Garden design is far from an exact science, and is often referred to as a living art form. The earliest evidence of garden design we have is that of the Egyptians, over 4000 years ago, but it certainly dates back further than that.
The best way of learning and exploring this ancient form of art is by doing. Get out and have a go. As with all art forms, the best way to learn is to get stuck in and practice. The fact that nothing in the garden is permanent is the fun bit. If you end up with a layout you don’t like, dig it up and start over again.
While the best way to learn is by doing, below are three important basic factors you should consider in the design stage of your garden:
– Harmony
This is a hard concept to write about fully. In essence it means the sum of the parts of the garden, and how they work as a whole entity. There are many ways to play with this. Some commonly used features are the use of similar plant types, color palettes that are limited and strong focal areas like stone water features. It makes it much easier if you can decide on a theme before starting the design.
– Balance
This is generally the most recognizable part of the garden, as it covers the layout and basic structure of the garden. This is one of the most important factors, and can be tracked throughout history. It varies with culture and fashion through time, from Japanese formal gardens to the classic English country garden. This also covers the types of plants used and their textures, as well as ornamental furniture like stone benches or statues.
– Flow
The third element is, like with painting, composition and drawing the viewers eye. The flow of the garden should be natural, and include open spaces, vistas and paths where appropriate. All elements of the garden should be considered when planning the flow, including exterior items like furniture and water features.