Sick of all those happy, shiny bright blooms out there? Reaching for your shades rather than endure another moment of glowing greenness? Same here. Come mid-July, I’m over the smiley-face-yellow flowers, the cherub-bum-pink rosebuds and the so-cheery-my-face-hurts flowerpots.

It’s time for some black.

Actually, I think a little black is great for the garden any time of year. A black fence makes any run-of-the-mill plants set against it look amazing. Plastic patio furniture looks more cool than kitschy in black. And black plants add notes of style and irony that can turn a flowerbed or container planting from cute to gorgeous.

Here are some quick ideas for adding a touch of darkness to your garden. Click on any image to start the slideshow and get the full story.