Lot Lines – the Official Blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects
Beyond Green: The Power of Color in Landscape Design
As landscape architects, we know that color is more than a visual detail—it’s a key part of how a space feels and functions. Color has the power to transform any outdoor space, setting the mood, highlighting focal points, and bringing fresh interest through every season. With a few strategic choices, you too can use color to add personality and life to your landscape.
Hues That Evoke Emotion
- Colors in your outdoor space can set the tone and affect your mood. Cool tones like blues and purples are known for their calming effects. You can introduce these colors with flowers like veronica, phlox, lilac, or even boulder blue fescue. Water features, outdoor furniture, cool-toned metal, or stone elements can also draw on these cooler hues to help create a soothing atmosphere.
- On the flip side, warm colors—reds, yellows, and oranges—inject energy into a space. Plants like red twig dogwood, barberry, and blanket flower can add vibrancy, while colorful art sculptures, fire pits, or natural wood accents warm up the space. Whether you’re aiming for relaxation or excitement, colors help set the mood.
- Individual style typically involves combining colors to balance the mood. Blending a variety of colors in a garden can create a whimsical, playful atmosphere. This approach adds energy and unpredictability to a space, making it feel lively and dynamic. On the other hand, a monochromatic palette, such as using shades of white, silver, or any single hue, lends a sense of sophistication and elegance to the landscape. A unified color scheme creates harmony, making the space feel more refined and cohesive, perfect for formal gardens or modern minimalist designs.
Seasonal Color Variations for Year-Round Interest
- A well-designed landscape can feature color year-round by selecting plants with different seasonal traits. In the spring, bring in early bloomers like tulips, daffodils, or forsythia to brighten things up. Summer brings a wave of colorful foliage and blooms, while autumn offers the brilliant reds and yellows of trees like maple, aspen, and sumac. Even winter can shine with evergreen plants, striking bark, and the silvery dried plumes of ornamental grasses.
- You can also use annual flowers for even more seasonal flexibility. Swap them out every season or year to add fresh colors without long-term commitment, allowing your landscape to constantly evolve.
Creating Focal Points in Your Landscape
- Colors can be used strategically to direct attention. A vibrant flowering tree, a bold garden sculpture, or a brightly colored planter can serve as a focal point, guiding the eye and adding interest to a specific area.
- Creating contrast also brings depth to your landscape. For instance, pairing burgundy coral bells with chartreuse sedge or placing bright white flowers against a deep green backdrop can create dramatic, high-impact visual effects that draw attention and keep your design lively.
Environmental Impacts of Color Choices
- Color affects more than just the aesthetics of your landscape; it also has environmental impacts. Lighter colors reflect heat, making your outdoor spaces cooler and more comfortable, while darker features like pathways or furniture absorb heat, influencing plant health and the comfort of those using the space.
- Color can also attract beneficial pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and birds are drawn to shades of purple, yellow, and red, making thoughtful plant selection not just about beauty but also about supporting the local ecosystem.
In landscape design, color plays a vital role that goes beyond mere aesthetics. It shapes the atmosphere of your outdoor space, offers seasonal variety, and can even impact the surrounding environment. Whether you desire a serene retreat or a lively garden, thoughtful color choices can dramatically enhance how a landscape is perceived and enjoyed. By selecting the right plants, materials, and design elements, you can create an outdoor oasis that beautifully reflects your style and harmonizes with nature.
If you’re ready to bring more color, energy, and visual interest to your outdoor space, the team at Outdoor Design Group can help. Our experts specialize in crafting beautiful, functional landscapes that reflect your vision and enhance your environment.
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Five Notable Noxious Weeds – The Staggering Reality at Hand
Imagine a shade tree that’s free, never needs water and will never die. Too good to be true? Yes, it is.
This is known as The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and it’s a widely distributed noxious weed. The ensuing text presents five noteworthy noxious weeds growing on Colorado’s Front Range. As evident with these five weeds, the public attitude towards weed management must evolve to reflect the staggering reality at hand – invasive plants have spread globally and some of these plants have very particular adaptations that are highly detrimental to native ecosystems, naturalized ecosystems and (even) human health. Landscape architects, property owners and the public must respect noxious weed classifications in order to confront the problem.
What’s a weed? The simple answer is that one man’s weed is another man’s treasure. This topic is stacked with semantic complexities. The term ‘weed’ is used to subjectively describe undesirable plants. This definition is flimsy – like a plastic bag blowing in the wind. An ecological interpretation contends that most weeds are ruderal species, which appear in high-productivity environments with high levels of disturbance (Beck, 2013). They pop up when conditions allow & devote all energy to seed production. These plants colonize disturbed land & are eventually overtaken by larger species. Weeds that mature into shrub or tree form are merely invasive. Invasive plants are introduced into an environment where they did not evolve. They are highly successful, to the point where they outcompete native plants. In other words, they found a new home with similar conditions to their old home. Invasive plants range from ruderal weeds to large shade trees and they are highly influenced by location & climate. What’s invasive in California will probably not be invasive in New Hampshire, though some noxious weeds are adaptable enough to span vast geographic regions. ‘Noxious weed’ is a legal term that cuts through layers of ambiguity. If it’s a noxious weed, then, yes, it’s a weed – and you should eradicate it! The State of Colorado considers noxious weeds to be:
- Aggressive invaders that are detrimental to the economy & native ecosystems.
