Garden Design: Elegance and Style Articles | Garden Information Center

The garden has been a tradition dating back to the very dawn of time. From the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the classic gardens of the great English estates, the garden has been a symbol of elegance and beauty. Today, modern materials have opened up new vistas in the creation of gardens. Concrete brick pavers and vinyl fencing are two examples of materials that were not available to the ancients, but can be used to recreate the beauty of the gardens that they enjoyed.

Gardens are often lumped into two basic groups. These are the formal and the informal garden. It is often hard to distinguish between the two groups. The Woodland garden is an example of an informal garden. This style of garden is usually built within an existing canopy of trees. The use of interlocking pavers can create paths through this artificial woodland. The open spaces can be filled with shade loving plants or ferns. A small pond or running stream is an excellent touch to complete the forest look of this garden.

There are many other garden styles that fall within the informal classification. The container garden is a name given to a garden where the beds are replaced by containers such as large concrete vases. This garden is used where space is limited or to make a garden out of a paved over area such as a patio. The wildflower garden is another informal garden. As its name implies it consist of wildflowers. They are usually growing in mixed disarray. A vinyl fence can separate the garden from the surrounding lawn. This creates the effect of islands of color in a sea of grass.

The Oriental garden appears informal at first glance. In truth it is actually a very formal and purposeful spatial arrangement of elements. The Oriental garden is the epitome of elegance and style. Everything is full of meaning and symbolism. The careful use of a mixture of plants, stones, and water is the key to a successful garden of this type. The idea is to seek understatement in the themes of the garden. Nothing should be excessive, but everything should be in natural proportion.

The Paradise garden comes from old Islamic tradition. It is designed to stimulate all five senses. There would be the sweet smell of flowers to delight the nose. Flowing streams or small waterfalls would be for the ears. The bright colors thrill the eyes. It would include some edible berries or fruits for the tongue. Lastly, the texture of certain plants or stones is for the touch of the hands. There is one last garden style. It is the perfect garden. That is the one that you design and create with your own hands and your own imagination.