April
2005
By
B. Rosie Lerner
Extension Consumer Horticulturist
Purdue University
|
|
Designing a Flower Bed with View in Mind
A private garden need only please its owner; after all, taste is very
individual. But while beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, there
are some basic garden design principles to keep in mind.
An important consideration that drives the rest of the design is function.
How will the garden be seen? Is this bed to be enjoyed primarily by those
looking out the window from inside the house? Is it to be viewed by people
in cars or pedestrians passing by? Or is the bed part of an outdoor room?
Do you want to view the bed while sitting out on the patio, or is it meant
to entice one to walk through?
The size of the flowerbed will be determined by factors such as function,
and, of course, budget. If you're new to gardening, it's probably best
to start small at first -- you can always expand later.
Most garden books advise three basic design rules. Tall plants to the
back, complementary color schemes and massing of flowers for effect. In
general, you won't want taller plants to block the view of shorter flowers.
However, if the bed can be viewed from all directions rather than just
one side, perhaps the tallest plants should be placed in the middle, with
smaller plants toward the perimeter. For those with a taste for the extraordinary,
dare to defy the rules and create a surprise garden by tucking some smaller
flowers behind the taller-stemmed plants. This technique can be effective
for gardens that invite intimate visits.
Once you've determined a function, decide on a focal point or a center
of attention. The focal point can be a plant or group of plants, a pond,
a statue or any other object you want to catch the eye. The other elements
of your design should serve to enhance the focal point, not compete with
it. Because of the seasonal nature of gardens, the focal point can change
throughout the year.
Certain color combinations tend to be more pleasing than others, but what
is harmonious to one person may be less so to another observer. A useful
tool for color design is known as the color wheel. Colors that are directly
across from each other on the wheel are known as complementary. Purple
and yellow, blue and orange, and red and green are considered to be complimentary
color combinations. Analogous harmony uses colors directly next to each
other on the wheel. For example, blue and green or blue and violet are
also considered to be pleasing combinations. A color scheme using various
shades of a single color is known as monochromatic. A multicolored design
will tend to have a more informal look.
Grouping many plants of the same texture and color is known as massing.
This technique will give greater emphasis to that color and texture and
will tend to be more dramatic.
Don't think of your flower garden as a permanent exhibit. Annual flowers
will need to be planted new each year. Perennial flowers will come back
but they can be moved when necessary. Think of your garden plants much
like the furniture in a room. If you’ve grown tired of the arrangement,
change it!
4-7-05
|
