By this point you may have decided to
design the garden yourself – or to get some help. We discussed several good options last
month. You may also have chosen a theme
for your garden. If not, we suggest re-reading that section of last month’s
posting (June, 2014). We find that having a theme is a great way for beginning
garden designers to limit their choices and produce a unified design.
Last month we cautiously approached the topic
of garden design, discussing color, garden themes, the concept of ‘garden
rooms’ and the power of simple designs. This month we consider additional design elements
and begin to define the characteristics of plants we’ll use for different parts
of the design. If you didn’t read last
month’s post, take the time to read it now:
http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2014/06/designing-your-new-california-garden-11.html.
If you’re just
joining the ‘Designing Your New California Garden’ series, we suggest starting
at the beginning (July 2013 - http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2013/07/designing-your-new-california-garden-1.html)
and working forward. The monthly
activities will help you design an attractive, functional, sustainable and
water-wise garden.
Designing an attractive garden: the
creative process in action
Garden design is a creative process. It requires focus, knowledge of plants, time
and plain old tinkering. The creative
process is the same, whether you’re creating a painting, solving a scientific
problem or designing a garden. You begin
with an idea, problem or question (basic
focus) that gives some order to your work.
You next define the guidelines or
parameters that give structure to the basic problem. This stage is often a circular process: trying
out possible guidelines, learning more, revising the guidelines and so on. You’ve actually been involved in this stage
all along, as you’ve worked through the activities. The site physical characteristics and your
wishes help define the parameters for your design.
The third stage is gestation. This stage is akin
to biologic gestation; there’s a lot going on beneath the surface, but the
final product is not yet fully formed. You
may feel like you aren’t getting anywhere, while your mind is filled with too
many conflicting ideas. This can be a
frustrating time for some people; but it’s an absolutely necessary and normal stage in the creative process.
Once this stage is over (and you’ll know
when it is) you’ll emerge with a ‘eureka moment’ – when everything seems to
come together as if by magic. Of course
it’s not magic at all; you’ve spent plenty of time and effort preparing for
this stage. But the last stage is when
you can literally put the entire Garden Plan together.
The design process may seem like a lot of
effort – and it is. For some, the time
and effort will seem like play; for others it’s more like torture. If you’re one of the latter, consider hiring
a professional landscape designer to complete the Garden Plan (see our June
2014 posting). Designers go through the
creative process all the time – it’s what they do. They can take your preparatory work and
create a plan that reflects your needs, desires and history. Just be sure to choose a designer who
specializes in California (or other local) native plants and who is sensitive
to your desires.
If you want to design the garden yourself, we’ve
a few more ideas to help you along the way.
Using these time-tested artistic tools is an excellent way to design a
garden that is attractive as well as
functional. You’ll want to review the
design principles several times as you create – and revise – your garden design.
Artistic Principles (Elements of
Design)
The
artistic principles underlying a good design are the same for a painting or a
garden. Discovered over time, often by
trial and error, these principles are
passed down from teacher to student.
They are the ‘tricks of the trade’ that make a design work.
To
demonstrate how helpful they are, we will apply the design elements to the
garden at 112 Willow Street. But first, an introduction. Some of the Elements of Design are easier to
understand than others. We’ll start with
the more intuitive Elements this month and follow up with more holistic (and
elusive) Elements next month. Here are the
first eight Elements:
Enclosure – refers to the sense of being in a defined (enclosed) area. Much as a picture frame defines the ‘space’ of a painting, walls, fences, screens, hedges and other features can be used to define the ‘space’ of a garden. Many people, particularly in crowded urban/suburban neighborhoods, feel more at ease if their garden gives a sense of enclosure (privacy).
You can also use enclosure
to set off separate garden ‘rooms’ – much like rooms in a house. Even a small garden can benefit from
division into several rooms. Garden
rooms create a sense of mystery; the viewer wants to see what’s around the
corner or behind the hedge. Surprisingly, they make a garden appear larger
than it actually is. To be effective, garden
rooms must demonstrate the Principle of Enclosure.
Proportion and Scale – refers to the idea that parts of a design should relate well together in terms of their sizes, amounts or numbers. This Principle is hard to describe; but we all can think of examples of gardens that are ‘out of proportion’.
