How to Design a Garden
Before you start designing a garden, take measurements and sketch your yard on graph paper. Draw in the existing trees, plants, lawns, fences and other areas to give you a bird's eye view of your property.
Create a palette that consists of cool and warm colors. Color blends create depth and movement in a garden and analogous colors (those that are adjacent to each one another on the color wheel) are able to blend effortlessly.
Color
The color scheme in a garden can have huge impact on the mood and feel of the space. Your chosen colors will determine the mood of your garden, whether you want an oasis of calm tones or a lively and vibrant riot. There is no correct or incorrect color choice. Every person's preference for color is unique. There have been books written on this topic. There are some guidelines to assist you in choosing the best color combinations for your garden.
Begin by choosing a primary color to serve as your base. It could be a dark shade, like blues, which create a calm and peaceful feeling or bright and vibrant hues, such as red, for a stimulating effect. Once you've chosen your main color, you can add more shades to it.
An easy way to pair colors is to choose an analogous scheme. This means choosing two colours that are close to each other on the color wheel. For example yellow and red or green and purple. This gives your garden an even, harmonious look.
Another option is a complementary color scheme, where you pick opposites on the wheel of colors, like blue and orange. This creates contrast in your garden and makes it pop. Consider a triadic colour scheme to create a more subtle look. This is when you choose three colors that form triangles on the wheel of colors.
It's important to remember that a color's mood may change depending on the light and the season. Colors that are pale, such as whites and yellows, can highlight shady areas whereas bright colors can fade in bright sunlight. Also, be sure to consider the colors of your home and any other elements in the garden, including furniture, pottery and fences.
Don't forget about neutrals when you design your garden. These are colors that can be paired with any other shade. For example the shade of green can help to reduce the brightness of red blooms while providing an attractive background for the foliage of the blue and purple plants. This is particularly helpful if you have a limited color palette. It lets you add a splash of color without overpowering your garden.
Texture
It is a rewarding experience to start an outdoor garden. If you decide to plant vegetables or beautiful flowers, it is gratifying. Making your garden look perfect requires a lot of thought and planning - regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional garden designer or carry out the task yourself.
Before gardening vegetable dig in, think about how you would like your garden to feel, and who it is intended for, as well as any gardening goals specific to you, such as producing organic food or cutting flowers. Once you've identified your goals, it's important to break down the project into manageable steps. This will ensure that the project is successful and help you avoid overwhelming yourself or the area.
It's recommended to create a contingency fund for the gardening planning process since unexpected expenses could be expensive. You should put aside between 5 and 15% of your total budget for contingencies, so that you can make changes as needed without affecting your budget overall.
After you have chosen the general design of your garden, it is time to consider the elements that add texture and depth in the landscape. The contrast of flower and leaf shapes, as well as silhouettes, will make a border more lively and allow your eyes to focus on the finer particulars.
Another method to draw attention to a border is by making use of a structure. This can be in the form of a fence, stone wall, or a trellis. Consider the size of your garden when choosing structures; a 3-foot-high trellis might be adequate to create a border of a smaller size, but it will look disproportionate in a garden that is large.
Don't overlook the impact your garden has on wildlife. Plant bee-friendly plants and provide bird baths and feeders to attract birds. Consider adding features like log piles, ponds and hedgehog highways that support local biodiversity. This will provide your garden with a sense of place and help sustain the natural environment, making it both beautiful and sustainable.
Form
When planning your garden, it is important to think about shape. Structure is essential to the overall look of any space, whether you're building the pergola or planning an area for seating. For example, a pergola with an ornate trellis and climbing plants can create a sense of drama, and a simple wooden bench with a low back is perfect for a relaxing spot to sip an iced tea.
You should also consider the size of your yard. A border that is slapped into the middle of a large lawn appears out of place and requires much more maintenance than a flower garden that is tucked into the corner or against a fence. Try to create a balance and ensure that each part of your garden is given equal attention to prevent one area appearing crowded while another feels empty.
The garden should be planned with a purpose in mind - do you wish to grow vegetables, flowers or both? Do you want to entertain your guests or take a moment of peace and quiet? If you're not sure, it may be beneficial to seek ideas from other gardens, or visit the gardens of your family and friends. This will help you gain a better understanding of what types of plants and structures are compatible and which ones do not.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, it is better to break your project down into phases than to tackle everything all at once. A lot of people begin with a few beds and plant them with annuals before adding perennials and finally changing to trees and shrubs. After you have decided on the kind of garden you'd like to have it is important to determine the best location for it. It should be somewhere that you can spend your time, like near the back door or along the front step and also a place the place where you can take in the view in the comfort of your home - washing dishes or glancing at your computer screen are less of a chore when you have a beautiful scene to keep you entertained!
Consider the impact of your garden on wildlife that lives nearby. By incorporating a log pile, or a wildlife pond, establishing a habitat for bees and other pollinators and creating an environment for insects could all add to the enjoyment of your garden.
Light
Lighting ideas for gardens can transform your landscape at night, whether they're used to create a magical effect or to illuminate a dining area. There are many possibilities to think about. Some can be incorporated on an ad-hoc basis or on a whim, while others require careful consideration in the design phase.
Accent lighting is a method to highlight important elements in your landscape by using an adjustable beam. These fixtures are typically used to highlight small shrubs, flowers and statues. They create sparkling islands of interest in your landscape. Choose a low-wattage light fixture to avoid attracting insects and search for a warm color temperature to replicate the natural light.
The more you can incorporate your lighting into your garden, the more effective. From wall lights and sconces that blend seamlessly with your seating areas and plants to string lights and fairy lights that are ideal for lighting outdoor spaces. These lights are available with smart technology that lets you to play with phasing, colour, and zoning.
Landscape lighting makes a big impact on your outdoor spaces and makes your plants appear best during the day and into the night. Spotlights placed on raised borders can light the foliage of trees and plants while spotlights set at the ground can 'graze' walls and other hardscapes in order to emphasize their texture. A tree's highlights with the use of a spotlight can create dramatic and stunning effect of moonlight.
Path lights are a fundamental, but essential, yard element that improve curb appeal and make walking around your yard after dark more secure. They will not overshadow the ground below if you set them at an angle of 14 inches. This will also permit you to see where you are going. Look for lights with a warm color and, to make sure they are energy efficient, opt for LED.
The right lighting can bring out the natural beauty in your home's exterior, and give your garden a fresh perspective. It also provides security and safety, as well as an efficient way to use your garden for entertaining, eating and relaxing.