An important idea in all design work is the idea of unifying space by using elements that manage to tie things together. This can be done in many ways, for instance, lining a path and framing your planters with the same cheerful primroses or creating a similar edging with decorative stones or ornamental grasses. The major idea here is that you want your garden to work as a cohesive aesthetic space, that is, as a single visually pleasing work of art. The individual pieces should work in the same ways as the various elements of a painting.

Choosing an actual theme for your garden can help you to narrow down number of choices you’ll have to examine as you plan it. There are many kinds of themes that can be used to help you mentally organize your garden ranging from whimsical to literary depending on what you want out of your garden.

One way of selecting a theme is by starting with any negative conditions that might hinder your garden growth. You’ll be happiest if you create a garden that is perfect for your climate and your needs. If your garden is going to be in a harsh climate with a short growing season, make sure you choose a theme that will make your garden attractive during the cooler seasons as well.

Rock gardens and zen gardens can be created with some fairly hearty shrubs and a few pieces of garden statuary that won’t be damaged by winter weather. As you plan a garden that relies primarily on stone and statuary, remember to pay as much attention to the spaces created around your objects as to the objects themselves. Textured backgrounds, like gravel and sand, become part of this kind of design and must be carefully considered to compliment the other textures and shapes of your design. Textured objects like this wood fountain (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=294) invoke the presence of nature (and provide contrast and even color) in a garden that seems too plain. The most attractive gardens of this kind create a sparse, clean and incredibly serene landscape. Every element must be placed with conscious regard to every other element.

There are many other kinds of themes that you can work with in your garden. A striking and interesting garden can be created by using just one flower color. These monochromatic gardens are interesting because, as in a zen garden, similarities draw attention to differences making texture, height and spacing increasingly important. Different textures treat colors in different ways so be sure to choose flowers that bloom in similar hues of your color of choice. If you choose a single-colored theme, add interest by planting a few vegetables in the right hue.

If you are trying to be certain that you will have something usable (perhaps edible) think of the kinds of vegetables that will grow best and be most useful to you and see if you can create a theme around it. The French kitchen garden has been a long-time standard in residential gardens, and recently pizza gardens have found popularity in many areas.

A pizza garden grows as many little elements that any pizza maker could want, from a variety of tomatoes, peppers, onion and garlic for sauce, spinach, squash or artichoke toppings to basils and oregano and thyme for seasoning. Many of these are created in circles and designed in angled slices. A pizza garden is an excellent garden to grow and tend to with children and will provide you with an excellent array of fresh herbs.

Other edible themes include growing a collection of flavorful herbs for creating herbal teas. One might try creating a garden with the species and delights mentioned in the texts of a famous author. An herb garden can also be the solution to tight space and poor soil. Many herbs grow excellently in planters like this homey basket like planter http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=751 or this graceful urn-like planter http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=771.

Various plantings are able to attract different creatures. The most common of these themes is the butterfly/bird garden. The cheerful behaviors of butterflies are often a pleasure to watch and it is quite easy to draw the creatures near. They simply love bright flowers and are easily pleased by a few basic modifications to most gardens. Flowers from the warm side of the color spectrum (red, orange, yellow) and vivid pinks and purples will help attract butterflies, especially if placed in a very sunny spot. Take a look at some reference material to find out what kinds of butterflies are natural to your area and what kinds of plants to which they are most attracted. Butterflies also appreciate a bit of water so a bird bath like these http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Bird+Baths will work well. Remember not to use pesticides in a butterfly garden.

Most importantly, your garden theme should please you and reflect a bit of the personality that you bring to your garden. Themes are a great way to experiment with growing and can have interesting results. Not everything comes out as planned so be flexible and be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the area you are gardening.



By: Elizabeth Jean

About the Author:

Udolf

Purpose

The first step in planning a garden is probably determining what kind of garden you would like to have. Gardens range in style and purpose so it is important to have a clear idea of the kind of garden you are trying to grow. Some main types of residential gardens include: flower gardens, vegetable gardens, zen gardens, herb gardens and formal gardens. Some of these are best suited to specific climates and locations. In order to make a good decision about the kind of garden you want to have it is important to know a few things about the space your garden is going to be taking up and the weather conditions that may help or hinder your garden’s growth.

