Larger Garden Design

The advantage of having a large garden is, perhaps obviously, the amount of space that is available to use. It is easy to divide the space for a number of users and divide the garden into separate compartments or areas for different purposes. There is also space for larger items such as a tree house and trampoline for children, a garden shed for storage, a vegetable and a flower patch and decking or a patio for dining al fresco. A large garden can fit all aspects and features of either a modern or traditional garden.

Endless Possibilities

The disadvantage of having a large garden is that it can become seemingly unmanageable in terms of design. If the garden is sectioned off into separate areas it can seem dull, lack focal points and be aesthetically displeasing. However, if the garden is disordered it can seem cluttered, messy and equally unattractive. Large gardens also appear to require a great deal more maintenance than those of the smaller variety and can be quite time consuming.

Designing a larger garden seemingly has endless possibilities because of the large space with which the user can mould. A large garden can have multiple functions but it is important to preserve the attraction of the garden as well as making it function in a variety of ways.

Focal Points If, for example, the garden is to be divided up for a variety of separate uses there are ways in which it can retain its interest. The garden might be divided up for al fresco dining, a play area, a sunbathing area and a vegetable or herb patch. However these areas can all be given different focal points through the use of decking and other differences in height and unusual shapes -- for example the garden furniture may be unusual. To prevent the garden appearing haphazard in design the planted areas can be given a consistency of colour scheme creating overall balance and providing a link to all the separated areas. The creation of seclusion such as adding climbers to a trellis also enhances balance in a large garden as it provides clear lines preventing a sprawling effect.

Form and Shape in Larger Gardens

To give a large garden form and shape regardless of style (which can be formal or informal in a large garden) it is a good idea to use unusual fixtures. Strong but unusual shapes create form. Balance can be created through the use of arches and other heightened fixtures and natural elements in the garden such as trees. Certain plants such as bamboo grasses can give structure, foliage will add texture and deciduous trees will give form to the garden. Silver poles and planters with bamboo and circular shapes such as snowball bushes also provide shape and form.

A large garden can be made attractive through the use of themes. Lush green plantation that provides height and texture can create the illusion of a forest. This forest can give rise to a number of themes from fairytale with the use of mist to a tropical rainforest with the added feature of a waterfall. The planting for this is usually rich and has an exciting combination of colour, smell and atmosphere. The atmosphere can be heightened with the use of garden lighting which ensures the garden remains attractive and functional at night as well as day. This type of design is enjoyed by many but does require a high level of maintenance and it is advisable to consult a design expert to see which plant scheme is suited to this type of garden.

Contemporary Themes

Contemporary themes that are popular now include Mediterranean themes such as a Roman or Greek theme which makes good use of stone and gravel. These types of theme are particularly appropriate for gardens with soil that is poor for the use of growing plants. The garden can be made interesting in other ways to make up for the lack of foliage. Numerous pathways dividing up the garden is one way in which to make this type of garden more attractive and enhance a theme that requires little in the way of planting.

Reducing the Ongoing Maintenance

Large gardens that require a lower level of maintenance require more hard landscaping and materials such as an artificial lawn. A good designer will ensure that the style is appropriate to the level of maintenance owner's desire. It is useful to consult a designer for this type of garden design as it requires a number of agencies to create, a courtyard garden, for example, which is ideal for a low maintenance garden. Courtyard gardens can also be themed using traditional features. Victorian elements such as stained glass, trellis screens and iron poles and railings create strong form and symmetry in gardens. Planting in low maintenance gardens includes a lot of greenery such as strong ferns and evergreen and focal points such as a water feature are fairly easy to maintain.

Large gardens can be very attractive if the obvious pitfalls of design are avoided and can be designed to suit a variety of users and offer numerous functions. It is possible to enjoy the many available themes for large gardens and still have a garden requiring a low level of maintenance but there are also many design features for more serious gardeners.

Back