Garden Design I
In this module, you'll learn all about the history and art of designing gardens, tune in to current trends, and learn about what you can do in your garden to contribute to the longevity of our natural world.
"A garden is a silent, loyal friend and a great listener".
-Unknown
-Unknown
introduction
Now that you've completed all of the requisite knowledge-gathering necessary for creating and caring for a beautiful, healthy garden, you're ready to get going on some real design work. As you move through the Garden Design modules, you'll be led through the full process of assessing and creating a plan to lay out your entire landscape. You'll learn about different types of garden designs, and how to create a a visually appealing space. You'll go through the process of choosing plants that will fit your design, budget, and care needs and figure out where to purchase them. And, most importantly, you'll get the tools you need to create a beautiful garden of your own.
Garden design is the process of creating plans for the layout and planting of gardens and other landscapes. It is an art used to enhance the beauty and usefulness of private properties and public gathering spaces. Efforts made to design beautiful gardens and preserve or protect green spaces even in the busiest of large cities are efforts to maintain contact with the natural world. Well-placed foliage can soften buildings and bring one's attention to the beauty of life in an area that seems naturally desolate.
Garden design is the process of creating plans for the layout and planting of gardens and other landscapes. It is an art used to enhance the beauty and usefulness of private properties and public gathering spaces. Efforts made to design beautiful gardens and preserve or protect green spaces even in the busiest of large cities are efforts to maintain contact with the natural world. Well-placed foliage can soften buildings and bring one's attention to the beauty of life in an area that seems naturally desolate.
Gardens not only provide a beautiful backdrop, they can also double as food sources.
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Plants soften the appearance of buildings and concrete spaces.
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Gardens are places we can escape to and have moments of relaxation and peace.
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The history of Garden design
Before diving in to the actual design of your own garden, it's important to get a background of garden design in general. Each civilization has left its mark on the world through the gardens they designed and nurtured. The concept of garden design began with prehistoric humans around 400,000 years ago. After the first major empires were created, the wealthy class began decorating their spaces with natural elements, designing gardens purely for aesthetic purposes. The first instances of man-made gardens can be found in the Persian and Egyptian civilizations. Egyptian tomb paintings dated to 1500 B. C. have been discovered depicting scenes of ornamental horticulture and landscape design, and Persian garden design inspired the later Greek civilization's gardens.
Egyptian gardens were typically symmetrical and formal, and were used to grow fruiting trees like dates and olives. They also contained herb bushes, and were commonly centered around a water feature.
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Persian gardens were designed symmetrically as well, with an axis (or center line). These gardens were designed to bring wild game into the area. The most famous Persian garden, however, is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
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As time passed, other civilizations found ways to meld nature and city life. The Romans attempted to create places of peace and tranquility to provide refuges for their citizens from the stress of urban life. Cultivating gardens was a popular topic culturally; citizens would exchange and share seeds, and gardens were often situated in courtyards in the center of buildings where people could gather together. Alternatively, Chinese and Japanese design revolved around the use of natural waterways like rivers, though they differed in their designated points of view. While Chinese gardens were meant to be viewed looking out from inside a home or other building, Japanese gardens were meant to be an immersive experience experienced from within the gardens themselves. These two styles also added culturally-relevant décor to their gardens, including carvings of mythical creatures and non-natural colors.
Chinese gardens featured colors like red and gold.
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A Japanese garden is truly an immersion in nature.
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During the Dark Ages, gardens were not developed much further; they were mainly used for decorating monastery courtyards. These gardens provided areas for meditation and prayer. Gardens were also used to grow edible crops during this time period. |
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The next trend in garden design was referred to as a Knot Garden. These gardens evolved from kitchen gardens that wove together plantings of herbs and other edibles into aesthetically-pleasing landscapes. Popularized by King Henry VIII (and later on, Elizabeth I), the knotted hedge seemed to weave together, forming a three-dimensional pattern that looked like the hedges were literally knotted together. The hollows of the knot structure were filled with herbs and flowers, and these gardens were surprisingly low-maintenance (but work intensive to initially create). Popular filler plants included gillyflowers, carnations, violets, marigolds and roses. Gardens during this time, especially those of the wealthy, were walled off from the public, only to be seen and used by those allowed on the property. |
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The Renaissance is really when the modern design of gardens took off. In a switch led by famous gardener and landscape designer Andre le Notre, gardens became large swaths of manicured foliage in beautiful patterns. Gardens gained value as a sign of wealth and prosperity, In these gardens, the main house was the central focus, and the design was of a symmetrical nature, with the central axis becoming narrower the farther from the house it led. This was an optical illusion to make the gardens look larger and, by association, to make the homeowner seem wealthier. |
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In the 1600's the design of the Gardens of Versailles was adopted on a smaller scale in many gardens worldwide as it gained international attention. The general design was an evolution of the Parterre Garden, which divided outdoor spaces into patters with gravel, hedging and flower beds. Lavender and Rosemary were commonly used, as well as Beech, Chestnut, and Linden trees. In England, these designs were incorporated into large areas with grass and profuse flowering shrubs.
