Key Garden Design Elements to Consider When Designing Your Space

The best gardens have successfully accomplished the combination of the physical elements of the space with the key tenets of garden design.  Line, texture, colour and form are combined to drive the best experience in both the use of the space and its deep connection to and enjoyment of its owners.

Structurally, lines are a key, fundamental component that shape the space and flow of movement.  Hard and soft scaping can delineate areas of the garden while also creating patterns and forms.  They also lend to the energy of the space:  e.g. straight = modern & direct, curved = soft & naturalistic.  Lines form the basis for the rest of the design.

*Own work

Colour is a key element that influences emotions and creates a depth to an outdoor space.  Colour pairing options are endless – the riotous effects of an English garden to a more refined Japanese-influenced design that uses greens and textures rather than bright shades of colour to evoke the feeling a space creates.

Form/mass/shape are the building blocks that drive whether a space is formal or informal, structured & planned or informal and naturalistic.  These create three-dimensional spaces that invite the inhabitant to fully experience the space in its physical form, including decks & patios, planting beds, and lawn or pathways.  The key is to create balance among these components.

* Own work

Texture lends much to the fine, tactile details of garden design.  It is represented through the myriad options available with different plant foliage, hardscaping materials such as wood, concrete and stone, as well as flowering blooms and outdoor artistic features.

These are some of the core principles to keep in mind as you are thinking about your own space.  If you are looking for assistance with planning your outdoors, please feel free to connect with me anytime.  I am here to help.