Module 3 : Garden Design

Styles

In this module you will learn:

The many types of garden design styles and themes available,
while understanding that these can be adapted to each
individual’s personal preferences and personality.

Each theme can be followed solely or combined to create a

unique blend of garden styles. You will discover the
importance of developing an expanding portfolio of style ideas
which cover all types of homes and gardens, from small to
large, city to country and formal to casual.

The following points are covered in the garden design module:

The importance of gathering inspiration daily from all

avenues of your life, nature, other gardens, books,
online and your creative inspiration.
An expansive list of garden design possibilities and the
insight that there can be one singular theme, a
combination of two or more or an adapted version of any.
How creating a garden design mood board assists both the
owner and garden designer in creating a visual effect of
the ideas, colors, plants and preferred overall theme,
which can be incorporated into the garden space and
features available.
How to use a virtual mood board created from an array of
images.

3.1: Garden Styles Introduction

There are almost as many garden styles as
there are gardens, and as long as you have
the landscape you need for the style, you
can create a garden of any design.

Each individual adds their own personal touch and style to

their garden, allowing for innumerable garden design ideas for
every garden type, from small to huge, from country home to
city apartment, from contemporary to traditional.

Each individual garden offers an array of potential

opportunities and its own challenges. Different styles can
suit the outlay and space of one garden, but not another.
However, not all garden styles suit every client or every
landscape and thus, it is important to build extensive
knowledge of various styles and garden designs to offer
multiple choice options and ideas to each client.

Garden design styles can be chosen and adapted out of

necessity, in alignment with the garden shape and size or if
it contains eyesores such as old buildings, oil tanks or
damaged walls to cover. You will know more about the
limitations and the possibilities of overcoming them after
module 4.

However, before deciding on which design to implement it is

imperative that you carry out the complete design planning
process from initial consultation to onsite survey. To be able
to do this you need to know about the many types of garden
design styles and themes available, while understanding that
these can be adapted to each individual’s personal preferences
and personality.

Each theme can be followed solely or combined to create a

unique blend of garden styles. In this module, you will
discover the importance of developing an expanding portfolio
of style ideas, which will covers all types of homes and
gardens; from small to large, city to country and formal to
casual.

3.2: Gather Inspiration for Garden

Designs

Inspiration for garden design can be found

all around you.

As you wander through your neighborhood, take note of gardens

you pass by or encounter. Note the way they use different
plants, colors or designs to make the most of the different
shapes or areas available in the neighborhood. You’ll soon
find that a great design can do a little with a lot or a lot
with a little, and both can be beautiful.

Don’t just wander by leisurely. Use the gardens of those

around you to create an extensive file of ideas which can be
altered, adapted or incorporated into other gardens you work
with. You can include bits and pieces, or even whole concepts
that you have seen in other gardens in your own designs.

Draw inspiration from nature and consider recreating a much

loved landscape; there are beautiful natural designs all
around you, in woodlands, coastal regions and mountain
scenery. Visit beaches, parks and country fields to gather
ideas and inspiration for designs that grow a little wilder.
There are many home and garden magazines available today from
which to gather ideas from, or from online gardening sites. Be
on the lookout for ideas which can be incorporated into
gardens of all sizes. Don’t feel like you cannot imitate the
designs found in high-end gardens, because it can be very
simple to scale the idea down into something more affordable.

The idea of viewing gardens is to glean inspiration, not to

create carbon copies of existing gardens. Be observant of the
details you are drawn to in each garden, the mix of textures,
color schemes, original shape, main focal point or a
combination of these. Avoid recreating gardens from a template
unless this is the client’s wishes.

Gathering inspiration is not just for designers. Designers

should be prepared to equip clients with the ability to find
inspiration in daily life as well. This is a valuable skill
and is useful in garden design because it allows clients to
develop a strong vision for their garden. That vision is then
combined with the designer’s skill to create a garden that the
client really loves.

When creating a garden design style for another, advise them

to be alert to what they like in other gardens they have seen,
to look at garden images, and ask questions of them – to help
you reflect their personality, tastes and interests in their
completed garden design.