Take for example, a small front yard with a huge pine tree. The pine is out of scale for the small yard. The designers didn’t consider the final size of the tree; the design suffers from the lack of foresight. Similarly, a very small sculpture, meant to be a focal point, is lost in a large open garden. The same sculpture would be perfect in a smaller garden ‘room’, where it would serve as a key element of the design.
The principle of proportion and scale applies to all elements of a garden design, from layout to hardscape and plants. You may have seen an over- large gazebo or planter in a small yard – it looks odd because it’s out of scale. Similarly, oversized rustic log garden furniture is ‘too massive’ for a small seating area. More appropriate would be smaller scale furniture such as bistro chairs, retro metal lawn chairs, etc.
Proportion and scale also refer to the numbers of parts. Once again, you can likely conjure up gardens
in which ‘too many’ pots or lawn ornaments detracted from a design that was
otherwise pleasant. At the other
extreme, a single narrow tree in very large garden might appear as an orphan; additional trees would make the scale ‘look
right’.
Emphasis - refers to using parts of a design to catch the viewer’s attention. Emphasis directs the viewer to an object or portion of a composition. Emphasis makes a garden more interesting by providing focal points or accents – places where the viewer’s eye naturally gravitates.
Emphasis must be used sparingly. Creating too many focal points defeats their purpose, much as a red dress disappears in a roomful of red dresses. But a design lacking focal points can be confusing – even disconcerting - because the eye doesn’t know where to look first. Gardens without focal points often seem unplanned, jumbled, even chaotic – not what is usually desired.
Emphasis can be created in several ways. All involve making one area stand out by
contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color,
texture, shape, etc. Vertical elements in open areas of the garden
can create interesting – even dramatic -
focal points. Garden art or ‘accent
plants’ with unusual features are often used as focal points; they are
unexpected/different and therefore attract the eye.
The placement of
accents requires some thought. We
suggest spending time in your future
garden, observing the vistas. Where
does your eye travel when you sit on the patio?
Walk out your back door? Do you
want to direct the eye to a nice vista?
Make the garden appear longer by emphasizing the longest vista? Emphasis
directs the eye – use it to best advantage.
Repetition (Rhythm) – refers to the use of multiples of the same or similar elements. In a garden, repetition is achieved by massing or grouping individual plants or repeating hardscape elements. Using the same pavers/path materials throughout the garden is a good example of repetition; so is using multiples of the same shrub to create a hedge or background planting. Repetition can also be achieved by using plants of similar size, foliage color or other characteristic. All involve repeating some element.
Repetition can be used to do several things. Repetition creates unity within a design. Repeated elements remind the viewer that the
garden should be viewed as a whole. We
use the same principle when we paint all of a house’s trim the same color; or
use the same style of windows throughout the house. Repetition signifies a unified whole.
Repetition can also be used to reflect or amplify
architectural geometry. For example, the
horizontal lines of a house can be echoed by horizontal lines of hedges or
groundcover. Or the columns of a porch
can be repeated in a fence, arbor or other garden hardscape. This repetition underscores the house’s design
and can emphasize the connection between indoor and outdoor space.
Repetition of flowering plants – massed plantings – can
be used effectively as a means of emphasis.
There’s something magical about a mass of blooms – repetitions of the
same – that draws the eye like a magnet.
It’s one reason why spring wildflowers are so appealing in nature. Repetition
is magical!
Use the principle
of repetition in your garden by limiting
your choice of plants and planting like plants together. For a garden design featuring massed
plantings see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/planning-hummingbird-heaven-wise-hummingbird-plants-2014-final
Variety - is created by introducing different forms or types of elements to a design. Variety is the opposite of repetition. Too little variety (too much repetition) leads to monotony. A garden composed of shrubs, all of the same size and color, would certainly be boring. As they say, ‘variety is the spice of life’.
On the other hand, introducing too many elements can create a chaotic,
unmanageable design; that’s why creating a successful cottage garden (which
features lots of variety) is such a difficult design challenge. A fine balance between the extremes produces a
pleasant sense of unity in a landscape design.
Contrast – refers to the diversity of adjacent elements in terms of color, texture, or tone. Contrast is very important for the overall appearance of the garden; it is one of the chief means to add year-round variety. A garden composed solely of medium-green shrubs is boring due to a lack of contrast between adjacent shrubs.
