*Below, I reference an established categorization of colors - Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours: Adapted to Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Anatomy, and the Arts - which was first published 1814. Organized by Patrick Syme, it describes colors and attributes them to observed natural phenomena, like flowers. The marked Found Plants are Werner’s cited observations, meaning he described the color from the plant cited. All other plants were chosen through my own color bias for reasons such as accessibility and cultural preferences. For MAGENTA, the science did not exist to describe what I would consider a separate category from VIOLET so, I describe my own MAGENTAs based on colors from my culture.

Another note, I am red-green colorblind (most likely Deuteranomaly). Always open to feedback about color perception as mine is considered “deficient” but I do not believe in a universal need for standard color vision.

These 54 colors represent nine months of blooms found in Mellon Park. I identified over 200 species of plants within this part of the park, and within that, various cultivars, even natural hybrids, of varying colors. From February to October, you can find a full spectrum of color.

This project began in February 2026 as I was walking in the garden. I needed a proposal for my project for the Phipps Master Gardener Program and wanted to incorporate my artistic abilities with my passion for the Earth. I also volunteer in the Herb Society’s Elizabethan Garden once a week during the growing season and being able to engage with this place has enriched my life.

A special thanks to the Western Pennsylvania Unit of the Herb Society of America, the Friends of Mellon Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Volunteers, and the City of Pittsburgh, all of whom take care of Mellon Park to make it enjoyable for all.