Show notes
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 usin 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 Awardthe American Horticulture Society Teaching Award,Perennial Plant Association Service Award,a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio Landscape Associationand Professor of the Year from Instructure.She travels extensively around the country speaking on a varietyof 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, fourdogs, 100 pink plastic flamingos and counts her 300+ species of perennials asdear friends.This is an encore and remixed episode. Time Line 00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast00:54 Meet Dr. Laura Deeter: Horticulture Expert02:29 Understanding the Color Red in Gardens04:01 The Complexity of Color Perception05:30 Seasonal Color Planning for Your Garden08:00 Incorporating Woody Ornamentals and Annuals14:58 The Role of Lighting in Garden Color23:00 Using Green as a Neutral Backdrop26:22 Personalizing Your Garden with Color27:48 Exploring Color Preferences in Gardening28:57 Breaking Away from Traditional Garden Designs31:05 Debunking Common Garden Myths32:49 Personal Gardening Memories and Influences36:51 Challenges and Mistakes in Gardening45:44 Innovations and Future of Horticulture47:11 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Dr. Laura Deter