Rose Quartz and Serenity

The 2016 Pantone Color of the Year was announced and they chose two:  Rose Quartz and Serenity.  So who cares a big hoot about Rose Quartz and Serenity?  The marketing people in every industry that’s who. 

The Pantone Color Institute has typically chosen deep jewel tones for color of the year.   Their rationalization for Rose Quartz (a soft pink) and Serenity (a baby blue) is “consumers are seeking mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security…” Yes, folks, it’s all about marketing.    

 

Clematis "Nelly Moser"

They also mention its in reaction to “gender blur” – “societal movements” – “a snapshot of culture” and the colors “convey compassion and a sense of composure”.  The Pantone writers are seriously into marketing (aka selling) or totally self absorbed in their own importance.  Perhaps both.

Those of us old enough to have “experienced” color popularities return again and again aren’t all that impressed with soft pink and blue because new mothers have been using those two colors forever.

 

Amsonia "Blue Star"

No matter Pantone’s motives, industries take notice when deciding their new fashions, finishes and plants.  Yes, plants!  Expect to see soft pink and blue flowers being marketed to the plant world in the near future.

Although color trends may take awhile to reach rural Midwest, catalogs and designer gardens will fast incorporate the two colors of the year.  If you want to be a trendsetter in rural America or simply like soft pink and blue, here’s some selections easily found locally.

One of my all time old favorites is the pink version of Bachelor Buttons.  Often found in a mixed color package of deep blue, white and pink. 

Soft rose pink plants will be an easier find than the soft blue simply because blue isn’t as abundant in the plant world, especially a softer shade of blue. 

There is a sweet little soft blue Forget-Me-Not and a blue wildflower aster. 

Vines might include any number of pink or blue Clematis.

You can’t go wrong with a beautiful pink or blue hydrangea bush.

Sedium "Pink Chablis"

Color can be brought into the garden on a temporary basis with colored pots and other hard scapes.  Even a handful of colored glass marbles can bring in a new color.  Go big orbs with gazing balls and birdbaths. 

If you already have these colors in your yard because of house paint or fences, Pantone’s web site offers coordinating colors.  But, let’s face it; there aren’t many colors that don’t look good with soft pink and blue.  They can be the backdrop to more vivid colors, add color to a white moon garden or be the showstopper in a large bed.

Supposedly the colors we choose reflect our personality and affect our mood.   Pink is considered a romantic color and tranquilizing – not sure how those two go together but I’ll leave that to your imagination.  Blue is one of the most popular colors because it is considered peaceful and tranquil.  People are suppose to be more productive around blue so maybe filling your garden with blue would help you keep weeding all summer. 

Forget-Me-Nots

While blue is the most popular color, it is considered the least appetizing.  Blue food is rare in nature and researchers believe it's because early human’s realized blue, black and purple usually meant something was poisonous.  People loose their appetite if a food is blue and I can attest to that when I served a blue variety of potatoes for one holiday and all the teens refused to eat it even though mashed potatoes is one of their favorites.

Want more insight into the over analyzed color wheel and moods?  Pink equals sensitivity and love.  Blue equals healing and calmness.

Bachelor Button in the rain

Interestingly, red is the only color that has an entirely separate name for its tints.  All others are called “light” or “dark”.  Pink is a powerful color, psychologically.  In feminine principle, it represents survival of the species.   Dang, and you thought this was just a garden article; instead it’s about the survival of the species.

Merry Christmas to all of you and may the Blessings of full and bountiful gardens and fields be with you through the New Year.