The good designer integrates plants with distinctly different foliage color, texture, or form in such a way as to highlight and draw attention to individual plants. Plants are placed so that the contrasts emphasize the unique characteristics of each plant. For example, a plant with light foliage or bright flowers is placed in front of a plant with darker foliage. The contrast serves to emphasize the characteristics of both plants.
Native plants from mediterranean climates (like California) provide a
vast array of foliage characteristics from which to choose. Leaf size ranges from miniscule to large and
foliage colors from deep green to gray-green, blue-green – even white. Mediterranean and California plants are particularly
valued in landscape designs for their contrast value. Be sure to use them if you live in an
appropriate climate.
Line – In garden design, lines can be expressed in many ways: through paths, walls, fences, edges of beds/planters and the placement of plants. Landscape lines should be pleasing, proportionate and appropriate for the formality of the design. We suggest that you lay out the lines of paths and beds, using rope or a garden hose, before deciding on their final placement. Sometimes seeing a line in place can show you instantly if you’ve got it right. Don’t hesitate to play around until you’re satisfied.
Landscape lines direct the movement or sight to a particular area of
interest.
They can be used to direct the eye to a focal point – for example a line
of shrubs leading to a garden sculpture or accent plant. Lines can also be used to set the tone of a
garden; formal, geometric lines make a design appear formal, while curved or
winding lines are more informal.
Scent – refers to the use of aromatic qualities of plants. While unique to garden design, the use of scent in a garden adds another dimension. Well chosen garden scents add a layer of interest that cannot be achieved by other means.
Many gardeners consider floral scents when choosing plants. But plants from mediterranean climates can also provide aromatic foliage. In fact, many mediterranean plants (sages; mints; rosemary; etc.) are used as cooking spices, in potpourri and other scented crafts.
As with all elements of design, scent must be chosen carefully. Scent preference is very personal – people literally experience a given scent differently. Visit a nursery and discretely smell the flowers or foliage. Scented foliage is best evaluated on a warm summer day, when plants are producing their volatile chemicals. You will find that different Sages (even cultivars) have very different aromas. Choose scents that make you feel good and will add to your enjoyment of the garden.
Creating the Garden Design – a plan of
action
Creating a plan
for the entire garden may seem overwhelming.
We suggest taking it a step at a time.
Different parts of the design must work together in the end. But there’s no reason why you can’t break the
task into manageable pieces.
Consider designing
the functional areas individually. This
allows you to focus on a unified set of functions and physical characteristics. Begin with a functional area containing
few/no plants. This will ease you into
the design process and increase your confidence. In fact, you’ll be surprised how quickly such
areas come together, as you’ve already done much of the work.
The first step
is to create a Summary of Characteristics for the functional area. This
summary lists the important characteristics of the physical site and design. It
summarizes the hardscape elements. It
also lists the characteristics of the plant materials to be used (if any). Let’s
take an example from the garden at 112 Willow Street.
As you recall
from previous posts, the gardeners at 112 Willow Street combined a number of
utilitarian functions into a ‘Maintenance’ functional area. Located in a side yard, the area will
contain a storage shed, the trash and recycling bins, and room for other utilitarian
tasks. As currently envisioned, the Maintenance Area
has the following characteristics:
The
‘Maintenance’ area is already largely planned, thanks to the work we did when
designing the hardscape. But
looking at the design with fresh eyes can be helpful. The gardeners haven’t included some
important features that will increase the functionality to the Maintenance
Area. These are added to the summary
list (below).
The Maintenance Area is roughly 12 ft. by 14 ft. The gardeners can fit the additional hardscape into the area - if they plan well. They free up some space by moving the compost bin to the garden area. Since compost will mostly be used in the Vegetable Garden – and much of the green waste will come from there – moving the compost bin makes sense. The Vegetable Garden can accommodate a 2 ½ ft. wide, tall compost bin – adequate for the gardener’s needs.
Adding a work surface requires some creativity. Fortunately, the recycling bin is short enough to fit under a work surface. A potting soil bin can also be located under the work surface, making good use of limited space.
There still is plenty of room in the Maintenance Area for a clothesline. A retractable or a folding clothesline will provide plenty of drying space; either will allow the gardeners to retract the apparatus when not in use.
