Gardens Galore

Most gardens grow by chance. You start with a plant here and there and before you know it, you have a

garden. The result might be a delightful hodge-podge...or not. If you want to elevate your gardening

efforts to a more predictable art form, you may want to pay attention to some elements of design.

Artists and designers of all kinds embrace a universal definition of these principles. Here are the basics:

Lines

The eye automatically follows a line's path, and the lines

in your garden are bound to trigger responses from the

observer. Gentle, long, curving lines are relaxing and

restful. Sharp, jagged diagonals or verticals create

excitement and "tension." Whatever lines you work

into your garden are likely to say something about your

personality.

Form

Form is defined as the shape of the different elements:

the outline of the plants, trees, and shrubs. Remember

that as plants mature they often change shape and

take on new dimensions. This variety gives character

and determines whether a garden adopts a formal or

informal style.

Texture

Texture is about visual excitement. The different

textures of flowers, foliage, and tree bark provide

interest and establish mood. Rough textures project an

informal atmosphere. Smooth, velvety surfaces lend a

more formal and elegant feeling.

Scent

Fragrance creates another dimension. Scented plants

near a path or sitting area will be appreciated by most.A

simple tub of petunias can provide an intoxicating scent,

especially in the evening hours.

Colour

Most gardeners worry about complex colour rules that

someone else has invented. Following nature's lead is the

easiest route to follow. Consider a wooded area: here

you most often see combinations of green with an

occasional splash of colour.A colour wheel can also help.

Warm oranges, reds, and yellows create a more intimate

feeling, while cool blues, purples, greens, and whites

open up a space to make it seem larger.

Repetition

Repetition in the garden is often the most overlooked

element.We tend to want to cram in as much variety as

possible, which gives the garden that hodge-podge

effect. It is far more pleasing to the eye to see form, line,

colour, and texture repeated within a space.

Focal points

A focal point gives a garden balance. An interesting

shrub, bird bath, garden art, or perhaps a garden pond,

gazebo, or pergola can be the centrepiece to create your

garden around. Avoid having too many focal points,

however, or the effectiveness will be lost.

Personality plus

While the elements of design give guidelines for

planning your garden, you'll be happiest if the outcome

reflects your personal tastes. How you decorate your

home will give clues about what kind of garden

design you'll be comfortable with. If you like the clean

and sparse look, you'll probably want lots of open space

in your garden. If you like to surround yourself with

treasured keepsakes, you'll enjoy creating secret nooks

and crannies in the garden and locating surprise

elements around corners. It could be a small pond, an

obelisk, or an unexpected planter. If you love bold, bright

colours inside, chances are you'll enjoy red, orange, and

purple in the garden.

Location, location, location

Make sure your garden is where you can see and enjoy

it. Look out your windows and doors and note the view.

Is it restful or can you see the compost heap or the

neighbour's garbage bin? If what you're looking at isn't

attractive, consider a way to disguise the eyesore with

either plants or a hard structure like a screen.

Try something new

Be adventurous and try something new each season.

Whatever you do, your garden should express your

personality. You'll be happiest if you follow your

instincts, even if they don't align with the so-called

rules. Let your creativity flow and make a personal

statement. You are limited only by your imagination.