STYLES OF GARDENS

There are unlimited different styles of gardens to choose from when creating for our own spaces. We can chose from some of the main categories and add our own special touch so we have a statement of our own style. After all we garden for enjoyment and beauty and should not be afraid to stray from theory and rigid thoughts. The small list below is a beginning point only and hopefully will lead you to search for more specific styles or your own form of gardening. The architectural style of our homes and natural conditions of our land should always be considered in our design process. The areas we work in are well worth considering as outside rooms or an extension of the home. If screened from one another or blended well we may wish to create completely different themes in various areas.

THEME GARDENS

ORIENTAL GARDENS

We usually think of these gardens for a few of the various techniques that are applied to specific styles. Most people remember the general look , not realizing that there are many Asian styles. This category could be broken down into a few most popular types such as;

JAPANESE GARDENS

This garden usually is going to contain water in some form, always some rocks in very close harmony with each other, perhaps some raked rocks that show the ebb and tide of the ocean or life. Bamboo structures or fences, teahouses or living quarters are usually part of the layout. Pathways in many forms such as gravel, larger stone in various patterns, cobblestone in various sizes are usually the choice. Most gardens have a good portion of the plant material as evergreen with blooming color that is outstanding alone. Such plants as azaleas, wisteria, camellias, Japanese irises, and ornamental cherries. Maples are one of the tree varieties usually found in this garden grown for shape and leaf color. Pine trees sculpted into floating clouds or windswept forms are other popular types of trees found in most of the gardens. Quite a few other plants are used for a variation of texture and shades of green. There is usually more plant material planted in one space than we would expect to see, thinking that it would be too crowded. Given that the maintenance is approached very methodical and using gifted pruning techniques, the plants are blended with the other elements to create illusions within the space. Thinking of the pruning in the trees it should almost always be opened up to allow for the birds and the butterflies to flit around in comfort.

Books on this subject.

CHINESE GARDENS

The Chinese garden has been around for quite some time and was the first to have a major influence on the Japanese gardeners. Although there are many similarities, they both have their own distinct characteristics. The Chinese garden is not essentially of horticultural interest with a profusion of plants growing in wild abandon. To evoke the beauties of natural scenery on an intimate scale is the aim of the Chinese gardener. Rocks and flowing water are manipulated so that images of great mountains and rivers are conjured up within a limited area. Often there are bizarre plant forms shaped with evergreen material. Mossy steps, meandering paths, and cobbled paving is popular.

Books on this subject.

ENGLISH GARDENS

This area is usually thought of as one that has many colors, blooms and bloom periods and therefore is used in great many gardens. Many of the plants are

perennials and bulbs and could lead to a lifetime of discovery working with the many varieties available to most people.

COTTAGE GARDENS

Usually the flower borders of these gardens are densely planted with perennials, and annuals that are not only attractive in the garden but many are well suited to be cut and

brought indoors for arrangements. This style of garden is very often informal in nature with a strong sense that the plant material should be thought of in companionships that fit the idea of survival of the fittest. Color in this garden can be approached by a variety of means as not only the pleasing colors next to each other on the color wheel but with some

bold splashes of contradicting colors as well. Rustic wood arbors, gates, fences and seats are very often included in special areas. Climbing plants such as wisteria, roses, clematis, and honeysuckle are used quite a bit. Bird baths in various forms and birdhouses of various types are popular additions. Pathways are important elements and one form is to use flagstone interplanted with Wooly thyme or Corsican mint. Usually some free-form lawn shapes are added for interest and barefoot walks.

NATIVE GARDENS

The plants in these gardens are usually ones that have evolved over time to be well suited as survivalist from what they will receive for weather conditions in a particular region. As an example, some areas will treat these plants to very low cold extremes along with some snow, while in other areas the plants found flourishing there are living in dry, hot climates the entire year. The idea with these gardens is to take the types of existing plants found in your region that survive in certain conditions and create like type micro-climates that after the initial get established phase, these plants will survive on little if any care. This is one of the attractions to this style, as with our busy lifestyles we can enjoy beautiful garden spaces with little maintenance requirements.