In the early 1800's, Scottish designer John Claudius Loudon popularized the connection between art and gardening, and also planted the idea in the masses that plants should be allowed to express their natural habit, and not be trimmed into architectural shapes. This design was dubbed the 'Gardenesque Landscape', and it was a somewhat hypocritical design, encouraging natural shapes that were also patterned, and suggesting that gardens should be for pleasure and education, but not picturesque. In London, the general scheme of this landscape was adopted with some tweaks; many exotic plants were imported for their beauty and uniqueness, planted to draw a crowd. The general design was irregularly geometric, and featured large rocks and pools.
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In the Americas during this same time period, the Pioneer Garden Kitchen was starting to emerge. These gardens were situated close to a door of the main house, and featured vital vegetables, fruits, and herbs that allowed settlers to achieve self-sufficiency and security in an unwelcoming place. Paths through these gardens functioned as access to crops, not necessarily as places from which to admire the garden. Scavengers were kept out of the garden with tall hedges or fencing. The idea of rotating crops was stolen from the native population and employed in these gardens, as were the actual crops themselves, which included corn. squash, and pole beans.
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Popular crops also included fruit trees, cotton, and those that had medicinal value. Flowers were not a priority in these kitchen gardens. An important gardening lesson was learned during this trying time: Listen to the land and find beauty and structure in the functioning of nature. This critical piece of wisdom was handed down from generation to generation. From 1870 through to the 1920's, the Arts and Crafts Garden emerged as a champion of natural and native plants and materials. Differing nuances between neighboring gardens were admired within communities, and a growing respect for the land itself was cultivated.
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These gardens, though very functional, were also used to express the owner's personality, beginning as an extension of the home and blending into the natural landscape at the outer edges. These crafty gardens showcased the skills of the homeowners as well, who personally built natural walls of stone and trellises of branches of nearby trees. Flowers were featured in these gardens, as well, adding aesthetic value back into the mix.
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Finally, the modern American Garden that has existed from the beginning of the 1900s. In suburban areas, these gardens consisted mostly of lawn areas (mimicking the open space on larger estates), kept green with formal irrigation. It was popularized by figures such as David Lynch and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and showcased middle-class wealth. Food security at this time was much improved, and gardens were no longer required for nourishment. These gardens also featured winding pathways throughout the property, and usually a white picket fence on at least the front border, if not the entire property. Shady trees were valued, and Dogwood, Magnolia or Sugar Maple trees were commonly chosen to shade vast swaths of lawn.
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Modern Garden Design Styles
Today, there are many styles of garden design to incorporate into your landscape. While perusing this list, keep in mind that gardens can include themes or aspects from different styles of gardens, all melded together to form a garden that includes every element desired.
Japanese Garden
The main elements of a Japanese Style landscape include a fenced-in area with a main entrance gate, a winding path through the property, intimate spaces and vignettes, bridges to peninsulas and islands, and stone streambeds. Japanese gardens are places of reflection, meditation, and intimate gatherings. Many feature bamboo as both living plants and as a building material for structures and railings and three-dimensional, thought-provoking art pieces and statues. Quintessential to Japanese garden style is the Koi pond, which brings hours of enjoyment and entertainment to visitors. Two more essential elements of Japanese gardens is a large water feature or body of water and the use of evergreens. These are places of reflection, both literal and figurative, for people to enjoy while they spend time wandering and meditating. Using evergreen species is also important, as it ensures that the garden has a lush feeling that keeps its private spaces secluded using foliage cover.
Japanese culture is showcased in these gardens through the art and plants used in the garden as well as the idea that a garden should be a space free of evil spirits to be enjoyed without fear of being followed. They create many safe spaces, accessed via winding or zigzag pathways to ensure that garden visitors are not followed in by evil spirits. Common Japanese Garden plants include Japanese Maple, Wisteria, Bamboo, Nandina, Iris, Hosta, Apricot, Quince, Azalea. Cherry, Hydrangea, and Camellia. Plants that originate in Japan are also welcome in these gardens. These plants will commonly use the specific epithet 'japonica'. Natural rocks are also widely used as stepping stones, to create dry creek beds, and as design elements.
Japanese garden style gained popularity in the United States due to it being a featured attraction at the 1893 world exposition in Chicago. Since then, many modern garden styles have pulled elements of Japanese design in, merging outdoor and indoor spaces. According to the North American Japanese Garden Association, there are now 200 Japanese-style public gardens in the United States.
The main elements of a Japanese Style landscape include a fenced-in area with a main entrance gate, a winding path through the property, intimate spaces and vignettes, bridges to peninsulas and islands, and stone streambeds. Japanese gardens are places of reflection, meditation, and intimate gatherings. Many feature bamboo as both living plants and as a building material for structures and railings and three-dimensional, thought-provoking art pieces and statues. Quintessential to Japanese garden style is the Koi pond, which brings hours of enjoyment and entertainment to visitors. Two more essential elements of Japanese gardens is a large water feature or body of water and the use of evergreens. These are places of reflection, both literal and figurative, for people to enjoy while they spend time wandering and meditating. Using evergreen species is also important, as it ensures that the garden has a lush feeling that keeps its private spaces secluded using foliage cover.
Japanese culture is showcased in these gardens through the art and plants used in the garden as well as the idea that a garden should be a space free of evil spirits to be enjoyed without fear of being followed. They create many safe spaces, accessed via winding or zigzag pathways to ensure that garden visitors are not followed in by evil spirits. Common Japanese Garden plants include Japanese Maple, Wisteria, Bamboo, Nandina, Iris, Hosta, Apricot, Quince, Azalea. Cherry, Hydrangea, and Camellia. Plants that originate in Japan are also welcome in these gardens. These plants will commonly use the specific epithet 'japonica'. Natural rocks are also widely used as stepping stones, to create dry creek beds, and as design elements.
Japanese garden style gained popularity in the United States due to it being a featured attraction at the 1893 world exposition in Chicago. Since then, many modern garden styles have pulled elements of Japanese design in, merging outdoor and indoor spaces. According to the North American Japanese Garden Association, there are now 200 Japanese-style public gardens in the United States.
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Chinese Garden
This style of garden hails from - you guessed it - China, and has been developed for over three thousand years. These gardens are models of Chinese culture, reflecting the profound philosophical thinking and pursuit of life that is alive in all Chinese people. Typically, Chinese gardens are enclosed spaces that include ponds, rock structures and art, trees and flowers, and multiple gathering spaces. Chinese garden style has informed Japanese garden style and many other garden styles across the globe. Chinese gardens are to be viewed as a collection of vignettes, with framed views of scenery to be enjoyed.
Classic Chinese gardens are surrounded by white walls, providing a background against which foliage and flower colors can pop. A central pond is surrounded with small structures that house gathering spaces, ceremony areas, pavilions and libraries. Interesting rock structures are features in many areas of the garden, commonly surrounded and softened somewhat by plant life. Many of the plants used in Chinese gardens represent themes like knowledge, strength, tenacity, and friendship. Common plants found in this style of garden include Bamboo, Plum, Pine, Apricot, Pomegranate. Orchid, Peony, and Lotus. Magnolia, Rose, Pistache, Osmanthus, Camellia, and Azalea are also popular choices for Chinese gardens.
This style of garden hails from - you guessed it - China, and has been developed for over three thousand years. These gardens are models of Chinese culture, reflecting the profound philosophical thinking and pursuit of life that is alive in all Chinese people. Typically, Chinese gardens are enclosed spaces that include ponds, rock structures and art, trees and flowers, and multiple gathering spaces. Chinese garden style has informed Japanese garden style and many other garden styles across the globe. Chinese gardens are to be viewed as a collection of vignettes, with framed views of scenery to be enjoyed.
