How to Create a Landscaped Garden
All dwellings need some form of link with nature. It does not matter if it is just some containers with plants by the front porch or a deck surrounded by greens of all variants. For city dwellers the "green" link might even be some houseplants and window boxes or even a roof top garden. However, if you are fortunate enough to have the space for a proper garden - a conservatory, an outdoor terrace or even a glass-enclosed sun porch- you are then fortunate to be able to enjoy the healing and relaxing power of plants right at your doorstep.
Green is the most tranquil colour. A garden that your eyes could feats on a daily basis can promote your senses of well-being. A rather hectic and stressful day could somehow be alleviated by spending some time to de-stress in your own private garden.
Landscaping your Garden
There is the architect and then there is the landscape architect. A landscape architect's expertise is all about the proper scientific and aesthetic means of site development. In Architectural lingo, landscaping would mean re-arranging or modifying or designing the physical locations and developments of a site's flora and fauna, landforms, contour and elevation, drainage, placement of structures, fences and other objects that are manmade, and even abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions and effects.
In layman's terms, landscaping is directly connected to physically arranging and rearranging the backyard to make a garden. The beauty of landscaping your garden is that you can do whatever it is you want and the garden would just be "fine". However, there are a few basics that you should know about gardening before you proceed.
Different Types of Gardens
There are three main types of gardens. They are gardens based on the greeneries planted, gardens based on a particular style and gardens based on usage. Under the types listed under a particular plant or plant group are: cactus garden, herb garden, vegetable garden, flower garden, rose garden, orangery, orchard, vineyard, wildflower garden, a winter garden and more.
Under gardens of particular styles are: rock garden, Chinese garden, Japanese garden, English garden, French formal garden, Italian garden, Knot garden, terrarium, Bonsai, tropical garden, Zen garden and even Xeriscaping (water-wise landscaping), and more. Under usage, they are: a botanical garden, butterfly garden, cottage garden, hanging garden, a roof garden, a rain garden, urban garden, a greenhouse, a sacred garden, patio or deck garden, outdoor, indoor and more.
The type of garden that you would like to put up would have to depend on some factors. If you are contemplating on doing the "design" phase of your garden, you should have at least some basic knowledge of the principles of garden landscaping. What are these basics?
Basics in Garden Landscaping
- Unity - Your design should have consistency. If your garden is a Japanese garden, then all plants and accents should pertain to anything Japanese.
- Simplicity - Start out uncomplicated designs. Do not dwell on too much intricacies especially if one, you are a newbie gardener and two, your space is small.
- Balance - Your garden should have a sense of balance that could either be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Contrast and harmony in terms of plants and colours should be incorporated.
- Other aspects that should be considered are: proportion; line and repetition and the natural transition from living areas to the garden.
You should also know the general types of flowers that you can use for greening your garden. These are:
- Annuals are also known as seasonal flowers. These flowers are from seeds that grow, flower and die in a year. The average life span of these flowers is three to four months.
- Biennials are plants that take two years to cycle. For biennials to bloom on a yearly basis you have to plant seeds each year.
- Perennials are plants and flowers that keep on blooming for many years. There is no need for you to replant them. Some examples are gerberas, geraniums, anthuriums and other species of the daisy plant.
- Shrubs are in an essence, small woody trees. They could be both flowering and ornamental.
- Trees can be flowering, ornamental, fruit-bearing, and shade trees. Their heights vary that it is a good idea to consider their mature height when planting them.
- Creepers grow from the ground and on to walls and fences. Climbers are soft-stemmed plants that need support to stand. Vines are climbers.
- Bulbs are rooted in the ground. They are easy to plant and maintain and guaranteed to bloom yearly. A good example of bulb plants is tulips.
Landscaping a garden could be a lot easier if you could hire a contractor to do the job for you. However, if you cannot afford professional help then here are some helpful tips when planning on landscaping your garden.
- Plan your garden. Measure the area where you want your garden then decide what kind of garden you want.
- Do some rough sketches on where you want to place flowers, trees and shrubs. The type of plants and accents you want is dependent on the type of garden that you intend to do.
- Seek the advice of a pro. You might not be able to afford the services of a professional landscaper or architect but you can definitely afford a consult.
- Do not overwhelm yourself with work and expenses. Do your garden landscaping in phases which translates to buying the plants in phases too.
- Make sure you know what type of soil composition your plants need.
- Cheaper does not necessarily mean good as there are cheap garden plants and items that are of inferior quality. It would be best to buy plants from reputable outlets and nurseries.
Before proceeding with your garden landscaping make sure you have the time and patience to finish your project.
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