3.3: Creating a Garden Design Theme

or Style
Beautiful gardens are sometimes based around
a central theme.

The theme might be as simple as a color scheme or may be a

complex theme that relies on several images to develop through
every facet of the garden:

Some popular garden design themes include the following.

Country Cottage Style:

Although ‘country cottage’ styles sound straightforward, they
are actually complex themes. This is because everyone has a
different idea of what a country cottage is or should be. For
some, a country cottage is rustic and simple. For others, a
country cottage is a fairy tale garden or a painting.

Some of the common features of cottage gardens include arbors,

arches, fences and trellises. These structures are designed to
complement the garden and are often made of materials that
complement the house and the theme.
The garden also often includes walkways and narrow walkways
are acceptable in smaller gardens. In fact, narrow walkways
make the garden feel more intimate and personal than social
which is often associated with country gardens. Planting beds
are also common features in cottage gardens; some gardens will
fill these beds with a lot of different materials like flowers
and vegetables, while others will use low maintenance plants.

This style is not at all restrictive because ‘country cottage’

serves as a broad umbrella under which you can create an
elaborate or quaint garden. However, these gardens tend to be
more labor-intensive gardens and typically require more garden
time than minimalist gardens. Of course, the labor required
can be mitigated by design or by hiring a gardener to help
upkeep the area.

Country Cottage Design Example

Enclosed by an evergreen hedge, the main element of this
cottage garden is a large flower bed with dense planting and a
mixture of colorful plants. Hardscape is used to complement
the cottage style, and consists of gravel paths, a bench as a
focal point, and pergola enriched with the Wisteria vine.

Contemporary Designs:
These designs tend to transform a garden into a sleek and
minimalist space. While some people find this kind of design
cold and uninviting, this does not always need to be the case
– as there a few different ways to organize a contemporary
design while still keeping its warmth.

Typical contemporary gardens use stiff planting styles, with

well-organized and neat lines. However, you can create a
minimalist design with natural or loose planting as well. You
can also create a design that incorporates a piece of both
with a loose appearance in some areas and clean lines with
some plants.

You can create an inviting contemporary garden by creating

bold silhouettes. These plants tend to offer a sleek look next
to contemporary houses. The silhouettes allow the plants to
melt into the natural environment in the surrounding areas.

In terms of hardscapes, many typical contemporary designers

will use minimalist or ‘honest’ building materials.

For example, the design might include plain concrete that is

not stamped or colored. Steel, stone and smooth stucco also
tend to appeal to these designs. If you want to warm up this
design, you can add a very subtle color to it. Adding enough
lightness to the area can make the fixture feel more inviting,
but the color will not take away from the modern look and feel
of the area.
The layout is also an important part of this kind of design.
The layout in contemporary design allows you to create strong
visual elements that transform the garden into a wider
extension of the home. You can use retaining walls and
planters to make statements.

The final pinnacle of the contemporary design is a touch of

art.
While the rest of the area may be designed to be minimalist
and subtle, there is often an artistic touch somewhere in the
design. You can create this with furniture or with a simple
design. A minimalist water feature or well-appointed furniture
can bring these gardens to life.

Contemporary Designs
The above minimalist design, follows the plot shape, and
includes a water feature and a lawn and a separated cozy
corner. A concrete path contributes to the contemporary feel.
The plant selection consists of evergreen hedge and
groundcover planted along the border, combined with Japanese
maple. A narrow-leafed ash provides natural shade.

Nautical Designs
These gardens are built based around a central water-based
theme.

Nautical gardens are typically tranquil and calming and might

include a water feature and some water-based plants.
At the center of a nautical garden is the accessories and
hardware used to bring out the theme. You can use old nautical
or shipping relics, like rope, anchors or even wiring added to
the decking, to really bring the nautical theme to life. There
is no need to steal these from the nearest ship wreck – plenty
of themed props can be purchased from custom shops or even
typical design stores.