- Plants that can poison livestock.
- Carriers of detrimental insects, diseases & parasites.
- Plants that are detrimental to the sound management of natural or agricultural ecosystems.
The spread of plant material by sea-faring Europeans during the 18th century was a landmark shift in global ecology. Previously, plant populations were very localized. Now days, mass disturbance and plant migration have imperiled native ecosystems – as demonstrated by the flowing weeds, which are all non-native, invasive & noxious But first, a few mentions are in order.
- Noxious weeds are classified by the government as a matter of policy.
- They are classified as type A, B, C, with A being the most harmful.
- Noxious weed management requires specialized knowledge and techniques.
- Noxious weeds are highly adaptable and competitive due to adaptations picked up from their native habitat over thousands of years.
- They lack natural controls from their native habitats (insects, pathogens, etc.).
- Noxious plants come in all forms: annual, perennial, vine, shrub & tree.
- The remedy for non-noxious weeds is a non-lazy individual with two hands, two feet & the ability to visually differentiate.
- Most non-noxious weeds DO NOT require an herbicide! Just pull them before they flower.
Type A noxious weeds are designated for eradication by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CO DOA, 2024). These next level super weeds include Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) – one of the most invasive plants in the world. It was taken from the slopes of a Japanese volcano and brought to Europe during the mid-1800s. It has spread worldwide and has been found in at least 12 Colorado counties. The plant is so prolific that it can grow through asphalt and even into buildings. Why? Because it adapted to the extreme conditions of its natural environment – volcanic islands. It has adapted to massive disturbance and is the first plant to recolonize the volcanic moonscape post-eruption! If you have this plant.. refer to expert advice for removal. Godspeed!
Type B weeds are included in Colorado Department of Agriculture noxious weed management plans – which intend to eradicate/contain/suppress their continued spread. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) illustrates this category in Colorado. Like other invasive plants, it was installed with legitimate intentions, windbreaks in this case, but it quickly became detrimental to the native environment. Often found in riparian zones up to 8000’, Russian Olive is highly adaptable – it is tolerant of shade and poor soil. In Colorado, they stress native riparian zones, outcompeting cottonwoods and willows (CO DOA, 2014).
Type C weeds are included in state noxious weed management plans, but their elimination is not a goal. Instead, outreach and education are program goals. Prolific urban weeds in our region are typically Type C and include the Tree of Heaven, Field Bindweed and Poison Hemlock – among others. These plants are widespread and their complete elimination is impossible. If you live in the Denver metro area, you have seen them. The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is the quintessential urban trash-tree. Originally from China, this highly adaptable tree can grow 9 feet in a single growing season up to mature heights of 40-50’. If cut, the tree responds with a myriad of suckers (cut off one head and five grow back). It unsurprisingly produces thousands of seeds and also spreads by rhizome. It can be eliminated with the application of glyphosate to a freshly cut stump. Another worthy mention goes to European Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) – the ultimate yard pest. It is thought to have originated as an imported seed contaminant (NPS, 2009). Also known as morning glory, it is highly adaptable and aggressive. It’s ubiquitous white flowers can be found growing within your bluegrass lawn, flower beds and anywhere else with soil, light and water. It’s a perennial vine that reproduces via seed and creeping roots (NPS, 2009). Much like the Tree of Heaven, Bindweed does not like glyphosate and 2-4-D, but this method only works while the plant is actively growing. Best of luck getting rid of this one.. The final type C noxious weed killed Socrates and is known as Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum). It’s highly adaptable, but prefers riparian areas, producing thousands of seeds from white flowers. There’s enough coniine within 6-8 leaves to invoke respiratory paralysis and death (USDA, 2018). Other mammals are also at-risk including canines and livestock. On the Front Range, it is found in thick stands with carrot-like leaves and white flowers. It can be eliminated by chemical and mechanical means. Be sure to wear PPE if interacting with this plant! It is highly toxic!
So, what do we do about it? The prevention of noxious weeds by homeowners and commercial property managers requires knowledge and effort. If the government considers a plant noxious, it should be eradicated before it flowers and disperses 180,000 seeds that last for 100 years (Mullein!). It doesn’t matter how pretty you think it is. Weeds, regardless of their classification, thrive with neglect. At the most basic level, human development is disturbance and disturbance generates weeds. Limit disturbance as much as possible and preserve native habitats. Be careful with imported fill; it might be stacked with weed seeds! Pay attention and guide your landscape in the right direction. Learn how to eradicate these plants. It’s not as simple as you might think. Many of these plants have extensive root systems that will reshoot in perpetuity. Herbicides are massively overused, yet they are an extremely useful tool in this fight. Use them sparingly and safely! We’ve significantly altered the earth and it’s our responsibility to mitigate the damage! At the end of the day, just be glad you don’t have Japanese Knotweed growing through your floorboards.
