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When it comes to planning a do it yourself garden, it is important to think about the aesthetics— how will it look like for you and for others. Gardeners consider a lot of things when making a garden. They may choose a certain type of plant over another, or they may opt for including a pond in their garden. In either way, the decision all comes down to the design principles.
Design principles can be thought of as standards which can influence the feel of the do it yourself garden. They come from design theory, which can be applied beyond garden planning. It can also be used for other areas of life as well, such as business management and home decoration.
To start off, there are five design principles all taken from Art, Design, and Visual Thinking: An Interactive Textbook by Charlotte Jirousek (1995). These are:
– Balance
– Proportion
– Rhythm
– Emphasis
– Unity.
Balance portrays equality when the design is halved. For example, a garden with the same plants at either side tends to be balanced. This specific example has what is referred to as a symmetrical balance. Symmetrical balance can be easily achieved in garden designs yet may tend to grow dull later on. Asymmetrical balance can be used to create tension and promote energy. In some cases, it is also more interesting to the eye.
Proportion refers to the different sizes used in the design. One famous example of it being applied is when plants are arranged according to increasing height. Proportion can create further tension and can make a garden appear more dynamic and lively. However, make sure to not overdo it. Don’t place a huge plant beside a small one; it might not make the small plants stand out.
Rhythm pertains to the recurring pattern in the design. A sequence of santan and rose shrubs portrays rhythm. Rhythm, just like in music, can create a certain vibe in the garden. Continuous hedgerows may imply uniformity in the garden or a mix of colorful flowering plants may express a lively mood, just like in festivals.
Emphasis means directing viewers to a certain direction or point in space. This may mean heavily contrasting the design, like putting a brightly colored plant in the center of same colored ones, or creating emphasis through proportion, just like in the proportion example. Emphasis helps in keeping the eyes on the object in the center of attention.
Lastly, unity refers to all the design elements—like line and color—working in harmony to produce the desired effect. This may mean using the colors red and green to create a Christmas vibe or arranging plants of differing heights in such a way that they form a triangle. Unity can be thought of as the final outcome when combining different design patterns.
For aspiring gardeners, it may seem like a daunting task to try and design a do it yourself garden. However, learning the fundamentals of design can make the task much easier. Do not be afraid to experiment with different designs and different plans. Hands-on experience will always be the best way to learn these things.