Nautical Designs
The main design element of this nautical garden is the pond,
which adds tranquility and ambiance to the garden. Plants are
laid in the gravel bed, and the selection itself was based
according to the nautical theme.

Coastal Garden:
A coastal garden design typically works best when the client’s
garden is in a coastal area. These gardens are characterized
by their plants, because conventional lawns and annuals do not
survive well or belong in these areas. Fruit and vegetables
also do not fare well in these conditions. Rather, the task of
the designer is to fit in the uniqueness of coastal life into
the garden and capture the natural beauty of the landscape.

Seaside-proof plants are a must and can typically be found in

local garden centers in coastal areas. It is worth your time
to get familiar with these plants if you will be working in
these areas. You can visit them in garden centers and by
taking a walk on the beach to look at local flora.

Coastal gardens also differ from other gardens in the sense

that many designers choose to forgo grasses and instead create
a sand or rocky base.

In terms of style, you can take the coastal garden whichever

way you want. You can go for a natural garden or incorporate
it within a more contemporary style like the ones described
above.

Plenty of props can be added to the garden. You can use some
of the themed accessories like rope and anchors in these
gardens, too. However, using more natural features like
driftwood, pebbles and sand will help you stay on the coastal
theme without drifting too far into the more nautical look.

Remember not to go out hunting for these things on the beach.

Instead, buy sand and stone from merchants.
You can also create a shelter within the garden to protect the
owners from coastal winds. An outer boundary is always a good
idea, because it will help keep out the stray sand blown by
the winds. A structured shelter is also useful, because these
make great areas for outdoor eating, sunbathing or even for
small shed or beach houses. Depending on the style, you might
choose to create a driftwood fence.

Coastal Garden Design

In this simple garden, created for a coastal climate, the lawn
was replaced with a large gravel plateau surrounded by the
pine trees. Centrally positioned is the wooden pergola with a
view of the sea, and bordered with Japanese barberry and
honeysuckle ‘Baggesen’s Gold.’ Lavender row at the far end of
the plot creates the perfect contrast to the turquoise tones
of the sea.

Tropical Garden:
Tropical gardens are characterized by plenty of colors, focal
points and linear pathways to help navigate the outdoor space.
You can use exotic accessories, timber furniture and bright
patterns to help bring the theme to life. Yet, you can still
include garden beds and normal pathways to help offset the
jungle feel and make it your own.

One of the distinctive features of the tropical garden is the

entryway. A tropical garden is a shock to the system,
especially in Britain. For it to be convincing, a strong
garden entryway is important because it helps the visitor
transition from the home into the garden seamlessly.
This is one of the few themes where designers get to combine
as many bright colors as they want to create a tropical look.
Although you can use as many colors as you like, it is still
important to arrange the colors in a way that will impact the
visitor without looking like a kaleidoscope.

Tropical gardens typically rely on foliage for colors rather

than flowers because foliage generates interest and excitement
all year.
Look for foliage that is flamboyant, colorful and lively with
interesting textures, sizes and shapes. You can place plants
that feature contrasting foliage right next to each other to
create an interesting look.

Palm trees and bamboo are important for a fully tropical look.
Remember, pine trees are not found in tropical jungles. Adding
a few of these trees will really drive home the theme and set
the mood for the garden. They are also great for privacy. It
is important to note that not all bamboo or palm plants will
be suitable for the climate, so be sure to look for a variety
that will thrive in the local climate.

While tropical gardens typically avoid growing vegetables, you

can grow herbs and spices in the garden. Growing lemongrass,
coriander, mint, cardamom and edible ginger in the garden is a
good way to protect the rest of the plants from pests and make
the garden smell as tropical as it looks.

Tropical Designs
Two entrances marked each with a pair of Windmill palms are
connected with a meandering gravel path bordered with a
colorful perennial bed. In the lower right corner the key
focal point is a small stone fountain, which, combined with
many different palm species, is emphasizing the tropical
theme.

Eco-Garden:
In this garden design, you will concern yourself in working in
tune with nature rather than against it. One of the most
exciting things about an eco-garden is that you can apply
almost any look you want as long as it is in line with the
natural environment.

