Now that Spring is starting to show her pretty face around Colorado, it seems like a good time to talk about a color that we will be seeing more of as the season progresses. Purple. More specifically 18-3838 Ultra Violet, which just happens to be the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year. Ultra Violet is the perfect follow up to Pantone’s 2017’s Color of the Year, Greenery. Not sure why a color matters so much? You can read more about it here, https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018

The Pantone Color Institute describes 18-3838 Ultra Violet as “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade that communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towards the future.” It’s a striking and bold color both inside and outside of the home that transitions a garden seamlessly from Spring into Summer.

University Ave. Front Patio / Pinterest

Ultra Violet shows up in the Spring first in bulbs like Iris and Hyacinth, then moving on to blooming Lilacs, and Violets themselves. As the heat of summer progresses, Lavender, Butterfly Bush, and Salvias dominate a Xeric landscape and are a nice compliment alongside silvery plants such as Artemisia, and wispy grasses like Mexican Feather or Karl Forester.

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Bees are most attracted to purple plants, because it is a color they can see easily. They have the ability to perceive UV light, which can’t be seen by the human eye. “Bee’s purple” is a combination of yellow and ultraviolet light. To learn more about “Bee Vision,” Total Landscape Care has an in depth article here. 

Gardener’s World

The USDA calls purple “the new color of health”. Okinawa, Japan is home to some of the longest living individuals. A main staple of the Okinawan diet includes a specific variety of purple sweet potatoes. The antioxidants or anthocyanins that give the sweet potatoes their color, are powerful phytonutrients and are known to help to fight cancer, reduce obesity, and have anti aging benefits. As a result, colorful fruits and vegetables you wouldn’t normally think of as being purple like carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, tomatoes, and corn are sneaking their way into backyard garden beds and onto our plates.

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Colorful violet accents such as glassware, and candles can be brought outside to accessorize the patio table. Outdoor living spaces are quickly becoming an extension of the home. Couches with plush pillows and blankets are spilling out of the family room and onto the patio creating a welcome and relaxing environment for your guests.

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Trends come and go but Pantone’s 18-3838 Ultra Violet Color of the Year is “inventive and imaginative and lights the way to what is yet to come,” Health, Happiness, and Hope for the Future.

Contact us today if you would like help creating an outdoor space you will completely love.

Summit Hardscaping