Casual and Elegant "
Style is reflected in the way people live. Gardens in Great Britain and Europe tend to be formal.
Here in the US and particularly the Pacific Northwest our style is definitely more casual. But when the two can fuse then you have an amazing garden. Have some fun and fuse your style.
Design Intent
Theme Up!
Creating a garden then, is more than just grabing up some plants at the depot on Saturday! Take your time. Give it some thoughtful planning. Get a chair and go sit in your garden.
What is your theme, colors? Will it be for children or for the formal front? Professionals call this the Design Intent; Pick your theme and launch your mode.
Inspiration
To that end, one can use just about anything for inspiration. For example, a fabulous pot in a certain color. Take a tall urn and combine it with the right plant or plants for your climate and conditions and you are on your way to a gorgeous design. Or that same urn can become a splashy water feature.
I like to imbue a sense of place. A garden reflects your home, its precise location, its sense and your feelings about it.
Back to Design
Do you want your garden to convey an easy elegance? Or all out formal? Try Lining the bed edges with a grass, its an easy smudgy line, but by defining the edges you have created a line for the eye. This line for the eye to follow is pleasing.
More Formal
Create clasical balance with symmetry. In a formal garden, form takes precedence. A formal garden brings a sense of decipline easing our minds in a crazy world. An example: an monochomatic green garden with boxwoods, grass and Arborevitae creating the interest in a symmetrical placement.
Plant Interest
Think about each season.Consider texture , shape and leaf colors. Alwasy include conifers and evergreens for structure and you can create year 'round interest.
Going Green
Consider reducing your turf, or try different grasses and techiniques. Mowing higher in the dry periods.
A garden should be a place that you love that will enhance your quality of life and give you pleasure year round.