenly everyone becomes cautious!
But gardens are living, breathing spaces. They change with the light, the seasons and the weather. A terracotta wall can glow at sunset, while a purple flower may look completely different in the morning light compared to dusk. That ever-changing quality is what makes colour in the garden so magical.
And honestly? There is far too much snobbery around colour. Rules about what is “tasteful” and what is “too much.” I say forget the rules. Choose colours that bring you joy.
If a vibrant orange pot or hot pink cushion makes your heart skip a beat, then use it proudly.
The emotional power of colour
Colour affects us deeply, often without us even realising it. We use colour in our everyday language all the time — we talk about “feeling blue” or being “green with envy.”
In the garden, colour becomes an incredibly powerful design tool.
Warm colours bring energy
Fiery reds, burnt oranges and sunshine yellows are bold, confident and full of life. These colours stop you in your tracks. They create excitement, warmth and drama.
Discover warm tones
Cool colours calm the soul
Soft blues, greens and lilacs feel peaceful and restorative. Perfect for creating spaces where you can relax, breathe deeply and unwind.
Discover cool tones
Jewel tones add luxury
Rich magentas, burgundies, purples and deep claret shades feel decadent and glamorous — like velvet for the garden.
Discover jewel tones
Colour is personal
One of the things I love most about colour is how deeply connected it is to culture and identity.
As someone with Indian and African heritage, colour has always surrounded me. I grew up inspired by vibrant saris, spice markets, festivals, fabrics and sunsets bursting with fiery oranges and pinks. Even now, some of my biggest inspirations come from Indian women walking proudly through the poorest villages wearing the most extraordinary colour combinations imaginable.
What some people may call “clashing and vulgur,” I see as confidence, joy and individuality.
That fearless use of colour shaped my design style and taught me that gardens should reflect your story — not somebody else’s idea of perfection.
Create a garden theme that tells your story
One of the easiest ways to create a cohesive garden is to work around a theme. Themes help give your outdoor space personality and soul.
Your inspiration could come from absolutely anywhere:
- A favourite holiday
- A painting you adore
- Fashion and textiles
- Architecture
- Music
- Cultural heritage
- Memories from childhood
Some wonderful themes to explore include:
- Romantic English cottage gardens with soft pastel shades
- Vibrant Moroccan courtyards bursting with colour and pattern
- Tropical African safari tones layered with terracotta and ochre
- Relaxed bohemian gardens inspired by the 1970s
- Moody Impressionist-style planting palettes
The possibilities are endless.
Repetition creates rhythm
Garden designers often talk about repetition because it creates flow and harmony.
Repeating colours throughout a space helps guide the eye through the garden and creates a sense of connection between different areas. You might repeat a deep plum tone in planting, cushions and pots, or echo warm terracotta shades through walls, containers and furniture.
Think of it like music — repeating colours creates rhythm.
Mood boards are your best friend
Whenever I begin designing, I create a mood board filled with inspiration images, fabrics, paint swatches and textures.
This is where the creative magic begins.
Pull images from magazines, Pinterest, travel photos or fashion editorials. Don’t overthink it initially — simply collect what excites you emotionally. Then gradually edit things down until a clear palette begins to emerge.
You will start seeing patterns in the colours you are naturally drawn to.
Easy ways to add colour to your garden
Plants are just the beginning. Colour can be layered beautifully throughout the entire garden.
Try adding colour with:
- Painted fences and walls
- Brightly coloured pergolas
- Decorative tiled features
- Outdoor rugs and cushions
- Powder-coated furniture
- Glazed pots and containers
- Flowing muslin drapes
- Patterned fabrics and accessories
Even the smallest splash of colour can completely transform a space.
The most important thing is to have fun
Gardens should make us feel alive. They should reflect who we are, where we have come from and the things we love most.
So do not be afraid to experiment. Some of the best ideas happen by accident.
Trust your instincts. Be brave. Play with colour. Clash patterns if you want to. Mix vibrant shades with soft romantic tones. Fill your space with colours that make you feel happy every single time you step outside.
Because colour is joy — and we could all do with a little more joy in our lives.
