A garden is as much a reflection of the people who create and grow it as it is a reflection of the climate, soil and environment as a whole.

Most of us create a garden based mainly on the plants we like, other gardens we have seen, and styles for which we have acquired a taste. Of course, not all garden styles appeal to everyone. To some the look of a stone-mulched yard with a few pieces of statuary and a couple of free-flowing shrubs is harsh, ugly and unwelcoming. To others, this setting is a peaceful reprieve that requires little maintenance.

Some gardeners find the concept of a monocolor garden unappealing. But before you rule out this style of gardening, consider the elements of gardening and how a monochromatic theme might heighten your interest in horticulture.

By definition, landscape horticulture encompasses both science and art. Most of us are most knowledgeable about the scientific side of horticulture. Contemplating soil nutrition, plant diseases and insect life cycles — even putting together an irrigation system — requires scientific perspective. This scientific side of horticulture doesn’t come naturally to most. It comes from reading, studying and working with plants, soils and the environment.

The implementation of the artistic side of horticulture, about which most gardeners aren’t quite so learned, does come naturally to some. These gardeners are able to see in their mind’s eye what a garden will look like when it is mature. They are able to put together textures, colors and forms in a pleasing arrangement.

There is probably no other aspect of landscape horticulture that more aptly demonstrates the concept of its artistic side than the study of a monochromatic garden. A one-color garden allows the gardener to examine more closely and appreciate the diversity and detail of nature.

Choosing a one-color theme garden enables us to experience the sensual elements in greater depth. We can appreciate the subtle differences in the hue of flowers of the same color. We can witness a wealth of textures, through touch and sight.

In a monochromatic garden, we see that some leaves are smooth, others glossy, still others pubescent or “hairy.” We see that some plants are mounded in their growth habit, others spiked, others creeping. These diverse habits and visual elements translate into texture and give the garden (and us) a feeling of softness or harshness.

Any color may be used to create a monochromatic garden, of any scale.

White is commonly used in a monochromatic theme, and the list of plants from which ideal specimens may be obtained is seemingly endless.

The list includes tasty specimens such as the strawberry, which produces dainty, white flowers previous to the luscious fruit, and the white-flowered datura, or angel’s trumpet, whose white flower is deadly poisonous yet beautiful to behold at night. Lilies of all sorts, petunias, candytuft, phlox and many other plant specimens might be found in a white garden in a sunny spot.

For white gardens in the shade, there are the begonia, impatiens, white-flowered violet, astilbe and evening primrose.

When one has exhausted the list of plants that naturally bear white flowers, there is an endless and growing list of cultivars and varieties that produce white flowers.

To add scale to the white garden, there are larger-growing woody specimens that add height and background to the theme garden. Woody plants that produce white flowers, leaves or bark include the rose, birch, magnolia, lilac and even the emerald gaiety euonymous with its tiny, bicolored leaves of green and white.

A theme garden of any color will have a list of plants to choose from as lengthy as that of the white theme garden.

In creating a garden of one color we may experience a greater dimension of horticulture. In appreciating the diversity of this garden, we may likewise experience a greater dimension of ourselves.

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, c/o Maine Weekend, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone number.