It’s that wonderful time of the year again for those of us who want to get outside and start planting. Whether it’s redoing the whole backyard, adding additional plants to the already existing landscape, or adding a pop of color, now is the time.

The use of color can be a strong design element. It can create a sense of peace and calm or energy and excitement.

When choosing your color scheme take note of the surroundings — your home, the neighbor’s area and other aspects of your landscape. A white background will make a color appear brighter whereas a dark background like a brick building will soften the intensity.

The human eye is drawn to tints and shades that are close together. This visual effect is more interesting than simply repeating one color without variation.

If you want to create excitement, choose warm colors like red, yellow and orange that are associated with fire, sun and heat. Children’s playgrounds are often designed in primary colors to stimulate the mind.

Relaxed and calm feelings can be associated with cool colors like green and blue.

Think of that walk in Mill Creek Park when the sky is blue, and the leaves are various shades of green. I hope to replicate that this year using the silver-grey foliage of juniper with various types of grass and purple coleus.

Another approach could be the monochromatic scheme of using various tints and shades of one color. This harmonious effect could create a soothing garden space by using greens and whites. I can feel myself relaxing just thinking about it.

Complementary colors are on opposite sides of the color wheel — think purple and yellow. They complement each other by bringing out their brightness. This is most successful when one color is more dominant than the other.

Be cautious of using multiple bold colors together.

This can make it difficult to achieve color success because the eye has nowhere to focus. One way to correct this can be to use a single color repeatedly to ensure unity.

Colored foliage or leaves can have the same harmonious effect as flowers. You can create a softness to blend a color scheme together. Examples would be the abelia, yucca or coleus plants.

To help gain a better understanding of using colors in your garden and landscape, check out, “Landscape Basics: Color Theory,” at http://go.osu.edu/colortheory.

It is a great help in making your landscape even more beautiful.

Now get out there and create some beautiful landscaping in your own backyard. Create a focal point and choose your color theme wisely.

Nord is an Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer intern in Mahoning County.