WDYT of an all-white garden?

TarHeels&Rebels

I read a quote somewhere from some big gardener that said he liked to do all-white gardens, particularly in backyards where exteriors/shutters aren't as much a factor.  (Meaning white flowers, no other colored flowers.)  He said it always feels cooler in summer and always looks sophisticated.

I have a blank slate new construction backyard to do.  I really mean blank-blank slate, too: freshly graded dirt and a plain fence. 

So what do you think?  If you could start from scratch, would you consider all white or can you not live without color?

Dr.Loretta

I have a white house (it was white inside and out when we moved in), so an all-white garden would drive me nuts. But IMO they have their place.

karome

Meh, I don't think I would be a fan (especially given that I have a white brick house so white on white may not be the best choice).

I think a multicolored garden adds depth and dimension to a yard.  Plus the color makes me happy. 

kastle

I'd love it.  And I have a white house.  The key, IMO, is using a variety of textures and shades of green so that the white can pop off of those.  Instead of focusing on pops of color, you instead focus on texture, shape & form.

See if you can find pictures of Hidcote Manor's white garden.  Really beautiful.

finally:)

I did all white annuals one year and liked it - but then the following year I wanted color so did a variety.  Start with a small amount and you can always add in some color later.

applecider

It sounds beautiful, but I think (for me) the novelty would wear off after a year or two.  And then I would be frustrated at all the plants I couldn't get because they were colored.

JosiePosy

All white or lightly colored plants are great for moon gardens. I'd do it! I've actually been wanting to put a moon garden in, but I haven't really put in the effort.

~NB~

karome:

...a multicolored garden adds depth and dimension.... 

This is true.

In the words of Rosemary Alexander, white gardens are very challenging. That's also true.

The biggest problem I have with white flowers is their tendency to hang on and look rusty when they finish blooming. Large petals on the ground look like litter. This time of year, with all the pollen and sneezing, they look like discarded used Kleenex laying around the lawn.

Surfinbride

I like variety. I love having different colors blooming from spring through fall. I get excited when a new combo signifies the arrival of the next season.

Could you do a white garden for part of the year?

Lucky Southerners - you get gardenias! If I could grow busy gardenias, I would have lots of them everywhere. I'm trying to grow 2 in Seattle. hahaha, they are sad little stragglers.

Long ago, I saw an article and photos of a "Moonlight Garden" that was all white. Gorgeous. I don't know if google would find it, but it was very inspiring.

goldenjes

I think white gardens are like black & white photos. In the absence of color, details and textures can stand out more. You would have to plan it well or it would be too boring though.