Landscape architects (LAs) are part of the problem and the solution. LAs manage a larger scope than just plants, but typically develop plans to replace existing vegetation with proposed vegetation in accordance with code, client, budget, site, etc. Intentions are benevolent, yet ideas turn into plans, which turn into commercial shopping centers, homes, parks and so on. Landscape architects, in a sense, perpetuate ecological disturbance, opening the door for colonizer species (aka: Weeds). Of course there’s a plan to avoid this, which is one reason landscape architecture exists in the first place. It’s critical for LAs to identify existing noxious weeds on a project – so they can be eliminated before breaking ground. Many noxious weeds have deep roots, allowing them to survive extreme disturbance (like a construction project). Landscape Architects employ a myriad of techniques to manage plant competition and succession. They are highly trained individuals, but more can be done. They can advocate for limited disturbance to native landscapes. They can design native landscape zones on the site periphery. They can stipulate proper maintenance for native grass. With landscape architecture, this goes beyond noxious weeds. Are business incentives and ecological stewardship mutually exclusive?
* This was not written by an ecologist, policy maker or certified pesticide applicator. Nor was it written by an official landscape architect. Seek expert advice elsewhere before making any drastic decisions! Your local CSU Extension Office is a good place to start.
Work Cited:
(Photo1) – ODG Author
(Photo 3) – https://japaneseknotweedagency.co.uk/jkwa_faqs/can-japanese-knotweed-grow-in-or-damage-cavity-walls/
(Photo 4) – ODG Author
(Beck, 2013) ‘Principles of Ecological Landscape Design’ by Travis Beck. 2013. Published by Island Press.
(CO DOA, 2024) https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/faq
(USDA, 2018) Poison Hemlock – https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/poisonous-plant-research/docs/poison-hemlock-conium-maculatum/
(NPS, 2009) – https://www.nps.gov/articles/field-bindweed.htm
This is the official blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects. For more information about our business and our services, click here.
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Five Rules to Minimize Light Pollution from Your Landscape Lighting
Low voltage landscape lighting is a great way to add evening functionality to your home landscape, as well as highlight and enhance some of those landscape elements at night. But it’s also important to consider whether these light fixtures may be adding to the growing light pollution problem that is impacting our world more and more each day, or to be more exact, impacting each night.
What exactly is light pollution and why is it a problem? The International Dark-Sky Association defines it as: “The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light – known as light pollution – can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate.” Light pollution keeps us from having the ability to view the stunning vistas of the night sky that have delighted and inspired our ancestors for millennia prior to the advent of artificial lights. But its not just stargazing that is compromised by nighttime light pollution. Artificial lights can harm wildlife such as insects, migratory birds, turtles and mammals, by disorienting them, distracting them so they are more easily preyed upon, or even disrupting migrations leading to exhaustion or starvation.
Light pollution has grown so much over the recent decades that researchers have concluded that “more than 80% of the world and more than 99% of the U.S. and European populations live under light-polluted skies. The Milky Way is hidden from more than one-third of humanity, including 60% of Europeans and nearly 80% of North Americans. Moreover, 23% of the world’s land surfaces between 75°N and 60°S, 88% of Europe, and almost half of the United States experience light-polluted nights.” (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1600377#T1)
The International Dark-Sky Association lists the components of light pollution as:
Glare – excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort
Skyglow – brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas
Light trespass – light falling where it is not intended or needed
Clutter – bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources
The IDA has a list of 5 rules to consider when planning for landscape lighting:
1. Useful
Use light only if it is needed
All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and their habitats.
Consider using reflective paints or self-luminous markers for signs, curbs, and steps to reduce the need for permanently installed outdoor lighting.
2. Targeted
Direct light so it falls only where it is needed
Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill beyond where it is needed.
3. Low level
Light should be no brighter than necessary
Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.
4. Controlled
Use light only when it is needed
Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure that light is available when it is needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not needed.
5. Warm-colored
Use warmer-color lights where possible.
Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.
And the International Dark-Sky Association has this summary that is a good mantra to consider if you want to keep your outdoor lighting from causing unnecessary light pollution: “Light where you need it, when you need it, in the amount needed, and no more.”
Our landscape lighting plans don’t have to make the light pollution crisis much worse than it already is. We can use landscape light judiciously around our properties. We can use fewer up-lights and more down-lights. We can keep the light level low and the light color warm. And we can use timing devices to turn off the brighter landscape lights when the pool party or garden fete is over, the guests have gone home, and we’ve gone inside for the night.
This is the official blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects. For more information about our business and our services, click here.