Style: Putting it all together

In this module, we discussed the elements of creating a garden design with style. It is important to remember that there is no one perfect design. As you experiment with different designs and plants, you will see that many different approaches work well for your site. The raw materials of garden design that we discuss in this module will help you experiment with confidence:

• Determine your wants and constraints (site analysis).
• Choose a theme: a garden of shapes, textures, etc. Decide how formal/informal you want your garden to be, and plan your design accordingly. Use beds, borders, lines and, plants creatively to establish your theme.
• Keep your garden in focus with proper scale. When designing, anticipate the mature growth of your plants and bring the various parts of your garden into focus for the main viewing areas.
• Symmetry implies formality, and asymmetry implies informality. Use straight lines, perfect balance, and repetition of geometric patterns for formal garden designs and informal designs use more random plantings or groups and utilize freeform shapes, beds, and borders.
• Simplicity and repetition are very important. Too much complexity detracts from the harmony of your garden.
• Variety is the spice of your garden. It creates contrasts of color, texture, and height that can enhance your garden. Note that variety isn’t the same as complexity; you can use simplicity and variety together with nice results.
• Use beds and borders to frame your garden. Be creative with your plant arrangements. Create color and texture contrasts based on flowers, foliage, and shape.