Dear Gardeners:

Soothing and calm, white is the perfect color for gardeners seeking to create a peaceful oasis in their own yards. Whether in sun or shade, white always pops. Set against the cool and soothing tones of green foliage, the simplicity of white flowers allows the texture of the leaves take center stage.

There are a few helpful hints to working successfully with white flowers and foliage:

• Deadhead spent flowers promptly; white flowers do not decay attractively.
• Protect white variegated foliage from full summer sun; it is usually more delicate.
• Some whites have a cool blue undertone, some a warm yellow undertone. Try to keep your white flowers in the same tone.
• Set white flowers against a dark backdrop to really make them stand out.

White flowers aren't just for the purists...they are also indispensible to gardeners who are addicted to color. They are the perfect transition plant to move a flower border's color scheme from hot colors to cool colors or vice versus. Easy and neutral, you can also use white to move from one color combination to another that might otherwise clash. This is especially important for us gardeners who want to include all the latest color combinations in our small urban gardens.

Happy Gardening,
The Bulb Lady®