Color excites us more than any design element in the garden because it speaks emotionally to us.

In this episode we will dissect and learn how color speaks to us in our garden.

In this episode of 'The Garden Question' podcast, host Craig McManus discusses the role of color in gardening with Dr. Laura Deeter, a professor of horticulture at Ohio State University.

Laura explains the science behind color perception, the impact of color in garden design, and how different lighting conditions affect our view of plant colors.

She also shares practical advice on creating a year-round colorful garden, leveraging the color wheel, and considering plant features such as bark and fruit for visual interest.

Additionally, Dr. Deeter touches on garden myths, automation in horticulture, and the importance of enjoying the beauty of one's garden.

Dr. Laura Deeter received her PhD in horticulture from The Ohio State University where she is currently a Full Professor of Horticulture at Ohio State ATI in Wooster, OH.

She teaches a multitude of horticulture classes including: Woodyand Herbaceous Plant Identification, Landscape Design, Sustainable Landscaping, Plant Health Management, Landscape Construction, and Ecology, to name a few.

Twice awarded the OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching,the Perennial Plant Association Teaching Award the American Horticulture Society Teaching Award, Perennial Plant Association Service Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio Landscape Association and Professor of the Year from Instructure.

She travels extensively around the country speaking on a variety of topics ranging from taxonomy and nomenclature to shade gardens, design, color, and specialty gardens and plants.

At home she gardens on her tenth of an acre with her hubby, four dogs, 100 pink plastic flamingos and counts her 300+ species of perennials as dear friends.

This is an encore and remixed episode.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:54 Meet Dr. Laura Deeter: Horticulture Expert

02:29 Understanding the Color Red in Gardens

04:01 The Complexity of Color Perception

05:30 Seasonal Color Planning for Your Garden

08:00 Incorporating Woody Ornamentals and Annuals

14:58 The Role of Lighting in Garden Color

23:00 Using Green as a Neutral Backdrop

26:22 Personalizing Your Garden with Color

27:48 Exploring Color Preferences in Gardening

28:57 Breaking Away from Traditional Garden Designs

31:05 Debunking Common Garden Myths

32:49 Personal Gardening Memories and Influences

36:51 Challenges and Mistakes in Gardening

45:44 Innovations and Future of Horticulture

47:11 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Dr. Laura Deter