Garden design encompasses the aesthetic beauty, artistry, knowledge on growth and development of plants and the principles of garden maintenance in different seasons. While garden can be defined as place for growing plants and exhibiting various form of plant life which are consciously directed for ornamental or practical use or both.
I. Principles of Garden Lay-out
In order to lay-out a good garden, some fundamental principles are to be followed as highlighted below :
Garden design involves attention to many considerations connected with the character and position of the site and its surroundings. Each particular site present a challenge in relation to soil, position, environment and the designer must carefully consider these factors.
Artistic consideration and practical need of horticulture must synchronize. In garden planning, proper growth and flowering of plants and the comfort and convenience of those who use the garden must always receive attention.
II. Designing a Garden
A good designer is one who makes the best use of site. In fact, a land with natural undulations should not be leveled, but rather the differences in levels should be utilized with proper designing. The fencing should be in such a way that it looks natural and should not obstruct any natural view. The other aspects of garden design which to be carefully considered are as illustrated below :
This s an imaginary line in any garden around which the garden is created striking a balance. In a formal garden, the central line is the axis. At the end of an axis, generally there will be focal point. However, other architectural features such as bird-path or sundial can also be erected at about the midpoint.
In every garden, there is a centre of attraction which is generally an architectural feature focused as a point of interest. Thus a focal point is one of the elements of good landscape design.
Unity in a garden is very important, as when this is achieved, it will improve the artistic look of the garden. Unity has to be achieved from various angles. Firstly, the unity of style, feeling and function between the house and the garden has to be achieved. Secondly, the different components of the garden should merge harmoniously with each other. The other point, which is also very important is to achieve some harmony between the landscape outside and the garden. A garden laid out in complete defiance of the local conditions may look exotic.
To achieve a unity between the house and the garden, it is a common practice to train creepers on the front porch which covers the rudeness of masonary work and also bring the house closer to nature. For the same reasons, foundation planting broadly means the planting of bushy plants near the foundation of the house.
The aim of the garden design should be such that the garden should appear larger than its actual size. One way of achieving this is to keep vast spaces preferably under lawn, and restrict the planting in the periphery, normally avoiding any planting in the centre.
In a landscape garden, there should not be any hard and fast divisional lines. In fact areas under lawn, gravel, stone or cement paths, and the shrubbery border have their natural divisional lines from its immediate neighbour. The divisional lines should be artistic with gentle curves and these should also be useful. Above all, lines should be harmonize with one another.
There is no set rules regarding scale or proportion in a garden. But a simple rule is that a design should look pleasant. It is better to have an adhoc design first and then try it out on the actual spot. If the design looks appealing as well as pleasant, it is implemented.
The surface character of a garden unit is referred to as texture. The texture of the ground, the leaves of a tree or shrub will all determine the overall effect of the garden. The texture of rugged garden can be improved to an appreciable extent by laying small pebbles from the riverbeds.
g. Time and light
In garden, the time factor is very important. There are three different categories of time garden. First comes the daily time, which provides different quantities and qualities of light during the course of the day. As the morning sun is vital for all flowers, the designer has to take into account while planning. The second type of time is the seasonal changes in the year. A good planner must roughly take into account the seasonal movement of the sun and where the shade and light are likely to fall during different parts of the season. The third time, which most people overlook and can not visualize, is the fact as to what shape and proportion the shrub and trees will attain height in the years to come. The right type of tree should be planted at the proper place so that shade is obtained during the hot days.
In a landscape garden the permanent backdrop is the green tone of the various trees and shrubs. It is possible to lay-out a garden with suitable tone of entirely white or yellow flowers, but at the same time making it charming also. Another important point is that it is better to have masses of single colour rather than mixture of colours. A bed of same colour has a much softer tone and beauty, than a bed containing a mixture of colours.
In temperate countries, the garden changes colour very sharply and contrastingly from one season to the other, thus symbolizing mobility or movement. For example, many trees in the temperate regions attire themselves with wonderful hues due to changes in the leaf colour in the autumn. Then suddenly in the winter leaves fall and everything goes to rest bringing an atmosphere of dullness all around. Again in the spring the plants come back to life with appearance of new leaves.
The movement and cluttering of birds also bring life and mobility to the garden. Large trees and bird baths attract birds. Some plants bearing berries, such as Ficus infectoria and Syzygium cumini can also be planted in some remote corners. Flowering trees such as silk cotton (Bombax malabaricum) or Erythrina also attracts birds when in bloom. The seasonal flowers will bring in the motion and movement of colourful butterflies. Fountains or a lawn sprinkler and stream in a garden also serve the objective of movement. The lily pools should be filled with colourful fish, the movement of which will be an added attraction.
