Balance and Proportion in Designing a Garden

When we look at an object or group of objects, our eyes and brain work together to analyse the different components.  This can be a tree, shrub, wall or house.  Without being aware, we automatically size up the height and width of each object.  We make comparisons between each structure.  Balance is critical to successful designs and brings a feeling of equality to your garden.  There are two types of balance when it comes to garden design, symmetrical and asymmetrical.  Symmetrical designs portray equal visual weight or mass on both sides of a central axis and are commonly used in formal gardens, creating a sense of stability and order.  Formal balance does not always suit a garden design however, so asymmetrical designs may be more flattering.  Asymmetrical balance is achieved by arranging features so that size, texture and colours are equally weighted but are not identically arranged and aims to look more natural.  An example is balancing a large tree on one side with three smaller plants on the other.  Attaining an asymmetrical balance can be harder to achieve than a symmetrical design.  You can balance a small area of strong colour against a larger area of light colour or an element in the foreground can be used to visually balance something that is further away.  It is important to consider the foliage of your plant specimens as one may be denser than the others even if they are the same height, resulting in an unbalanced design.  Balance in the garden is achieved when the space is harmonious.  For many years garden design has been based on following certain rules.  One of these rules is using a mathematical ratio of 1:1.6 to create a sense of harmony and scale.  This is also known as the ‘golden ratio’ and is closely related to the ‘rule of thirds’ commonly found in nature.  The placement of different elements in a design must be considered in relation to each other as this helps to establish harmony by directing the eye towards different focal points.  Proportion is the scale of different elements in relation to the overall garden.  When choosing plants and other features to be included in the design, their scale within the garden area should be carefully considered.  Small plants next to large houses or large trees planted over small features will look unbalanced.  To avoid this, you need to ensure that all elements are kept in proportion to the house and garden after installation.  Including objects of different sizes in a design helps to entice a visitor to look around the garden, however, it is important to ensure that the sizes do not vary too greatly as this can cause an unsettled feeling, for example, a small garden bed at the end of a large lawn area, or a small patio connected to a large house. 

  

PLANT OF THE WEEK #2 - Callistemon citrinus 'Candy Pink'

 Callistemon citrinus 'Candy Pink'

This species belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is a cultivar of Callistemon citrinus, commonly called the Bottlebrush.  Growing to approximately 4 metres in height, this small Australian native tree is extremely hardy and adaptable, thriving almost anywhere and capable of growing in a range of soil types and positions.  Its large brush like flowers are dark pink in colour and there are usually several flowering flushes each year providing a nice contrast in a native garden.  Leaves are lance shaped and the dense, weeping foliage creates the perfect screening effect.  Planting this tree in moist areas or along steep hills can help to control erosion.  It prefers full sun but can also tolerate a little shade.  Once established, the tree will tolerate frost and drought.  This species is ideal for low maintenance and coastal gardens and besides being commonly used as a feature specimen, they can also be grown as a hedge, screen and windbreak.  The bottlebrush attracts wildlife such as bees, nectar eating birds, butterflies and other insects.   

Greek and Roman Gardens

Many aspects of Greek and Roman gardens reflect what I admire and are drawn to in a garden style.  These gardens portray a soothing and relaxing atmosphere which largely feature water fountains, statues, topiary and manicured gardens.  

Greek Garden

Roman Garden

The design elements of these ancient gardens are still popular today showcasing classic lines and symmetry which can easily be incorporated into anyone’s garden.  The style of garden is designed to be pleasurable, where people can relax and entertain with the surrounds revealing remarkable views and various visual elements drawing the eye away from the house out into the garden to sculptures or water features.  Like today, kitchen gardens were also utilised to grow herbs and shrubs such as thyme, mint, basil and bay being amongst some of the most popular.  When space for plants was limited, window boxes and plants on a roof would be used instead.  Some houses also had rooftop gardens.  The flat, sunny roofs were often planted with trees, shrubs and potted plants to make attractive conservatories.  These were the original “green roofs”, a house-cooling style that has made a comeback in recent years as using gardens to conserve energy has gained popularity.  

Greek Garden

Roman Garden

A concept that is used widely today in a similar way to ancient times are small rooms that were used for entertaining and dining.  The rooms opened out onto the garden and were often painted with trees, plants, and birds to extend the garden theme indoors.  Paintings were also used on the surrounding garden walls to extend the illusion of garden space in small areas.  As time went on, gardens evolved to include hothouses for the forcing of grapes and melons.  Generally, all Roman gardens included the same basic elements to them such as a patio at the entrance, a terrace, an orchard or vineyard, several water features, a kitchen garden, shrines and other garden features that would personalise the garden.  Today’s love of container gardening can be credited to the Greeks, as Greek women often planted quick-growing seeds of lettuce, fennel, wheat and barley in pots for the festival of Adonis.  A few of the main legacies that Greek gardens leave for us today is the use of irrigation, the use of trees to enhance buildings, container growing and the reflection of plant shapes.  Large or small, Roman gardens were laid out with a keen sense of design and scale, as well as a thorough knowledge of the kind of plant materials most suited to the pleasure garden.  

