Garden Design Principles

Gardening is a fun hobby and creative outlet for many. When planning a garden there are several garden design principles that will help the design come together and turn it from an empty space into an outdoor oasis. Below we'll cover the fundamentals of planning a garden, from choosing the right plants for your zone to figuring out the best way to bring shade areas of into the design.

Introduction

The important role of garden design principles is to bring an empty space to life. They range from basic landscape elements like trees and shrubs to more intricate water features and architectural components. Regardless of what type of garden you're looking to create, the same basic design principles apply regardless of size or style.

Basics of Landscape Design

When planning a landscape design, it's important to take into consideration the scale of the area being landscaped. Does the garden require low maintenance plantings or more elaborate displays requiring maintenance? Can the planting reflect the architecture of the house or is it located at an angle from the home? The answer to these questions and more will help you develop a plan for the garden that works well with the size, layout, and scale of the landscape.

Landscaping Timbers

One of the most versatile landscape design elements is landscaping timbers. Landscaping timbers can be used to create raised beds for vegetable and flower gardens, build stepping stones and pathways, border gardens and water features, define planting areas, and anchor garden structures. When selecting landscape timbers, it is important to choose the right type and size for the job.

Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is a great choice for landscaping timbers because of its strength, affordability, and decay resistance. SYP is also easy to work with and has a long service life. When 55mm x 90mm (2.163" x 3.556") timbers are used, they will last up to twenty years and beyond with little or no maintenance.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Zone

Picking the right plants for your zone is an important factor in garden design. For example, if you live in a hot, dry climate then picking drought tolerant plants and trees would be a great choice. Researching the most popular plants in your area is also helpful, as the most popular plants are usually the best suited for your climate.

It's also important to consider the layout of your garden and any existing plants. If you've already got a few perennials in your garden, consider incorporating them into the design. Introducing new plants should be done carefully, so as not to disrupt the existing plants in the garden.

Seasonal Flowerbed Planning

When planning a flowerbed, it's important to consider the flowering cycles of different plants. For example, if you want a bed that will be in bloom all year round, then you'll need to select plants with different flowering times. Planting some evergreens, shrubs, and some bulbs can help provide interest all year round. Consider adding ground cover or edging plants around the borders to create a neat and finished look.

It is also important to consider your colour palette when planning a flowerbed. Do you want a bright, colourful bed or a more subdued look? Do you want an even mix of cool and warm colours or would you like the focus to be on one colour in particular? Thinking through these questions will help to create a flowerbed that will turn heads.

Shade Gardening: Plants and Design Tips

Designing a garden in a shady area can be a challenge, but there are still plenty of plants that will thrive in partial or full shade. When designing a shade garden, choose plants that will tolerate low light or filtered light. Hostas, ferns, and heucheras are all popular choices for shade gardens as they thrive in low light conditions and offer a wide variety of colours, textures, and shapes. Adding other plants like caladiums, begonias, and astilbes will also help to add colour and texture to the garden.

When it comes to design, think about how you can use different elements to create an inviting shade garden. Adding a shallow water feature, garden furniture, and pathway lights are all great ways to make a shade garden feel inviting and inviting, while also adding contrast and shadow for visual interest.

Summary Review

The important thing to remember when it comes to garden design principles is that there are no hard and fast rules. Each garden is unique and will require its own unique design elements and considerations. We hope the tips above will help you bring your garden to life, or help you to improve an existing one. With a bit of imagination, creativity, and research, you can create a garden that will bring you and your family joy for years to come.