There are a few principles that guide this garden design.

First, you need to avoid waste and thereby do no harm. For
example, you can create a place in the garden for composting.

You should also be designing the garden to use only the amount
of water it needs. You do not need to avoid plants; you just
need to be thoughtful about what plants you choose and where
you plant them. A good rule of thumb is to look for native
plants that can rely on natural rain rather than irrigation.
If you do choose plants that require extra water, place them
together so that you only need to heavily irrigate one area.
Eco-gardens also avoid pesticides. Avoiding pesticides is not
as difficult as you’d expect, particularly if you plan well.
You can use native grasses that will survive difficult
conditions. You can also use ground-covers to help control
weeds naturally. There are also plants that are resistant to
pests and disease.
Finally, it is nice to add edible plants that contribute to
your daily life. Local fruit trees or shrubs can be a charming
and delicious addition to the garden.
Eco Designs
Using the most of the available capacity, this multi-use
garden integrates a vegetable and herb garden, sensational
flower beds, lawn area, a shed and a compost zone. All of the
decorative plants were carefully selected and represent native
vegetation or are a low maintenance plant. The lawn is planted
using a mix of hardy groundcovers, and vegetables and herbs
are cultivated in accordance with the local climate to avoid
excessive pesticide use. All of the organic remains are used
to create compost which will further enrich the soil with
nutrients.

Rock Garden:
If the client is less worried about plant and animals and is
more interested in landscaping, they may be interested in a
rock garden. Rock gardens are low maintenance and maintain
their beauty year-round because they don’t depend on seasonal
plants for their design.

Rock gardens are often designed in a modern style; however,

you can apply whatever style you want to them or even combine
it within another theme.

The basic component of a rock garden is rocks or pebbles.

These can easily be purchased at home building stores, and you
can choose from many different types of stones.

Plants can and often are included in these designs; however,

they are typically kept to a minimum.

Remember that you can play with the color, texture and design
of stones, just like you can with plants, so you can still
create an engaging and beautiful garden, even if it is made of
stone.

Rock Garden Designs

The main design element in this garden is the layout of the
large rocks (complemented with the low maintenance perennials
that are rich in color and texture). The use of conifer trees
is limited to the edges of the garden and their main role is
to block the view along the fence line. The sitting area is
surrounded by smaller conifer trees, creating an intimate
atmosphere.

Oriental Garden:
An oriental garden is a design that is typically used to
create a tranquil, yet exotic, retreat in the home. There is a
long tradition of oriental gardens that you can choose to
adhere to, but don’t be afraid to add subtle, personal
elements either.

The basic premise of an oriental garden is to create something

that is graceful and subtle. It should be well-balanced, and
there should not be one part of the garden that is heavier
than another. The traditional purpose of these gardens is to
offer up a place to feel peaceful and connect with your
thoughts.

Symbolism is an important part of these gardens. Water

features are typically considered to be the most important
feature in the garden and may include a fountain, pond, water
bowl or waterfall. Bridges, pathways and stones are also
important elements and are often symbolic for natural
expressions or serenity.

Bamboo is a must for a traditional garden. Flowering trees are

also important, and traditional choices include Japanese
maples, flowering cherries and magnolia trees.

Oriental Garden Designs

In order to create a tranquil and intimate retreat a pond was
used as a central garden element, surrounded by a lawn and
nature-inspired plants. Dominating the space, bamboo foliage
is a perfect background for the Japanese maple in the autumn
and azaleas throughout the spring and summer.

Wildlife Garden:
A wildlife garden is a design that takes on the philosophy of
a nature reserve. This design focuses on the exact climate of
your garden, including the drainage, soil type and the
different climatic conditions. The reason for this is because
it is these conditions that determine what kind of animals and
insects live in your garden, and it is these things that you
will cater for in the garden design.

