PANTONE, a leader in color communication and the creator of the PMS color system, has chosen Greenery (15-0343) as the 2017 Color of the Year. Described as “bright and powerful” according to Pantone’s press release, “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the hope we collectively yearn for amid a complex social and political landscape.”
Ladew Topiary Gardens: Monkton, MD
Begun in 1999, the color of the year is a symbolic selection that provides, according to PANTONE, a color snapshot of what is occurring within global culture that serves as an expression of mood and attitude. Chosen as a counterpoint to dark, brooding colors, Greenery is described as refreshing, revitalizing and the symbol of new beginnings with fortifying attributes derived from our connection to the natural world.
Hyde Park: London
Representing nature and health, green is a relaxing color that is both pleasing to the eye and empowered with healing powers. In poetry and literature the color green symbolizes both a “riveting” and “relaxing” effect representing feelings of refreshment and occasionally (one hopes not too often) those of tiredness and guilt.
Chinese Garden: Montreal Botanic Garden
According to Pantone the more “submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world.” The color green, which is increasingly dominant in urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally is viewed as an “omnipresent hue” around the world, at the forefront of design innovation.
Musée du quai Branly Greenwall: Paris
Hopefully, Greenery will provide “the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment” as Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the trend forecasting Pantone Color Institute, asserts and satisfy our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize. Let’s also hope that Greenery, which symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose, will help us all through these challenging political times.
Crane Estate, Castle Hill: Ipswich, MA
PANTONE reveals that Greenery is an optimistic color with positivity and energy, chosen to represent the yearning we all have to reinvent ourselves, a need that most likely derives from our desire to connect with and be grounded in the natural world. A zesty yellow-green shade, Greenery is both neutral and natural, evoking the first days of spring when nature’s greens “revive, restore and renew.”
Bare Meadow Conservation Area: Reading, MA
Whether or not Greenery will succeed in providing the solace we seek, I cannot say. However, in a small attempt to reinvent the very dark mood that has descended upon me during this emotionally depleting political season and in celebration of Greenery I have decided to forgo my usual exploration of one place and share 15 shades of green through images taken from my travels in the past several years. It’s a small, hopeful gesture which I hope you enjoy.
Ham House: Richmond, GB
Great Meadows: Concord, MA
Long Hill: Beverly, MA
Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen: Hanover. Germany
View from Villa Gamberaia: Florence, Italy
Phipps Botanic Garden: Pittsburgh, PA
Jardí Botànic: Barcelona
Hampton Court Palace: Richmond upon Thames
Lettuce from my garden before it was consumed by Rabbits
Copyright © 2017 Patrice Todisco — All Rights Reserved
Nice idea to present Pantone’s color choice and then relate it to some of your landscapes. Always good to be reminded of nature’s constant beauty when the world feels chaotic.
Thanks, just one small effort to counterbalance the chaos as we wait for spring.
A refreshing look at greens, edible and non.
Thanks, Pat. We all need a little green in our lives.