Greek Garden

Roman Garden

PLANT OF THE WEEK #1 - Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'

 Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ is a large ornamental grass with purple foliage and soft foxtail like flowers.  Fountain grass has a blooming period from spring to summer and by the end of autumn, the plant leaves and flowers fade and eventually turn to a fawn colour.  This grassy evergreen will make a statement in any garden and grows quickly to over 1 metre in height, so ensure that you allow for this when planting.  They are ideal to add to a garden for colour, texture and movement to the landscape.  They are a tough and hardy grass which will tolerate a range of climatic conditions, even coastal and poorly drained areas, making it a versatile landscape addition.  It is one of the most popular types of weeping ornamental grasses used by Australian gardeners.  Mass plantings are often seen in public car parks, town gardens and median strips.  These plants require a location that receives full sunlight for their establishment.  Spring is the ideal time to grow this perennial as they struggle with extra cold winters.  They are highly drought tolerant and can withstand light frosts.  Once established, they require watering once a week.  Too much water can lead to root rot.  Applying a slow-release fertiliser in spring when the new growth emerges is beneficial.  Pruning back the foliage every few years in late winter will encourage new shoots.  If the plant is not regularly cut back, it can become unmanageable and will attract pests.  This colourful grass makes an impressive container specimen or feature in the garden and works well planted amongst other grasses, succulents and perennials.

 

    

 

    

 

How to ameliorate soil!

A combination of clay, sand, loam and organic matter make up a soils texture and ability to retain water and air.  Soil particles that are small, like clay, hold a lot of water while soil particles that are larger, like sand, allow water to run through a lot faster.  The key to keeping it well-balanced is to first understand what kind of soil you have.  A good quality soil has a high water-holding capacity, sufficient depth, effective infiltration and good drainage.  There are different methods to determine soil type, but a simple way is to gather a handful of soil, then add water gradually, mixing it together in your hand until it forms a ball.  Slowly squeeze the soil between your thumb and forefinger to form a sausage shape.  If the shape remains firm and bends slightly, it is a clay soil.  If the soil crumbles and you can feel and see sand in it, it is a sandy soil.  If it holds together but is still slightly crumbly, it is a loam soil.  When wet, clay soil feels clumpy and sticky and is hard when dry.  Because the particles in clay soil are fine, they do not allow water to soak in easily and can even resist water when dry, however, when wet, the soil can hold moisture for longer periods of time.  To improve clay soils, dig to a depth of 30cm if possible and add some gypsum.  Next, add plenty of organic material such as compost or manure and then add a layer of organic mulch ensuring that you aerate the soil as you are digging it in.  Sandy soils feel gritty to touch and drain easily, however, they dry out fast.  Although this soil type has a low moisture and nutrient-holding capacity, they are usually well aerated and easy to cultivate.  Adding a wetting agent can help retain some water and digging in plenty of organic matter will help improve the structure of sandy soils.  It will also benefit from mulching to help retain moisture.  Loamy soil is a well-balanced mix of sand, silt and clay.  The texture feels fine and slightly damp.  Loamy soil is ideal for gardening, lawns and shrubs as it has great structure, adequate drainage, retains moisture easily, full of nutrients and easy to cultivate.  However, loamy soil can still require careful management to prevent depletion and drying out.  Although this soil type is the most ideal for gardening, the soil can still be improved and maintained by adding organic matter such as compost, mulch and manure.  Applying wetting agents can also help the soil better absorb water.  All soil types should be amended before any plants go into the ground.

Clay Soil

Sandy Soil

Loam

Squeeze Test

Soil Pyramid

Egyptian Gardens

Early Egyptian gardens were designed to be functional as well pleasing to look at and aromatic which combined a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown for their beauty and perfume.  As well as being visually appealing, Egyptian gardens also provided food and wine.  Terraces and pergolas were used to allow shade when it was needed, let the breeze carry the perfume that was offered by the flowers, as well as provide a view of the gardens.  Gardens were an essential element to the Egyptian people and were considered particularly important.  Usually, the approach to the various design elements of an Egyptian garden was symmetry and was comprised of a pond which was bordered with rows of trees.  Typically, the ponds were rectangular or T-shaped and at times were stocked with fish.  Generally, the shortest species of trees were planted nearest to the pond and the tallest were found in the outer rows.  Like the ponds and housing, the gardens were also rectangular in design and showed a complex understanding of geometric concepts.  The people of Egypt used irrigation channels which meant they did not need to manually transport their water from the river.  These man-made ponds allowed them to expand on their agriculture and successfully grow their garden away from the flood waters of the river.  The gardens were often situated on the North side of the main living area to allow for cool breezes to pass through.  Many, if not most of the plants grown in ancient Egyptian gardens had religious or symbolic significance.  The creation of themed gardens from around the world has become a popular option when designing the gardens of today.  When adding Egyptian garden elements to your garden design, combine trees and plant species such as Acacias, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Jacarandas, Date Palms, Dill, Figs, Garlic, Mango, Mint, Olives, Bird of Paradise, Iris, Jasmine, Lotus and Narcissus.  The gardens of Egypt determined many of the basic themes that we recognise in our modern designs.  One of the main similarities between the two gardens is that designing a useful and functional garden is becoming more popular in modern society.  On a smaller scale one can see this in the way of “edible gardens”.  The Egyptians took great pride in a beautifully landscaped garden, and this is a trait that has been passed down to our modern times.

Ancient Egypt

Egyptian Garden Design

Start of a journey

Hello, and Welcome to my Blog and the start of my journey into the world of Garden Design.  My name is Kristine and I live on the Mornington Peninsula with my 5 children and husband.  Before children I had a background in Science and worked at CSIRO for over 10 years and during children you would usually find me helping my husband out in his restaurant.  Now is my time, and I have been busy behind the scenes trying to complete as many qualifications as I can in horticulture, while still raising my young children.  I am currently working on my post graduate certificate in Garden Design and it is here where I have found my happy place.  This blog will be following my journey which will ultimately lead me to my business in garden design as well as any other snippets I find that are of interest.  I hope to answer any questions anyone may have and I would love to see what you are all up to in your little slice of paradise.  So there you go.  I hope you enjoy following my journey and delving into the world of all things garden.  Please consider following me so you can keep up to date on what is going on.  Happy Gardening.

Photo courtesy of Victorian National Parks Association