Climate

Where you live will greatly influence what you are able to do in your garden. It will probably be almost impossible to grow a tropical garden in Canada and rather silly to grow a cactus garden in a rainforest. You will achieve the most pleasing results in your garden if you make sure to grow elements that are native to your area; easy to grow; or simple to replace. If many of the elements in your garden are fairly uncomplicated, it will leave time to maintain your more precious orchids and roses.

Maintenance

While every gardener had the best intentions, it is important to know how much time is going to be spent maintaining the garden. Annuals must be replanted every year which allows you to recreate a new garden every year. However, the drawback of annual flowers is the need for constant upkeep. Annuals are comparably thirsty plants and need to be well-watered (but not over-watered). Many annuals require “pinching” or “deadheading” for better flowering. For many of us, the value of perennials, which will leave behind seeds that re-grow the next season, can be appreciated for the lack of tending needed.

Soil

Make sure your garden’s soil is healthy. Healthy soil grows stronger plants and attracts fewer pests that might damage your plants. There are some simple ways to test your own soil. Ideal soil for growing veggies in your own garden will crumble easily when you attempt to form a shape from it. If it holds shape to easily, it may be too moist and overworking wet soil can damage the soil structure for several growing seasons, seriously reducing the likelihood of healthy plants. If you soil seems dusty, it is probably too dry for many plants and will most likely be harder to work.

Space

Take a look at the space of your garden. This will help decide what should be planted and where. Think out the logistics of your garden. Where are faucets located in relation to your various plants? Are there any areas where the ground is uneven and unlikely to drain properly? How do sun and shade play across the area? Are there places that are unlikely get sunlight? It may be a good idea to sketch your area. The more time you spend planning your garden the more pleasing your final result will probably be.

Aesthetic

A garden should also have a visual composition. The plants, flowers and/or various statuary pieces should work together in the given space to create something aesthetically pleasing. Think of how your garden looks from different angles and vantages, like from house windows and doors. Great looking garden fountains are available at http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Garden+Fountains.

Color palettes

Pay attention to your color palette. There are many ways to choose the colors of your garden. While there is neither right nor wrong in color selection if you’ve contemplated your palette ahead of time you will have greater control over the final appearance. Some of the most simple color schemes select from either warm or cool tones, while others rely on a single color for a striking monochromatic effect. While for an interesting and dramatic look you might select several analogous colors like shades of red and red violet and then use a complementary color, like golden yellow as an accent. Depending on the kind of garden you are planning you may want a wide variety of colors. Try to create grouped plantings when using many different colors to create a design and visual flow. Many single colored flowers will look dull from a distance.

Composing your garden

Appreciate the space you are using. If your garden is going to be planted along a fence or against a house wall use a vine to add height and shape to your garden. Examine textures and shapes. To keep balance in your garden, make sure to use not just long stemmed flowers but also groundcovers and low plants with a variety of leave sizes and shapes.

Add focal points

By using a fountain, birdbath or other piece of statuary, you can add year round ornamentation as well as a focal point for you garden. If you plan your garden carefully it can be beautiful year-round and not just at the height of the growing season. By using many planters and pieces of statuary in your garden you are have the advantage of complete control over your garden’s shape. Take a look at some garden planter options. A garden consisting of planters can be arranged and rearranged to suit different moods, and different seasons to create something that provides visual interest year round. So if your having trouble deciding on a permanent look, using planters can give you design flexibility. Planters also provide shape and allow for greater control over plant growth.

Tips

When using planters it is still important to think about the heights and textures of every flower and plant and the containers that hold them.

Use ornamental rocks and small pieces of garden statuary to compliment taller planters. Place something tall and with an interesting texture and bright color in the center of your planter and surround it with lower, more simple textures for balance.



By: Elizabeth Jean

About the Author:

Erwin