Much like in the world of fashion and interior design, gardening color trends come and go. After the bold and dashing colors of the exuberant late 1990s, with the economic downturn and world crises, interest has shifted the last few years to more traditional darker, richer, colors -- browns, reds, and purples, for example. "These colors are less risky, more safe and secure," say Jay De Sibour, president of Color Marketing Group, a non-profit organization made of 1700 individuals involved with the color industry.
However, as people are starting to feel better about the economy and the world situation, the color trend for 2003 is predicted to move more towards lighter pastel colors. Blue is internationally the most popular color because of its calming effect and connection with the natural world (blue sky, seas). Blues and pastel colors, such as whites, pinks, and pale yellows, are becoming more popular in fashion, and that should translate into the flower world as well. But as you look for more of these colors to show up in garden centers, even trendsetters shouldn't shy away from an occasional splash of orange or red.