One thing to keep in mind is that in some areas the amount of rainfall is substantial so the amount of watering in your garden will also be high. There are many wonderful textures and colors to be enjoyed. One of the best ways to build this style is to discuss plants and requirements with a local expert or go to areas that have similar climates as yours and see what is growing in nature. Remember that to take most plants out of the wild requires a permit and or may be against the law. Please check with local authorities so that we may preserve our natural environments and heritage. Also included in this area would be WOODLAND GARDENS, DESERT GARDENS and TROPICAL GARDENS as the principles and use of native material is preferred. As always there are a few people who would like to do what is not native to their region. If there are enough conditions met (such as greenhouse gardens, soil conditioning, watering needs, etc.) then there is always the chance of success although usually at a higher cost.

SHADE GARDENS

Often these gardens are created out of necessity, as we have areas on our properties that have shade and will need some attention. Areas under trees with dense leaves, north facing walls, and a variety of structures, are all subject to cooler temperatures and less light. There are many plants that are used for the foliage in these applications. Different shades of green or variegated material is rather attractive. Blooming plants such as rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea, satiable, dicentra, impatiens, and trilliums are very popular. On a hot summer day these areas, if made inviting, can be a great spot to spend a quiet hour or two reading a book.

EDIBLE GARDENS 

These gardens traditionally were separate areas all to themselves. This may have been an orchard of a particular Fruit or Nut and grown primarily for the amount of harvest. There may have been rows and rows of Berries grown and cultivated very neatly. Vegetables and Herbs have been very popular types of gardens over the ages not only for the food and seasoning capabilities but also for many medicinal needs. Many Flowers are edible and are used for salads and garnishes. If we take an organic approach to gardening, there are many possibilities to mix many of these plants right in with our ornamental efforts. These gardens can also give wonderful color from many of the blooms or foliage of these plants. The variety of scent experienced with these plants is absolutely wonderful and on many early morning or late eve it can be the highlight.

WILDLIFE GARDENS

Most of these gardens are in a natural setting, or one created for the purpose of attracting various wildlife. Usually we are not talking about larger animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and elk. Here we will try to encourage the visits from our smaller groups of animals like squirrels, birds, and butterflies. There are many plants that will encourage a visit. These animals are looking for food and will find it in berries, fruit, and flower nectar. Shelters of various types, either man made structures or natural areas in the gardens will also encourage visitors. Water will always attract wildlife of various types. We would suggest the following books on this subject.

WHIMSICAL GARDENS

This garden is full of capricious humor, extravagant, fanciful, or excessively playful expression. Here we can place any number of items that we got on a whim. We should have loads of fun in adding elfish type figures (such as the Garden Keepers), playful water fountains, Alice in Wonderland figures, or a strawman falling down a wishing well. We should be able to add any element that strikes our fancy. This is one of the most enjoyable garden areas full of features for both adults and children.

Many of these items can be used as playful surprises, hidden in among our plantings.

SINGLE GENUS GARDEN

Here we could design an area that has a single family of plants that do quite well on their own. Plants such as boxwood, iris, roses, lilac, camellia and azalea will all do well planted with various varieties. There are many more to consider that have a variety of colors and heights within a particular family that create an interesting area all to their own.

SINGLE COLOR GARDEN

There have been great many garden areas created using just one color scheme, and may be a fun area to explore if you have favorite colors. White, red, blue, green, pink, yellow or gold, grey or silver are all popular single colors. Many books will help you in choosing plants for these areas.

SCULPTURE GARDEN

These gardens are often a specific area that will be used to showcase various artists work. There can be many different art pieces used here, and usually it will lead to some interesting discussions, as art work is interpreted in the eye of the beholder. Various other forms of sculpture work can be used as focal points of interest in different locations in the garden. The type of sculpture will be dictated usually by the primary theme in the garden. 

OTHERS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO;