Contemplative gardens are designed as places of quiet retreat, where time slows and visitors are encouraged into reflective thought and a deeper connection with nature. Careful consideration of colour plays a vital role in shaping this experience; hues can subtly influence mood, while a restrained palette creates a sense of balance and harmony, allowing the space to feel calm, cohesive, and restorative.

Stuart-Smith, T. (2025) *A restrained palette of colour in greens and whites creates a place for reflection* [photograph]

Green is the colour most readily associated with nature and is arguably the most important hue in any garden. Classified as a neutral, it has an inherently calming quality and can be paired with other colours without altering their impact. In planting design, green is expressed primarily through foliage, forming the backdrop against which a richer tapestry can unfold. By layering different tones—from the acid-lime greens of Mediterranean spurges (Euphorbia spp.) to the deep, velvety darkness of yew (Taxus baccata)—a space can feel grounded, soothing, and imbued with a sense of peace and tranquillity.

A harmonious colour scheme draws on colours that sit beside one another on the colour wheel. It is the gentle hues of lavender, lilac, mauve, and blue that most readily evoke calm, conveying a quiet beauty with a subtle spiritual quality. Highly attractive to pollinators, these cooler pastel shades blend effortlessly and rest easily on the eye. Pairing flowering plants in harmonious tones with similarly hued foliage—such as the purple-tinged leaves of purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’)—adds depth and texture, helping to unify the planting and bring cohesion to a contemplative garden scheme.

Quiet contemplation…

Paris…