Classic Chinese gardens are surrounded by white walls, providing a background against which foliage and flower colors can pop. A central pond is surrounded with small structures that house gathering spaces, ceremony areas, pavilions and libraries. Interesting rock structures are features in many areas of the garden, commonly surrounded and softened somewhat by plant life. Many of the plants used in Chinese gardens represent themes like knowledge, strength, tenacity, and friendship. Common plants found in this style of garden include Bamboo, Plum, Pine, Apricot, Pomegranate. Orchid, Peony, and Lotus. Magnolia, Rose, Pistache, Osmanthus, Camellia, and Azalea are also popular choices for Chinese gardens.
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Mediterranean Garden
This type of garden design hails from the Mediterranean, and is popularly used in California due to the similar climates of both locales. It has also gained popularity in this area because many of the plants used are drought-resistant, making it easy to conserve water while also enjoying a beautiful, lush landscape. Mediterranean design elements include crushed granite or gravel pathways throughout, rustic water features, wooden boardwalks, rugged-looking stones and rocks amongst the landscape, pergolas and arbors made of wood to help shade relaxation areas, and terracotta potted plants placed throughout the landscape.
This style of landscape seeks to replicate the natural landscapes of countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. In these areas, plants enjoy hot, dry, sunny summers and wet, mild winters. This type of climate is also found in California, which is why this style is so popular along the west coast. Common plantings used in Mediterranean gardens include Olive, Citrus, Agave, Agapanthus, Lavender, Rosemary, Herbs, Pelargoniums, Bougainvillea, Palms, Cypress, Yucca, Acacia, Crocus, ornamental grasses, Cistus, Oleander, and Cyclamen. The best candidates for this type of garden style are sloped, south-facing, and sunny poperties.
This type of garden design hails from the Mediterranean, and is popularly used in California due to the similar climates of both locales. It has also gained popularity in this area because many of the plants used are drought-resistant, making it easy to conserve water while also enjoying a beautiful, lush landscape. Mediterranean design elements include crushed granite or gravel pathways throughout, rustic water features, wooden boardwalks, rugged-looking stones and rocks amongst the landscape, pergolas and arbors made of wood to help shade relaxation areas, and terracotta potted plants placed throughout the landscape.
This style of landscape seeks to replicate the natural landscapes of countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. In these areas, plants enjoy hot, dry, sunny summers and wet, mild winters. This type of climate is also found in California, which is why this style is so popular along the west coast. Common plantings used in Mediterranean gardens include Olive, Citrus, Agave, Agapanthus, Lavender, Rosemary, Herbs, Pelargoniums, Bougainvillea, Palms, Cypress, Yucca, Acacia, Crocus, ornamental grasses, Cistus, Oleander, and Cyclamen. The best candidates for this type of garden style are sloped, south-facing, and sunny poperties.
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Cottage Gardens and English Gardens
This type of garden began in England, when British laborers found the need to grow their own herbs and fruit trees. They created small kitchen gardens with few flowers. Once this style caught on, however, those who were a bit better off started to add more and more ornamental plants to these gardens, creating a mix of beauty and usefulness in their landscapes. Picket and lattice fences are commonly used, and serve as barriers as well as supports for climbing edibles and ornamentals. Soft, curving pathways are used to showcase the mix-and-match planting beds as well as unique art pieces, antique garden tools, and lanterns strewn throughout the landscape.
The main idea of a cottage garden is that there are no design rules. These are meant to be fun, romantic landscapes that are a joy to explore and invoke a sense of nostalgia. Commonly planted flowers in classic cottage gardens include English Lavender, Sweet Pea, Heliotrope, Daylily, Hollyhock, English Daisy, Larkspur, Flowering Tobacco, Pansies, Scabiosa. Signet Marigold, Beard Tongue, Cardinal Flower, climbing varieties of Roses, Columbine, Lobularia, Fountain Grass, Phlox, Foxglove, Butterfly Bush, Iris, Peony, Hydrangea, Forget-Me-Not, Osteospermum, with various kitchen herbs mixed in to flower beds.
This type of garden began in England, when British laborers found the need to grow their own herbs and fruit trees. They created small kitchen gardens with few flowers. Once this style caught on, however, those who were a bit better off started to add more and more ornamental plants to these gardens, creating a mix of beauty and usefulness in their landscapes. Picket and lattice fences are commonly used, and serve as barriers as well as supports for climbing edibles and ornamentals. Soft, curving pathways are used to showcase the mix-and-match planting beds as well as unique art pieces, antique garden tools, and lanterns strewn throughout the landscape.