III. Different Features of a Garden
Some of the important features of a successful garden are described below :
Lawn is one of the most important element in the garden design which is attractive at all times and providing a pleasant surrounding. One of the greatest charms of a garden is clean, verdant and beautifully made lawn. Grass is considered one of the main feature on which garden picture is built. A patch of good velvety green lawn is desirable close to the house to secure a greater breadth and dignity to a place. Planting of any kind of trees, shrubs etc. should not be advisable which may encroach the broad expanse of lawn area before the house. The lawn or portion of it, should always be seen from the best part of the house, the choicest shrubs or the richest terrace garden will satisfy in the same manner. The quality of the grass and the various levels of the lawns should be settled with exactness in an architecturaly treated garden. But a more natural and landscape portion will make lawns pleasing.
Rock garden is an interesting feature in the garden. It may take the shape of a mountain or the stony slope of a hill, a rock crest or a peak. But whatever may be the plan, it must have definiteness of the scheme. All rock gardens should have proper slope and adequate drainage. All rocks on the ground should be buried upto two third portion leaving one third exposed to look like a natural outcrop. Rocks of different shapes and sizes are combined and rooted in the ground to get the desired landscape effect. The actual outlines and dimensions of the rockery depends entirely on the chosen site. A fairly steep of different characters facing south-east is a good spot for laying out a rock garden, and it should not end abruptly. It is better to let it gradually merge into the general surface of the ground same as we find it in nature. Colourful selection of plants and bulbs suitable for growing in rocks which give long flowering season and beautiful colour effect are desirable.
Roses are grown in the garden with great love and sincerity in isolated beds or where the space permits they may be grown together in a special garden, termed as rosary or rosarium. Establishing a rose garden involves three aspects namely, design, choice of varieties and preparation of soil and planting. Design will depend much on the available space in sunny location and personal taste. This may consists of a number of beds grouped together leaving paths and space of green velvety grass in between. This pleasant setting brightens the display of rose flowers of different types and varieties. Considering the growth habit of different types of roses, hybrid tea roses may be grown in simple beds and floribunda and standard roses in border or along the side of long paths, whereas, climber and rambler roses on walls, rustic arches or fences. With various types and enormous varieties, a complete garden may be laid out by using roses as planting materials.
In landscape gardening, use of water in their setting plays a prominent role for many obvious reasons. Garden designers have always produced the most satisfactory results, when they have been able to bring water into their compositions. It is beautiful and attractive at all times and providing a pleasant ever-changing surface varying with the change of season and weather. The murmuring streams or a ripping waterfall attract the ears and eyes. The beauty of water-side planting is enhanced by charming reflections. Lovely hybrid of water lilies and water loving plants are gaining much importance in modern designing. If in any site of a garden, natural stream, pond or lake exists, water garden is at once assured by planting suitable plants. If no such natural facilities exits, an artificial pool can be formed in a sunny spot. It should fit with the overall garden design. Available space and individual choice will determine the size and shape of the pool.
Though not important feature in a garden design, bog garden is interesting if facilities to form such type of ground naturally exist at the site. It is not always advisable to level the low lying areas as it creates opportunity for growing some special kind of plants without taking help of any artificial means. Bog garden can be laid out in a marshy spot, partly in sun and in shade and plants can be selected depending upon the moisture of the ground. Deposition of organic matter markedly improves the growth of the plants. It should be specially designed in order to fit the overall overall plan of the garden.
With the increasing popularity for informal design in gardening, laying out of wild garden is also getting importance in garden planning. It is the desire of man to communicate directly with nature and neutralizing home living with no touch of artificiality. Combination of some plants are very attractive in wild garden e.g. fine leaved plants, ferns, climbers, grasses, trailing shrubs and flowers if grown together in informal beds of rough undulated places. A wild garden will show its best when the plants have grown well and this type of garden should be attempted in large garden area. Designing a wild garden requires imagination and careful selection of plants depending on the growth habit of plants.
Terrace garden is increasingly becoming an essential feature of modern garden. This is an area of paving between the garden and the house and it may be of various sizes and attractive shapes. In order to improve the look of the garden, the terraces are constructed for several reasons, e.g. (a) for cultivation of plants in pots or raised beds, (b) an outdoor area for sitting and dining, and (c) dirt free children’s area etc.
