Garden Detective

This video has absolutely nothing to do with this post. I just thought I'd provide some entertainment for your listening enjoyment while you read. (Slide the bar to the 1:10:00 point to bypass the intro.)

There are 5 simple rules to keep in mind when planning a garden, whether it's a bed, border, garden room or landscaped area.

1. Repetition. Repeat hardscape materials throughout the garden and repeat foliage or flower color and texture throughout the space.

2. Balance. You can achieve balance two ways, but first you have to figure out what sort of garden you want. Do you like a formal look? Then you'll want things arranged symmetrically. Prefer things informal? Shoot for an assymetrical arrangement. Either way, you need balance. Imagine a line running through the center of your garden. Now fold it in half. Oh -- and erase the garden and replace it with a mirror. If both sides are identical, that's a formal symmetrical arrangement. If they're a bit askew, like in my mirror, then you're an asymmetrical type.

Yesterday, I wrote about planting in groups of 3s or 5s. That looks best regardless of your style. Using just one of a plant makes it a specimen. If you use two, then things are symmetrical, and that makes you a formal person. When grouping in 3s, plants look best when arranged in the shape of an equilateral triangle. If you want to use 4 of something, don't just line them up. Plant 3 on one side and 1 on the other. Or, divide the space into quadrants and plant one in each quad. When you have 5 of the same plant, put 4 on one side and another opposite them. This creates balance, even though it's not symmetrical.

3. Contrast and harmony. Consider that plant textures and colors should be different enough to provide contrast but you still need them to blend with eachother. Using just one each of many plants will create a big jumble that will look chaotic and messy.

4. Movement. Hopefully in #2, above, you figured out whether you were a formal type or an informal type. Use that new self-awareness to determine how you'll create movement in your garden. Soft, curved lines are used in informal gardens; straight geometrical lines are found in formal gardens. Either way, your gardening style determines how people walk through the property. It's a power trip. In my yard, you have to walk around curvy beds. I don't care if you're a formal person. It's my house, and that's the way I like it. When I visit you, I'll walk straight if you want me to, but over here we do it curvy.

5. Unity. Think about all the components of your property. There's a house, plants, maybe a deck or a patio, a walkway, some trees. If you're mindful of creating unity, all those individual parts will come together. Consider using plants with colors that coordinate with your house. And don't stop at color. It's important to match style, as well. A cottage garden would seem out of place in front of a so-called McMansion, while a formal garden might seem odd behind a bungalow.

In the end, though, you should use these principles to express your individuality. What to plant? Plant what you like. Just be sure it's suited to the climate and soil and sun exposure. After that, it's all you.