Gardens: pretty in pink

PRETTY IN PINK

IN TIME FOR SUMMER

By Alia Babapulle

Who doesn’t like the lovely shades of pink which we find in nature? From deep shades to very faint blush, they lend an air of sophistication with Peonies and rustic happiness with Carnations – the red Carnation being the national flower of Spain. There is a huge spectrum of colour with the pretty in pinks. Let’s have a look… Pink is the symbol of femininity, love, romance and tenderness. It is a common choice for gardens as it is also known to contribute to calm and relaxation. Studies also relate this colour to individual features and suggest that people preferring pink colours in their every-day life are organised and good planners and stick to already formed habits rather than being lovers of trying something new. Pink colours are associated with positive emotions and are believed to be a source of smiles and positive vibes. It is perceived as one of the most romantic and attractive colours which, at the same time, is cheerful and playful. We are all familiar with Roses, Hyacinths (with their heady perfume), Fuchsia, Tulips, Dianthus, Camelias, Azaleas, Begonias, Buddleja, Calla Lilies, Carnations, Cherry Blossom (unforgettable in Japan), Chrysanthemums, Dahlia, Hibiscus syriacus and Geraniums, just to name a very few. Many of them have a heady perfume, so we are blessed with beautiful flowers and a wonderful aroma in our gardens. As always, if you go to your garden centre, ask the staff there what you should buy. If you have a sun-filled garden, like mine, flowers which prefer a more subdued light and heat will not flourish. If you are growing in large pots, move them around. I am a great believer in doing this; it’s as if the plants have a holiday growing and blooming in a different spot. If you want to pop in some pink bushes, try these... Bougainvillea (who doesn’t know about this iconic flower, living as we do in Spain) Elderberry, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Quince, Lilac and Lantana. All are very hardy and can take the hot Spanish sun. As always, never water flowers from the top – only the roots. If they have become dirty after a wave of dust from Africa, wait until the evening and only then can you wash the flowers/bushes down from the top. Use good fertiliser, open up the soil around the plants from time to time so it does not become compacted, and dead-head when you can. All these normal practices will keep your flowers/bushes growing beautifully for a long time. Put various pots of pinks together, mixed with some dark or silvery leaves – all flowers look gorgeous with dark or silvery leaves – and don’t stint. Obtain large pots, good soil, fertiliser and three plants together, for impact. Plant the leaves at the back, making sure they will grow higher than the flowers. Of course, if you plant into a garden, the same applies. Well that’s a start to pretty in pinks. I hope you have a lot of success and always have fun. Contact me by email if you have any queries for gardening in general and for landscaping projects. Stay safe to enjoy your terrace or garden.

Alia Babapulle – Interior and Exterior Designer (including landscaping) Tel. (+34) 616 670 975 aliabdesigns@live.co.uk