Principles and elements of garden design

Basic Principles of Garden Design

Design Process: The garden design begins with analysing the existing site, followed by site planning, concept designing, detail designing and finally, implementation and maintenance.
Client Needs and Requirements: A vital aspect of garden design is understanding the preferences, needs and lifestyles of those who will be using the garden. The design should cater to these requirements.
Site Conditions: Knowledge of the site’s climate, soil type, water availability, sunlight exposure, and other environmental factors is crucial in planning a suitable garden design.

Gardens can be designed to emphasise certain directions, known as dominant lines, which can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
Circles, squares, triangles and other shapes can be used as motifs in a garden design. These geometric shapes can guide the layout of plant beds, hard landscaping features and lawn areas.

Spatial organisation can improve the functionality of a garden, defining areas for specific activities, such as dining, relaxation, play, etc.
Form refers to the three-dimensional configuration of a garden, incorporating height, width and depth.

Colour in the garden can be manipulated through choice of plants and hard landscaping materials to produce various effects. It can highlight certain areas, provide contrast, or tie a design together.
Texture in a garden refers to the surface quality of plants, rocks, pathways etc. This can greatly enhance the visual interest of a garden.

Scale refers to the size relationship between garden elements and the overall garden. Understanding this is important to avoid overcrowding or imbalance in the design.
Proportion refers to the size relationship between different parts of the garden. It ensures the elements of the garden design are in harmony with each other and the surrounding architecture.

Accessibility and Movement: Paths and access points should be well-placed and user-friendly to ensure a smooth flow of movement around the garden.
Maintenance: Design should factor in the maintenance effort required to sustain the garden. Options like using native plants or automated irrigation systems can help reduce maintenance.
Sustainability: The garden should be designed to be environmentally sustainable. This can be done by utilising native plants, incorporating composting areas or rainwater harvesting systems.
Safety and Security: Garden design should consider the safety of its users. This could involve adequate lighting, safe paving materials, secure fences and gates, etc.