All About the Color BLUE Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing blue

Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable, and committed. The color of ocean and sky, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming. However, not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic -- an engaging color that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Indigo, a deeper blue, symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization. While blue is the color of communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings. Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women. How the color blue effects us physically

Calms and sedates

Cools Aids intuition

Blue: The color of the throat chakra

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The Throat Chakra is connected with speech and hearing, and encourages spiritual communication. Opening the Throat Chakra is said to improve clairaudience. Gemstones that will aid the Throat Chakra include turquoise and aquamarine.

What it says about you when you buy a blue vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken, but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a vehicle that is Dark Blue: Credible, confident, dependable. If, however, your vehicle is a Light or Mid-Blue, you give a different impression: Cool, calm, faithful, quiet.

Blue in the garden

Blue is one of the cooler colors in landscape design and it brings a soothing element to the garden. Blue plants visually recede, helping to make a small space appear larger. Blue's complimentary color in the garden is orange.

All About the Color GREEN Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing green Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye than most colors, and is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world, making it an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere. The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology. However, there is an "institutional" side to green, associated with illness and government-issued green cards, that conjures up negative emotions, as do the "slimy" or "bilious" greens. How the color green affects us physically

Soothes Relaxes mentally, as well as physically Helps alleviate depression, nervousness, and anxiety Offers a sense of renewal, self-control, and harmony

Green: The color of the heart chakra

Green is the color of the Heart Chakra, also known as Anahata. This chakra is located at the center of the chest area and is linked to the heart, lungs, circulatory system, cardiac plexus, and the complete chest area. The Heart Chakra bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. Opening the Heart Chakra allows a person to love more, empathize, and feel compassion. Gemstones that will aid the Heart Chakra include jade and malachite. What it says about you when you buy a green vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken, but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a vehicle that is Dark Green: Traditional, trustworthy, well-balanced. If, however, your vehicle is a Bright Yellow-Green, you give a different impression: Trendy, whimsical, lively.

Green in the garden

Green is one of the cooler colors in landscape design and it brings a soothing element to the garden. Green plants visually recede, helping to make a small space appear larger. Green's complimentary color in the garden is red; red flowers stand out beautifully against green.

All About the Color YELLOW Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing Yellow Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts. How the color yellow affects us physically

Stimulates mental processes Stimulates the nervous system Activates memory Encourages communication

Yellow: The color of the solar plexus chakra

Yellow is the color of the Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Manipura.

This chakra is located in the stomach area. It is linked to the stomach, liver, skin, large intestine, muscular system, and solar plexus area. The Solar Plexus Chakra is representative of vitality and will. When this chakra is open, it acts to empower a person and help them find their personal strength. It will help turn dreams and goals into reality. Gemstones that will aid the Solar Plexus Chakra include amber and citrine. What it says about you when you buy a yellow vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken, but clear message to the rest of the world. The message you send by driving a vehicle that is Sunshine Yellow:

Sunny disposition Joyful Young-at-heart

If, however, your vehicle is a Yellow-Gold, you give a different impression:

Intelligent Warm Loves comfort and will pay for it

Yellow in the garden

Yellow is considered a warm color in landscape design. Yellow's appearance in the garden has a stimulating effect. Yellow flowers come forward in the landscape, helping to make a large garden feel cozier. Yellow lillies make for a bright, long blooming addition to any garden. Yellow's complimentary color in the garden is purple.

All About the Color ORANGE Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing orange Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than other colors. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some tones of orange, such as terra cotta, peach, and rust have very broad appeal. How the color orange affects us physically

Stimulates activity Stimulates appetite Encourages socialization

Orange: The color of the sacral chakra Orange is the color of the Sacral Chakra, also known as Svadhisthana. This chakra is located beneath the naval, close to the genitals. The Sacral Chakra is linked to the sexual organs and reproductive system. Opening this chakra will free fertility and inherent creativity. The Brow Chakra stimulates sexuality and emotions. Gemstones that will aid the Sacral Chakra include carnelian and orange agate. What it says about you when you buy an orange vehicle

There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken, but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving an Orange vehicle: Fun-loving, talkative, fickle, and trendy.

Orange in the garden

Orange is considered a warm color in landscape design. Its appearance can have an exciting effect in the garden. Ladybugs Orange flowers visually come forward in the landscape, helping to make a large garden feel cozier. Orange's complimentary color in the garden is blue. Why is it that we love the vibrant color of sunsets, fresh citrus fruit, and warm flames in our winter fireplaces, but have trouble incorporating those hues into our gardens? Orange is one of those colors that really stands out, even at a distance. It seems to shout, "Hey, look at me!" Here's a list of plants with orange flowers and berries for your garden: Garden Gate magazine

All About the Color RED Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing red Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant, red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element. How the color red affects us physically

Increases enthusiasm Stimulates energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate Encourages action and confidence Provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety

Red: The color of the base or root chakra Red is the color fo the base or root chakra. This chakra is located at the base of the spine and allows us to be grounded and connect to the universal energies. First chakra, base of the spine. Groundedness, trust, belonging, lessens feelings of mistrust. Gemstones that will aid the Root chakra include lodestone, ruby, garnet, smokey quartz, obsidian, hematite and onyx. What it says about you when you buy a red vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a vehicle that is Vibrant Red: Sexy, speedy, high-energy, and dynamic. If, however, your vehicle is a Burgundy or Blue-red, you give a similar message but far less obvious.

