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Garden DesignWhat is garden design? All it is...is the mixing of landscaping ideas with the introduction of planting. Depending on your preferences you'll mix 50/50 or more of one than the other. Whether you start with an existing garden or a blank canvas you don't have to know everything there is to know about garden design but by using what 'the experts' use "their imagination" you also create designs of your own.
Make a list of all the the things you want in your garden and as you progress, that list will increase or reduce...depending on what 'works' in the space available. Here's where you have to be realistic. A 12ft pond with a bridge in tranquil surroundings is not much use when you have 3 kids who all want to play football in the garden. If you design for yourself or design for others it'll come to a time when the design MUST fit the need. In other words you can't design a garden just to fill a blank canvas, there must be an element of 'purpose and pleasure' to every aspect of your garden. If your design or structure is not suited to either serving a purpose, being the the usable aspect or giving pleasure in any way, then it simply doesn't work, so bear in mind the two p's...it'll serve you well. Ideas can be taken from many different sources whether from traditional setting, or perhaps a style of garden from overseas. In fact many settings from warmer or colder climates are quite easily reproduced, particularly from the landscaping aspect. Planting can be mimicked from various species replicating more exotic flowers and plants that would not normally survive in your own climate. There are countless experts to follow which can be found throughout the internet, at bookstores or from magazine subscriptions. Keep the two p's in mind, purpose and pleasure even when you're guided by the experts, as garden design and landscape design should inspire you to create a usable and attractive result. Mike Lyons.....Any questions! Please contact me. I'd welcome your comments, tips and suggestions, for more information click here (BOOKMARK HOMEPAGE FOR QUICK REFERENCE)
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The easiest way to start is by measuring your garden or setting out a proposed garden and put it down on paper. It sounds simple and it's by far the easiest way to build ideas.