Paving of terraces may be made by flag stone, native stone, brick concrete, wood or gravel. It is important to select the right colour and texture of paving material when planning a terrace. This creates interest in small area which bring beauty of growing things close to paving room and dining room windows at rear living area. Plant material for this area should be chosen with great care.
Modern gardens are specially designed and adopted to provide maximum safety, fun and enjoyment for children of all ages. The elements of contended play are sand pits, sand water, grass, rounded pebbles, a small flowering tree, miniature garden and other game requirements.
Most owners of garden like to devote at least small part of their garden area in growing some good varieties of fruits and vegetables. In selecting a site for kitchen garden, it is usually best to locate it in close proximity to the home. The garden should be laid out in sunny place and enclosed by walls or high hedges. A convenient water supply is a very important element in a kitchen garden. The size of kitchen garden is also a matter which needs careful consideration. For convenience of working, it should be divided into quarters.
It is one of the most interesting an popular methods of gardening. It widens the scope of making garden indoor as well as outdoor and adds year round colour in the garden with minimum effort. Here lies the scope of using attractive containers of various types of different shapes and sizes. Simple shape and subdued colours are, however desirable. Miniature garden can even be laid out in one big container or by using series of small containers. For outdoor display, large containers are better but small containers can also be grouped for bold effect.
Green house is essential to give shelter to all tender and special kind of plants which can not grown in the open for months together. It also adds beauty of the garden, if properly designed and placed in a suitable place. Design of the green house should have close relation with the character and design of the other feature in the garden including the building.
In tropical countries, glass house is not suitable to maintain plan in good condition but glass on the top protects the plants and seedlings from rains. Green house plants may also be grown in glass top green house in shade.
The summer house is useful adjunct as a shelter from wind and scorching rays of the sun particularly during the warm months. It is also a pleasant feature in the garden, redeeming the general flatness of the site and offering an inducement to enjoy the garden even during the summer months. It is frequently used to hide some unsightly object on neighbouring premises. In locating the summer house, two things are taken into consideration – its relation to the garden scheme as a factor in general picturesque effect, and to the flowers in the garden. A summer house should not standdetached and isolated like a sentry box. If it is not convenient to place it against a boundary, it should remain associated with a tree of group of trees or shurbs. It may stand among the flowers, where one may enjoy their fragrance and colour and hear the drone of bees.
Steps are means of changing levels in the garden. They may be of brick, stone, concrete, wood, grass or a combination of two or three of these. They should be of comfortable height and construction should be safe, durable and easy to maintain. Design of steps must fit in the overall landscape planning.
Walks are the skeleton framework of a garden and a means of moving around the garden. To make the walks still more useful, seats and shelters may be provided in convenient positions. They should also be arranged in such a way that the beauty of the place my be exhibited. Walks and garden paths are also necessary for proper working and should be appropriately leveled. Walks may be mde of bricks, gravel, stones, concrete, wood or grass depending on the availability of the material and design. Paths of gravel or stepping stones through flower beds give an informal look. Stepping blocks, round paving blocks and angel squares also make the garden walk interesting. Delightful edging to garden paths may be made by planting lawn grass which requires careful maintenance.
Fence provides clearly defined boundary line, screening, security and allows the gardener to make the best use f the land. The materials may vary from the split rails to the most sophisticated modern plastic or plywood sheet. The immediate surrounding and architecture of the house is important in deciding the design of the fence. Sometimes, fences support climbers and shrubs which assure considerable privacy.
Combination of stone walls and the common steep wires look extremely interesting. When the ground s undulated and the line of fence arranged to fit the contour, some strong but the simple form of continuous railing would make a good and economical fence. Stone walls may e seen in so many ways to correspond with the surroundings. As a cheap fence round a cottage garden, there are few forms which look good in carpenter made lattice from bamboo slits. Whatever may be the material this should be made with good taste, ability and expert craftsmanship. Simplicity in design, charming and attractive appearance of fences are desirable. Hedges of different kinds and forms are also used for this purpose, which gives lasting pleasure, variety of hue and harmony with surroundings.
Arches are generally used in garden to form a sort of screen or connecting link between one part of garden to another. They may be of different shapes and sizes with a variety of design. Its proper place is astride a path and its avowed purpose it to support climbing trees.
Pergolas are a very pretty feature in a garden. A series of rustic arches embowered with climbers are termed as pergola. A path shaded by pergola is as much a necessity against the heat of the sun as a welcome visual feature. This may also be used to cover a path leading for one part of the garden to another. The materials of making pergola are brick, stone, timber or bamboo poles.
