The Five Basic Elements of Garden Design

It used to be that a garden was simply a placeNext is form, which is mostly to do with the size and
where you grew some varieties of fruit, vegetablesshape of objects and how they are balanced in the
for the table and perhaps a few flowers forgarden. Just the simple aspect of the size and shape
decoration. These days there are a myriad ofof leaves on a tree can have a dramatic effect on
landscaping ideas from which you can select one toyour design.
suit you. Garden landscaping has evolved into aAfter form comes line. This means that your design
number of purposes and styles together with theshould be such that it "flows" with the movement of
changing ratio of humans to space available and thethe eye. The placement of plants and arrangement
evolution continues. Some gardens are designed withof borders will direct the eye around the garden.
wildlife in mind. Others are places where food isThe next element is scale and this is concerned with
cultivated, or a place to relax, perhaps just an areathe size of your plantings as they relate to the
specifically for pleasure such as a flower garden. Withdesign. Once again, balance is important: you do not
these in mind, what do you want to include in yourwant a garden with all the small plants grouped
garden?together in one area and the large plants including the
Garden Landscape IdeasGiant Bird of Paradise in another. Included in scale are
There are any number of "tricks" you can use toother objects in the garden such as sheds, pools and
design a garden that is in tune with your personalityponds.
and requirements. Each garden has five basicTexture is the final element and it also requires
elements and you should remember to include thesebalance. One texture throughout the garden would
in your garden landscaping plan: color, form, line, scalebe bland and uninteresting. Conversely, too many
and texture.textures can be "busy" and confusing. Create texture
Color needs no explanation. Whilst some people likein your garden so that it "flows" from one area to
the idea of using one color throughout, it is usuallyanother.
best to include a number of colors in your gardenThe final personal touches to individualize your garden
design. Balance is the key here, so take care tocome after all the necessary specifications are
ensure that the colors you choose do not clash orcompleted to your satisfaction.
compete for attention.