Red in the garden

Red is considered a warm color in landscape design. Its appearance in the garden has an energetic effect. Red flowers and foliage give the illusion of coming forward in the landscape, helping to make a large garden feel cozier. Red plants attract the eye and are a good choice for areas you want to draw attention to. Red's complimentary color in the garden is green. Write mystery into your garden plots by combining deep reds, such as burgundy, maroon, and russet, with equally dark purple and chocolate brown. Such sultry combinations create the illusion of depth and hidden distances. --Better Homes and Garden

All About the Color PURPLE Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing purple Purple embodies the balance of red's stimulation and blue's calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined, at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. With a sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls. How the color purple affects us physically

Uplifts Calms the mind and nerves Offers a sense of spirituality Encourages creativity

Violet: The color of the crown chakra The Crown Chakra, also known as the Sahasrara, is located at the top of the head. The Crown Chakra is linked to the crown of the head, the nervous system, and the brain, and is representative of pure thought. This chakra connects one with the infinite consciousness. Opening this chakra will help tap into a deep spiritual understanding. Gemstones that will aid the Crown Chakra include amethyst and clear quartz. What it says about you when you buy a purple vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a Purple vehicle: Creative, individualistic, original.

Purple in the garden

Purple is considered a cool color in landscape design. Its appearance has a calming effect in a garden. Purple plants visually recede in a garden, helping to make a small space feel larger. Purple's complimentary color in the garden is yellow. Purple is a hot color in garden design right now.

All About the Color BROWN Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing brown Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic How the color brown affects us physically

supplies a feeling of wholesomeness stabilizes provides a connection with the earth gives a sense orderliness

What it says about you when you buy a brown vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken but clear message

to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a vehicle that is Brown: Down-to-earth, no nonsense. If, however, your vehicle is a Tan or Taupe, you give a different impression: Timeless, basic, and simple tastes.

Brown in the garden

Brown is considered a neutral color in landscape design and is often used as a background color. Its appearance helps to showcase other colors in the garden. Brown can add depth to a small garden. It can also be used to showcase particular areas of a larger garden. The popularity of chocolate brown plants and flowers in the garden and floral arrangements continues to grow

All About the Color WHITE Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing white White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally wear white gowns, and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

How the color white affects us physically

Aids mental clarity Encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles Evokes purification of thoughts or actions Enables fresh beginnings

What it says about you when you buy a white vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a vehicle that is White: Fastidious.

White in the garden

White is considered a neutral color in landscape design. Its appearance can be used as a background for other colors. White can brighten up a garden and is a good choice for dark areas of a landscape. "Moon gardens" consist of all white flowering plants. This type of garden gives the illusion of glowing in the moonlight, making them a good choice for areas you spend time in during the evening. In general, white and pale flowers are more strongly scented than their darker counterparts.

All About the Color GRAY Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing gray Gray is the color of intellect, knowledge, and wisdom. It is perceived as long-lasting, classic, and often as sleek or refined. It is a color that is dignified, conservative, and carries authority. Gray is controlled and inconspicuous and is considered a color of compromise, perhaps because it sits between the extremes of black and white. Gray is a perfect neutral, which is why designers often use it as a background color. How the color gray affects us physically

Unsettles Creates expectations

What it says about you when you buy a gray vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a vehicle that is Silver or Gray: Elegant, loves futuristic looks, cool.

Gray in the garden

The Jerusalem Sage has sweet-smelling gray leaves with yellow flowers during the summertime. The Salvia Leucantha Silver Edge has beautiful gray flowers.

All About the Color BLACK Written by Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH

Introducing black Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions, too much can be overwhelming. Black represents a lack of color, the primordial void, emptiness. It is a classic color for clothing, possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated. How the color black affects us physically

makes one feel inconspicuous provides a restful emptiness is mysterious by evoking a sense of potential and possibility

What it says about you when you buy a black vehicle There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality -- an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.

The message you send by driving a Black vehicle: Empowered, not easily manipulated, loves elegance, appreciates classics.

Black in the garden

Why grow black flowers? Not just for the sake of having a conversation piece in your garden, although they are good for that. The best reason is because they have so many design uses. For example, black flowers are great for cooling down hot colors, like fire-engine-red 'Lucifer' crocosmia or hot-orange Mexican sunflower. Garden Gate Magazine The magic of black flowers has attracted our attention for centuries. Black tulips and black roses appear to originate from a fairytale world. A pure black flower is the Holy Grail of plant breeders worldwide. Their improbable and "unnatural" color inspires a powerful feeling of mystical expectation. Read more about black flowers from the Flowers and Plants Association Creating a black garden needs to be given some thought. Is your aim formal or modern? Do you wish to use

black as accents and highlights or as the main color? Forget people who say that black cannot be used on its own and don't argue over what is or is not black, just simply plant it. Use the differing tones and hues to enhance the overall feeling. Be certain of one thing: this color is not gloomy. It is modern, vibrant, and sexy. It mixes so easily with other colors of the spectrum, above all with green, chartreuse, gold, and silver. Karen Platt