The main idea of a cottage garden is that there are no design rules. These are meant to be fun, romantic landscapes that are a joy to explore and invoke a sense of nostalgia. Commonly planted flowers in classic cottage gardens include English Lavender, Sweet Pea, Heliotrope, Daylily, Hollyhock, English Daisy, Larkspur, Flowering Tobacco, Pansies, Scabiosa. Signet Marigold, Beard Tongue, Cardinal Flower, climbing varieties of Roses, Columbine, Lobularia, Fountain Grass, Phlox, Foxglove, Butterfly Bush, Iris, Peony, Hydrangea, Forget-Me-Not, Osteospermum, with various kitchen herbs mixed in to flower beds.
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Prairie and Meadow Gardens
These gardens are ideal for those Californians wishing to ditch their lawns, but who still want a low-maintenance, grassy landscape. These gardens are very beneficial to native insects and animals. The main design of these gardens is native plants and grasses that are clumped together in large colonies. It gives a natural look to landscapes, and the benefits to soil health and local biodiversity cannot be overstated. These landscapes require no irrigation once established, and do not require regular mowing or upkeep to thrive.
There are many plants, both flowering and non-flowering, that make wonderful additions to these landscapes, including: Aster, Black-Eyed Susan. Blanket Flower, Fescue, Little Bluestem, Coneflower, Sedge, Shasta Daisy, Switchgrass, Blazing Star. Bee Balm, Larkspur. Penstemon, Purple Love Grass, Lupine, Queen of the Prairie, Milkweed, Yarrow, and Sea Oats.
These gardens are ideal for those Californians wishing to ditch their lawns, but who still want a low-maintenance, grassy landscape. These gardens are very beneficial to native insects and animals. The main design of these gardens is native plants and grasses that are clumped together in large colonies. It gives a natural look to landscapes, and the benefits to soil health and local biodiversity cannot be overstated. These landscapes require no irrigation once established, and do not require regular mowing or upkeep to thrive.
There are many plants, both flowering and non-flowering, that make wonderful additions to these landscapes, including: Aster, Black-Eyed Susan. Blanket Flower, Fescue, Little Bluestem, Coneflower, Sedge, Shasta Daisy, Switchgrass, Blazing Star. Bee Balm, Larkspur. Penstemon, Purple Love Grass, Lupine, Queen of the Prairie, Milkweed, Yarrow, and Sea Oats.
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Tropical Garden
The history of tropical gardening begins with European colonization of tropical areas of the globe and the portrayal of these trips in popular culture, movies, and novels. Efforts were made to bring back specimen plants from these far away, exotic places to the botanical gardens and garden collections of the wealthy, and some were put on display for public viewing. Some of the central elements of tropical garden design are paver pathways with either moss or gravel surrounding steps, lounge areas with colorful cushions on rattan, bamboo or teak furniture, waterfall water features, simple wood structures and fencing, outdoor torches lining pathways, and lighting that highlights foliage in darkness.
In tropical landscapes, lush foliage is a must. Layering foliage can create garden vignettes that are covered with the beautiful, large leaves of tropical plants. Tropical flowers are also featured, with their interesting, colorful shapes. Common plants found in tropical gardens include palms, ferns, Yucca, Sumac, Hibiscus, Plumeria, Bromeliads, Bamboo, Canna, Orchid, Bird of Paradise, Elephant Ears, Hosta, Umbrella Plant, Japanese Aucuba, Angel's Trumpet, Caesalpinia, Flame Tree, Honey Bush, Coleus, and Calathea, among others.
The history of tropical gardening begins with European colonization of tropical areas of the globe and the portrayal of these trips in popular culture, movies, and novels. Efforts were made to bring back specimen plants from these far away, exotic places to the botanical gardens and garden collections of the wealthy, and some were put on display for public viewing. Some of the central elements of tropical garden design are paver pathways with either moss or gravel surrounding steps, lounge areas with colorful cushions on rattan, bamboo or teak furniture, waterfall water features, simple wood structures and fencing, outdoor torches lining pathways, and lighting that highlights foliage in darkness.