If you are designing a new wildlife garden, you will typically

look at the local area to see what wild plants grow in the
local area, because these are the plants that will flourish in
your garden. You also need to evaluate the plants currently
growing in the garden; if there is a plant growing there
naturally, you might choose to keep it rather than disrupt it.
It is better to work with what is already growing there,
because major changes can harm the soil and the wildlife.

One goal of the wildlife garden is to provide several habitats

for different fauna, but still give those habitats the space
they need to flourish. For example, you might include long
grass, different trees and shrubs, flowering plants,
rotational shrubs and even a water feature for the animals and
insects to enjoy.
You might also consider creating shelter and feeding areas for
the wildlife, as well as places for them to breed. The plants
and mechanisms required for these things will depend heavily
on the local wildlife so plenty of research into animals and
insects in the immediate area is essential.

Some other popular themes include:

 Reflection of a beautiful country visited and loved
Ultra-modern design
Design based around a color theme, such as all-white or
a mix of two contrasting colors such as orange and
purple
With large central focus point such as a pond, decking
or other water feature
Streamlined effect garden style
Sustainable gardening with ecological awareness
Family gardens, where the whole family is catered for,
adding elements for children, the elderly or the family
to gather for meals and fun times
Historic themed garden styles, which could be a
historical, formal garden, a Victorian themed gardens,
or any aspect of history that the garden owner finds
appealing
Formal gardens, which is suited for small gardens,
bringing balance and structure
Travel inspired themes, if you want to create a similar
landscape to a favorite destination
Decorative shade gardens
Water gardens, which are based around properly irrigated
grounds, pond, floating plants, bog plants, etc.
Minimalist style
Urban style
Industrial chic
Conceptual and imaginative gardens

It is possible to incorporate many different styles into one

garden, either in different areas or combined to work
effectively. The sky truly is the limit when it comes to
garden style and design themes.

3.4: Create a Garden Design Ideas

Mood Board

To assist the creative process and give a visual

representation of the ideas and colors preferred, it is really
helpful to create a garden style mood board for each garden.

It also assists with the overall decision making around the

layout, plant options, landscapes and hardscapes, adding
additional elements, color palettes and so much more.

This can be adapted as you move through the implementation

process until the final decision is made.

Make a Garden Design Mood Board

Browse garden magazines, books, websites, photos, etc., to
find pictures of gardens that you are drawn to and that
contain ideas that truly inspire.
Do not be concerned if the different ideas you select
initially match or suit your garden. This can be determined at
a later stage when all the information is gathered.

As you gather the paper inspiration, themes may occur

naturally, including styles, color schemes, etc. You will
discover that certain elements just come together naturally.

Discard those ideas that do not make the final board. You may
find preferences change as new images are collected and pieced
together.

Glue your preferred selection onto a large piece of cardboard,

and begin the planning process to fit this visual image to the
garden in question.

Creating an Online Garden Design Mood Board

You can also create your garden design ideas online using free
programs which allow you to create virtual mood boards for
design ideas and garden creations. You can select categorized
images to place on the virtual board and layer to create the
desired look.

Useful tools to help create your mood

board
http://gomoodboard.com – (zip and download multiple images
from a Bing image search)

https://www.pinterest.com

Assignment
Garden Design Styles

Time: 30+ minutes

There is a great deal of interesting information covered in

this third module. You may wish to test your knowledge and
consolidate what you have learned using this worksheet.

Download the worksheet below, print out and complete.

Download Worksheet

Module Summary
In this module, you have learned the importance of gaining
garden design style inspiration from all available avenues to
create an expansive design style portfolio to assist garden
owners to become familiar with the range of potential options.
You have learned about creating garden design mood boards both
online and off and how to create a beneficial visual effect of
the ideas and styles favored by the garden owner, allowing you
to come to an agreement on the ideal garden design which will
enhance the existing garden space.

In addition to this, you have learned a wide range of garden

design style options ranging from traditional to tropical and
everything in between, offering each individual garden owner a
host of potential styles to suit their personality and garden.

Remember that traditional designs have rules; but rules are

made to be broken. Use themes and ideas as a guidance, but
always adhere to the client’s needs and the needs of the space
you’re working with.

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