π Garden design is considered one of the most complex art forms.
π And it's much healthier and more engaging than watching the television on a summer's evening!
π A well designed garden is great for bbqs and garden parties to!
π Or just alone, enjoying the tranquility of nature with a good book.
π Once you start designing your garden, it becomes a project that you will never want to stop.
π A well designed garden can lengthen the garden season (by reducing the wind chill factor and adding sunspots).
π Read on...
π The easiest way to plan a garden design is to grab a pencil and paper and write down a list of requirements.
π Then you need to measure the garden.
π Draw a birds eye view onto the paper.
πSeating is best placed where the sun shines onto in the summer evenings.
π Most people do not sit in the garden in the winter months and rarely in the morning.
π Cast iron chairs and tables (preferably painted white) last the longest and are the most ornamental.
π Views of the garden from the ground floor windows of the house do not want to be blocked by trees, fencing or buildings.
π Views from the garden can be hidden or open depending on privacy requirements.
π Generally speaking, tall plants go at back of borders and shorter plants at the front.
π However, you can add a tall plant or 2 at the front of borders for effect.
π Barriers can include picket fences, trelliswork, fences, hedges and walls.
π Trellis or picket fencing are best for internal barriers as wind passes through them instead of going over the top and creating swirls & eddies (waterfall effect).
π Focal points can include statues, birdbaths, water fountains and ornamental items such as old bicycles decorated with flowerpots.
π Breaking the garden up into separate areas is preferable to one big space as this creates sunspots and warms the garden up rather than a cold breeze blowing across a large open space.
π Also, it creates a more interesting garden.
π However, it makes the garden less useful as a play area for children.
π It is far better to have meandering pathways rather than just a straight one leading down the garden.
π Meandering can be curved paths or straight paths but as a zig zag or crossing.
π The reason for this, is that is makes the garden more interesting and look bigger than what it actually is.
π Perimeters can be walls, fences or hedges.
π They can be various heights depending on the views as well as privacy requirements.
π Architectural plants are not trees but shrubs or large succulents.
π They can be used to "furnish" the garden in the same way as statues or water fountains do.
π Levels in a garden create interest rather than just one big flat space.
π Lawns can be raised.
π Patios can be sunk.
π Raised flowerbeds are another option.
π Echoes are when the garden reflects what is outside the garden.
π Example 1: An ornament or conifer tree that is the same shape as say a church spire that can be seen from the garden.
π Example 2: A mini array of bushes that look like an array of trees seen from the garden.
π Damp areas of the garden can be planted with ferns, funghi and other plants that enjoy damp environments.
π Dry areas can be planted with succulents that can endure long dry periods.
π Succulents include cacti and plants with leaves full of water.
π As in many areas of life the rules of 3rds applies.
π Whether, it is a patio, walls or any other hardscaping, it is best not to use more than 3 types of texture or pattern.
π Otherwise a confused, messy feel starts to intrude on to the design.
π Hardscape: Patios, walls, statues
π Softscape: Plants, lawns. Earth.
π Choose either 1 third hardscape to 2 thirds softscape or 2 thirds hardscape to 1 third softscape.
(This is better than half and half).
π Using 2 fifths to 3 fifths is also an option.
π Bees: Flowers
π Birds: Berries, bird boxes, bird baths, seed tables
π Butterflies: Buddleia, Warm stone surfaces
π All of the above sections are just mere summaries of what could be a whole book on each aspect of garden design.
(Indeed, there is a vast array of garden design books available on the market.)
π Summaries are useful for both experts and novices alike to use as a basic guide in garden design.
π‘Β π‘Β π‘
π A well designed garden is where people go to forget the stresses and strains of life.Β
π Time stands still. Nature becomes all consuming. Our worries become distant.
π A place where couples want their wedding photos taken.
π You will rarely come across a well designed garden, but when you do, you will know it.