The management of foliage and flower colour in the garden often causes gardeners the most difficulties, but it can also lead to the most enjoyment. It's widely known that some colours 'go' better together than others - though personally we may disagree which - and that in 'going together' these colours enhance each other. We should strive for good colour combinations in garden design, ones that can involve both contrasts and harmonies.

The most striking but sometimes rather fleeting colour in plants generally comes from the flowers, with a dazzling range of tints and shades. However, flowers are not the only source of colour, as foliage can often be ornamental, whilst many plants have attractive berries, stems, seedheads or bark that provide interest during autumn and winter.

Flower and foliage colour can be used to alter our perception of the garden; strong colour can be used to draw our eye to a particular feature, whilst softer shades will appear to recede. This can be used to create illusions of distance and perspective. External factors can affect the colours themselves: the type and intensity of light (pale ones colours acquire luminosity in the twilight, whilst bright ones look paler), by the background, and by the colour of neighbouring plants.

In this section, we take a look at how to plan colour in your garden, selecting the right shades by using a colour (or spectral) wheel, understanding how colour affects and is affected by its surroundings, and how to put a scheme together.