In tropical landscapes, lush foliage is a must. Layering foliage can create garden vignettes that are covered with the beautiful, large leaves of tropical plants. Tropical flowers are also featured, with their interesting, colorful shapes. Common plants found in tropical gardens include palms, ferns, Yucca, Sumac, Hibiscus, Plumeria, Bromeliads, Bamboo, Canna, Orchid, Bird of Paradise, Elephant Ears, Hosta, Umbrella Plant, Japanese Aucuba, Angel's Trumpet, Caesalpinia, Flame Tree, Honey Bush, Coleus, and Calathea, among others.
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Topiary Garden
These gardens are filled with evergreen shrubs and trees that have been trimmed into geometrical shapes. These gardens are commonly relatively formal, and include pathways of either grass or rock throughout from which to enjoy the many living sculptures within the space. This type of garden requires a great amount of skill and upkeep to pull off. Common topiary plants include Box, Arborvitae, Bay Laurel, Holly, Eugenia, Myrtus, Yew and Privet. Shrubs with a dense habit and smaller leaves are great for this purpose.
These gardens are filled with evergreen shrubs and trees that have been trimmed into geometrical shapes. These gardens are commonly relatively formal, and include pathways of either grass or rock throughout from which to enjoy the many living sculptures within the space. This type of garden requires a great amount of skill and upkeep to pull off. Common topiary plants include Box, Arborvitae, Bay Laurel, Holly, Eugenia, Myrtus, Yew and Privet. Shrubs with a dense habit and smaller leaves are great for this purpose.
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Coastal Garden
These gardens are inspired by the natural elements of the coast, such as ocean views, dunes, and beachy flora and fauna. Some of the main concepts of coastal garden design are the use of natural lines and organic curves, scattered plantings, the use of gravel in walkways and even in garden beds, and the use of coastal features like driftwood, shells, and sand as decoration. It is of utmost importance in these landscapes to choose and install plants that thrive in this unique environment. They will not only provide a natural look, but also support local biodiversity in a sometimes harsh environment. Some special points to take into consideration when designing a coastal garden include wind and sun exposure, salt spray (depending on how close to the ocean the garden is situated), and the strategic position of sitting areas so that they have the best view possible.
To compensate for the poor soil found along coastlines, many gardens in beach climates include raised beds. Commonly used plants in California coastal gardens include Armeria maritima, Achillea, Artemisia, Calandrinia, Calamagrostis, Cistus, Correa, Cupressus, Erigeron, Dudleya, Festuca, Juncus, Kniphofia, Lavandula, Lupinus, Muhlenbergia, Polypodium, Rhamnus, Ribes, Salvia, Sedum, Thymus, Stipa, and Verbena, among others.
These gardens are inspired by the natural elements of the coast, such as ocean views, dunes, and beachy flora and fauna. Some of the main concepts of coastal garden design are the use of natural lines and organic curves, scattered plantings, the use of gravel in walkways and even in garden beds, and the use of coastal features like driftwood, shells, and sand as decoration. It is of utmost importance in these landscapes to choose and install plants that thrive in this unique environment. They will not only provide a natural look, but also support local biodiversity in a sometimes harsh environment. Some special points to take into consideration when designing a coastal garden include wind and sun exposure, salt spray (depending on how close to the ocean the garden is situated), and the strategic position of sitting areas so that they have the best view possible.
To compensate for the poor soil found along coastlines, many gardens in beach climates include raised beds. Commonly used plants in California coastal gardens include Armeria maritima, Achillea, Artemisia, Calandrinia, Calamagrostis, Cistus, Correa, Cupressus, Erigeron, Dudleya, Festuca, Juncus, Kniphofia, Lavandula, Lupinus, Muhlenbergia, Polypodium, Rhamnus, Ribes, Salvia, Sedum, Thymus, Stipa, and Verbena, among others.
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Desert Garden
A desert is a landscape that is, by definition, sparse in vegetation. Desert landscapes are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Quintessential aspects of desert gardens are rock gardens or dry creek beds within the landscape, using ornamental grasses, use of succulents and cacti throughout the design, and inclusion of water features like fountains. Pathways through the landscape are made from pavers or crushed granite, and the color palette is limited. In these landscapes, there is a focus on texture and form as well as rocks and sand. Commonly used plants in desert landscapes are Cacti, Succulents, Agave, Yucca, Desert Willow, Leocophyllum, Sedum, and Ice Plant. Xeriscaping is also a very useful trend to follow for desert landscapes.
