This year's Pantone "
color of the year" has been on my mind lately. It's "Cloud Dancer," or ... white. As many folks have noted, white is actually the
absence of color and it seems like a funny choice. With that said, white makes all colors near it "pop." Of course, that's obvious, and I've
posted about it in the past. But it's been a couple of years since we've had a consistently "white" landscape here in winter.
Fresh snow makes every color around it appear more vibrant!
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| Japanese Yew (Taxus Cuspidata) |
The greens and reds of conifers stand out in the winter landscape, although that happens even without snow and blue sky.
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| Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) |
Red-Twig Dogwoods are much more dramatic after a fresh snow.
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| White Oak (Quercus alba) |
But even the warm, rusty colors of Oak leaves are brighter and more eye-catching framed with white.
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| Spent Aster seedheads |
Empty Aster seedheads sparkle like bright and cheerful stars.
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| Dried grasses |
Dried grasses and sedges, barely noticeable without snow, are so colorful blanketed in white!
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| Mixed shrub stems |
Even multihued shades of brown stems are much more warm and rich with color when surrounded by "Cloud Dancer."
Maybe this was a goal for this "color of the year" selection—to highlight all the true colors? Regardless, I appreciate the role of white in nature's palette!
With that, I wish you a very Happy New Year! Vist
Garden Ruminations for more "Six on Saturday" entries.
(Most observations were recorded at local parks and natural areas.)
Wow, what a stunning effect from the yew fruits! Magnificent... With the white color of the snow, it must be dazzling.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful view, Fred, and the fact that we've had repeated LIGHT snows has made it more manageable. I would truly enjoy our winters if they weren't so cold. Tee hee. ;-)
DeleteLovely photos, the snow really does enhance everything!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gill. Yes, this has been a beautiful (if terribly cold) winter so far. I really don't enjoy winter photography, but walking through the landscapes wearing warm coats, gloves, and boots is fun.
DeleteWhite really does make colors stand out. I love seeing landscapes in the snow, even if I might not appreciate living with it. Now, and most of yesterday, we've been socked in by dense fog, which presents much of the same effect.
ReplyDeleteHey Kris: I don't appreciate living with the snow either. ;-) Winter is my least favorite season here, but it is pretty. I'd miss it if we left for the entire winter, but I'm certainly ready to leave late in the season! And, oh yes ... dense fog is beautiful, too! Happy New Year!
DeleteGreat photos. The snow really does bring out the colours of the foliage and plant skeletons - and those yew berries... wow!
ReplyDeleteNice, I didn’t cut back my red twig dogwood this past spring so mine are not nearly as bright as yours. Must remember this year!
ReplyDeleteNice observation! I was recently just pleased by one of my own "color standouts". Can I recommend Yucca "Color Guard" to you, providing it can stand your winters and moisture?
ReplyDeleteYour photos are a great demonstration that there's always something beautiful and interesting in nature. There's never a dull moment, even if that moment is cold! Interesting that you're having such a cold winter. We're wearing shorts here in Austin, with very few chilly days. Tina
ReplyDelete