When it comes to picking out what to put in a bed, a bit of careful planning can pay dividends for years to come. Over the years, we’ve perfected the formula for gorgeously cohesive beds and today we’re sharing it with you!
Ratios
Our colour planting principles are based around ratios and complimentary colours. You’ll need to pick a single anchor colour, then build around it using a simple 50-30-20 formula:
50% dominant plants in your core shade,
30% supporting tones that sit next to it on the colour wheel and
20% contrasting accents to add energy OR more similar supporting tones if you’re after something softer.
You can play around with slightly different percentages but this should be a rough guide.
Picking your colours
When picking colours we always reference the colour wheel first and foremost. You can either pick colours within a palette that all form a cohesive look of similar colours, or you can choose a palette and include one additional contrasting colour, to provide a pop of colour and visual interest to your beds.
Depending on the look you’re going for, you have two options;
1. If you’re looking for a softer effect, leaning into neighbouring hues on the wheel (for example pinks, purples and blues) and keep the contrast in your accent layer.
2.To choose complementary opposing colours, look directly opposite your anchor on the colour wheel – pair purples with soft yellows, blues with warm oranges, or reds with fresh greens or foliage – to create natural contrast that still feels balanced.
Repeat key colours throughout to create rhythm and vary height and texture so the scheme feels layered rather than flat – the secret is restraint: fewer colours, used deliberately, will always feel more cohesive and considered.
To boost your inspiration, here are some of our favourite combinations;
White, Blue, Yellow