A desert is a landscape that is, by definition, sparse in vegetation. Desert landscapes are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Quintessential aspects of desert gardens are rock gardens or dry creek beds within the landscape, using ornamental grasses, use of succulents and cacti throughout the design, and inclusion of water features like fountains. Pathways through the landscape are made from pavers or crushed granite, and the color palette is limited. In these landscapes, there is a focus on texture and form as well as rocks and sand. Commonly used plants in desert landscapes are Cacti, Succulents, Agave, Yucca, Desert Willow, Leocophyllum, Sedum, and Ice Plant. Xeriscaping is also a very useful trend to follow for desert landscapes.
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Modern Garden
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Woodland Garden
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Rose Garden
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Potager Garden
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Formal Garden
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Traditional Garden
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Green Wall
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Gravel and Rock Gardens
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Urban Garden
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Southwestern Garden
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Eclectic Garden
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Naturalistic Garden
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The Basic Principles of Garden Design
Unity
This principle refers to the perception that all aspects of a garden's design are coalesced in a coherent way. Unity can be achieved in a number of ways. First, ensure that the home's design matches that of the garden. For example, a Victorian home pairs well with a Formal or Traditional garden design. Materials used in the home's construction should be similar to those used in the landscape. For example, if brick is used on the home, it should also be used in the garden instead of bringing another building material in, or a wooden house accented by a wooden garden fence. Materials used should also complement the natural setting of the garden. A great example of this concept is a beach home's garden using sand pathways and decorative shells. Another way to approach the unity principle is to continue shapes or patterns that exist on the land or in a home's design in the garden. A dramatically arched doorway can be mirrored by a rounded edge of a patio or flower bed. Unity is strengthened when strong focal points are provided to orient the parts of your garden to one another.
This principle refers to the perception that all aspects of a garden's design are coalesced in a coherent way. Unity can be achieved in a number of ways. First, ensure that the home's design matches that of the garden. For example, a Victorian home pairs well with a Formal or Traditional garden design. Materials used in the home's construction should be similar to those used in the landscape. For example, if brick is used on the home, it should also be used in the garden instead of bringing another building material in, or a wooden house accented by a wooden garden fence. Materials used should also complement the natural setting of the garden. A great example of this concept is a beach home's garden using sand pathways and decorative shells. Another way to approach the unity principle is to continue shapes or patterns that exist on the land or in a home's design in the garden. A dramatically arched doorway can be mirrored by a rounded edge of a patio or flower bed. Unity is strengthened when strong focal points are provided to orient the parts of your garden to one another.
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Simplicity
A garden's design should be as straightforward as possible. Too much ornamentation or too many focal points can actually take away from a garden's natural beauty. Just as there is beauty in silence, there is also beauty in the absence of loud decoration. Even if a garden needs to perform several functions, try to keep it as simple as possible by really narrowing down priorities. Successful garden designs provide a unifying structure for all elements in the landscape, from open areas for entertaining and playing to shady microclimates and other backyard habitats.
A garden's design should be as straightforward as possible. Too much ornamentation or too many focal points can actually take away from a garden's natural beauty. Just as there is beauty in silence, there is also beauty in the absence of loud decoration. Even if a garden needs to perform several functions, try to keep it as simple as possible by really narrowing down priorities. Successful garden designs provide a unifying structure for all elements in the landscape, from open areas for entertaining and playing to shady microclimates and other backyard habitats.
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Proportion and Scale
Proportion refers to the size relationship among parts of a whole; for example the dimensions of a single tree seen against the backdrop of an entire grove. Scale is the measurement of one object or space in relation to another. In gardens, we relate the size of objects and spaces primarily to the size of our bodies. By that measure, a blade of grass is small, and a redwood tree is huge. These principles contribute to the 'mood' of a garden. Nobody wants a garden that feels cramped and constrained in an apartment complex. With the addition of just a few trees and shrubs, small urban spaces can gain depth and natural beauty.
Proportion refers to the size relationship among parts of a whole; for example the dimensions of a single tree seen against the backdrop of an entire grove. Scale is the measurement of one object or space in relation to another. In gardens, we relate the size of objects and spaces primarily to the size of our bodies. By that measure, a blade of grass is small, and a redwood tree is huge. These principles contribute to the 'mood' of a garden. Nobody wants a garden that feels cramped and constrained in an apartment complex. With the addition of just a few trees and shrubs, small urban spaces can gain depth and natural beauty.
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Harmony and Contrast