The Maintenance Area, as currently designed, has much to recommend it. It concentrates maintenance functions in single area and is conveniently located. The gardeners can easily envision its daily use. But what of the Elements of Design?
A purely functional area, largely out of sight, has less strict aesthetic requirements than other functional areas. Like the interior of a garage or tool shed, functionality trumps design (although a Maintenance area can be quite attractive, if desired). But several Design Elements do play a role in the Maintenance Area at 122 Willow St.
First, note that the area is Enclosed creating a separate maintenance ‘room’ apart from the rest of the garden. The Vegetable Garden is another obvious candidate as a separate room. A low fence, hedge or herb border between the ‘Natural Lawn’ and Vegetable Garden adds to the sense of Enclosure.
When designing the arch between the Maintenance Area and the garden, our gardeners will need to consider Proportion and Scale. The arch must be sturdy enough to convey water from downspout to water storage containers in the Vegetable Garden. But it must also be of appropriate scale to blend with the rest of the small backyard garden. The Lines created by the arch should be simple and clean, in keeping with the gardener’s wish for a garden with a slightly formal look.
At this point you can likely see the advantage of beginning with an area composed entirely of hardscape. It’s easy to summarize the characteristics of the area. And the area is composed of hardscape elements, most of which you’ve already considered. The design process is a bit more complex in areas that include plants.
Another functional area defined by its location is the ‘Quiet/Meditation Area’ at 112 Willow St. Located in the opposite side yard, this long (40 ft) narrow (8 ft wide) area is contained by the house and perimeter fence. The gardeners have already made several decisions for this area. They begin their Summary of Characteristics:
The gardeners have a good start on their design. In fact, they already have mapped out some of the elements of this functional area (below).
The gardeners lay out the path and seating areas with rope to see how they will look. They like the slight meander to the path – it will add to the ‘woodsy’ character of the area. They bring out some chairs and examine the vistas afforded to someone sitting in the Quiet/Meditation Area. One change is immediately apparent – the seating area should be placed closer to the house. That will allow the gardeners two potential focal points – one towards the backyard and a second facing the front yard.
The side of the neighbor’s garage truly is an eyesore. The gardener’s confirm their need for a trellis to block the view. After considering their options, they have chosen to add a 4 ft. lattice addition to the top of the existing fence. As they sit, they realize that a more attractive option would be to extend the lattice addition beyond the garage. The 4 ft. addition will be fine for blocking the view of the garage. They will taper the lattice down in increments on either side – 3 ft, 2 ft and one ft. The new lattice addition will add an interesting design element to an otherwise bland fence (use of Line). It will also allow a vine/climber plenty of room to grow.
The gardeners find it extremely useful to sit in their future Quiet/Meditation Garden. They even sit and read their books, glancing up occasionally to take in imaginary views. Slowly a garden design begins to take shape.
Visitors will enter the area via pavers surrounded by a low groundcover or grass. The grass/groundcover theme will continue on the other side of the seating area, a good use of Repetition. The grass/groundcover will be evergreen or mostly so, providing the feel of a cool oasis, even in summer. The groundcover/grass will be surrounded by small shrubs and perennials which will provide Variety. The choice of these plants will be done to maximize Scent and Contrast. They will limit their choices to a small number of plants, massed to provide the peaceful feel they want to create. Their final Summary of Characteristics looks like this:
In reviewing their final design (below) the gardeners realize that they will either need to choose a very attractive water cistern, or plant a taller shrub in front of it to block the view from the seating area. An evergreen shrub, with a small statue, ornamental stump or other focal point might be just the ticket!
Note that at this stage, the gardeners have blocked out major planting areas. They have also defined the basic characteristics of plants they want to include. It’s usually premature at this point to select individual plants (create a plant list) or create a planting plan (map with all the plants in their proper positions). You need to take time to think, imagine and reconsider.
Sometimes a designer will have a particular plant they want to use. That’s fine. Some of the best gardens are designed around a single fabulous plant that the gardener adores. But don’t feel you need to choose your plants at this stage. What you’re creating now is a sketch of the final plan. We’ll take our design further next month, when it’s had a little ‘gestation time’.
We
value your comments (below). You can
also contact us directly at mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com.