Arches and pergolas are to be treated in such a place of garden that their design and existence harmonize with the entire planning of the garden. Climbers on pergola should create interest at all seasons of the year.
Good design in garden furniture is as necessary as the selection of furniture of the house itself. A wide range of attractive garden furniture are used in modern garden design. They make outdoor living attractive and comfortable. To add fun and pleasure in the garden simple material and attractive design are preferred.
Comfortable seats are usually made of wood and fabric. Iron and stone seats are too hard and absorb temperature. Nylon, PVC and aluminium are largely used for making light and attractive furniture. Cast iron work for benches, tables and chairs and look very charming especially in white colour.
When water is introduced into the garden, particularly in the form of lake or canal it may be necessary to bridge the bank at some point, either as a matter of convenience or for the sake of an attractive feature. A well designed bridge has not only an aesthetic value but it is very useful in viewing the water vista. The design of a bridge should fit in with the character of the garden and surrounding.
Plants displayed in ornamental tubs or urns at suitable places look beautiful and add beauty to the garden. The tub or the vase can be made of timber of preferably of bricks, concrete or carved out of stones. These can be built permanently in position or may be moved whenever needed. When fixed permanently, these should generally be positioned over an ornamental piller keeping in view the proportion between the two. If there is pawed path, an ornamental vase or tub can be placed at the end of it or one each on both side. Similarly, these can be placed near the gate or near the staircase of the main entrance. Ornamental urns preferably of metal with carving outside look beautiful in the terrace near the staircase, or even inside the house. Suitable ornamental plants should be grown in such containers.
A sundial has many roles to play in a garden. It can be used as a focal point in a garden. It can also form a centre-piece of formal flower bed, can be placed in the centre of at the end of the lawn or at the junction or termination of a path. A sundial is also a good feature in a sunken garden. The sundial should be positioned in a place where the shadow from a tree or building does not fall for a long duration, otherwise the feature becomes meaningless.
The column of the sundial should be fixed firmly in the ground and is generally made of bricks, tiles, stones or a combination of these without a mortar coating to look more artistic. The top is generally square where the sundial with compass is fixed. This is also made of stone or concrete. The digits can be carved on the cement or the stone itself. Before fixing the dial, the movement of the sun should be observed and then the dial is screwed to the base. The height of the column should not exceed 60 – 90 cm of the dial will not be visible easily.
These are huge clocks generally operated by electricity having huge hand for showing the second, minute and hour. The machinery of the clock is concealed in an underground chamber with only the hand showing above the ground against the dial of carpet bedding plants or flower beds.
Ornamental stone pillars or pieces of rounded stones or other abstract designs, if properly placed improve the look of any garden to a great extent. The stones can be placed near lily pools, along the midst of streams and waterfalls. Large ornamental pieces can also be placed at the corner of the doorway and other suitable places.
These are highly sought after garden ornaments. The lanterns should preferably be carved in stone and should be low and decorative. The column may be cylindrical or square faced with ornamental carvings. Similarly the fire box should also be carved in an ornamental manner. Lanterns are made of white stone or white marble and are suitable for areas having a snowfall. There is no harm even if these are preferred in a tropical country especially near a pool. These lanterns should be positioned at suitable places near the house, stream of pool.
Unless there is water under pressure one can not have any good fountain. Fountains are made to work by circulating the same water contained in a pool. There are various designs of fountains. There may be straight upright water jet or a number of jets can also be designed in the form of rainbows. The jets and pipes are made of anticorrosive material. To make the fountains more colourful during the nights, coloured lights are provided under the water, with water proof fittings.
Statues of animate and inanimate objects are used in the garden to improve its look. The statues can be carved out of stone of made of bronze. The concrete stones can be placed in the midst of a running stream or a pool, at the inter-section of two roads, or at the end of a road or near the doorway of the house. The statues should be of good taste and have an artistic value. Pergola and arches also serve as good ornaments in a garden.
The plant stands ae also very useful structure of decorating the gardens. Plant stands are generally made of mild steel rods moulded in different fashions with various sized rings attached to hold the pots. These can be displayed in the terrace garden or at the entrance of the house, in the roof garden or at any other advantageous position in the garden where these will add to the beauty of the garden Some plants stands are specially made for fixing in the walls of the house where indoor plants can be displayed. If the plant stands are to be placed indoors, it is advisable to put G.I sheet or plastic buckets, one size bigger than the pots to be displayed, and attached to the rings to arrest the seepage water from the pots.