Gardening with Blue Flowers

Every year for the past 3 years, I've painted my front door a new color. I have been doing this in the spring when it seems like it is time for a fresh start. It usually takes about an hour, and I find it enjoyable and refreshing, feeling a sense of accomplishment when I am done. Initially it was black, the same color as the shutters. This made the door hot to the touch, enough to cause your skin to burn. The second year, I painted it a soft beige color, very neutral, trying to match our cream and tan colored brick as well. I went for a shabby-sheek look, with cream-colored flowers throughout the yard, hanging on the door, and on the porch. The year after that, I painted the door a rust color, bright and vibrant. I was told by approving neighbors, that the color popped.

This year, I let my husband choose and to my surprise, he chose something completely different, a misty blue. After painting the door, I realized there was nothing blue on my house or in my front yard to compliment the door, so I began my quest for blue flowers. I already had some cream colored hydrangeas for the bouquet adorning the door, so I added a few blue flowers to that arrangement. A couple of pots, the same color as the door, were placed on the steps with a mixture of pansies and blue-tipped flowers. Next, it was time to consider the yard.

Never having specifically shopped for blue flowers, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found were very few choices of blue flowers that were already in bloom. There were many purple flowers that were not far from blue, but I really wanted true shades of blue. Here is what I found.

Gorgeous blue pansies in a variety of light and dark colors. I really love them, but know they won't last through the summer, since they are annuals and do not like extreme heat. I believe the tall daisy-like flowers are Asters. These are also not fond of the heat.

The Hyacinth is a show stealer for its rich shade of blue and beautiful cluster of flowers. They have a wonderful smell and bloom through spring. The one pictured is called the "grape" Hyacinth because of its tight grouping of flowers. There are many varieties of Hyacinths and some of them have open, flat-faced flowers.

The bright blue phlox is a favorite of mine with its ground-cover feel. It looks great around borders or against walls. The lush green leaves of the plant show as much as the flower, making it extra nice. These spreading perrenials bloom into early spring.

The blue iris is probably my favorite flower this year. On the downside, its blooms only last a few weeks, but what a show they make! They are absolutely beautiful, with their tall green stems, large leaves, and interestingly-shaped flowers. This is the one flower I already had, but it was in my backyard. I was able to divide it and bring a portion into the front yard successfully!

Since blue flowers are hard to come by, I've found a couple of other ways to bring blue into my yard. The bench under the large tree in my yard now has a blue floral pillow on one end. My mailbox is covered in a blue magnetic design with colorful butterflies. These small items add greatly to the overall appeal of the blue door.

Since blue flowers are hard to come by, I've found a couple of other ways to bring blue into my yard. The bench under the large tree in my yard now has a blue floral pillow on one end. My mailbox is covered in a blue magnetic design with colorful butterflies. These small items add greatly to the overall appeal of the blue door.