Creating patchwork patterns
The window seat used to be the prized place to sit on a flight.
There you could enjoy looking out the window down onto the countryside below where the land gave the appearance of a patchwork pattern of pieces.
This vantage point lost its attraction after the aircraft became so jammed up with seating to economise on space that you now end up sitting rigid and feeling claustrophobic.
Many of us have found the aisle seat the better option on economy class as it allows you to lean out into the central passage should you have your fellow passenger spilling over into your seat space.
The memory of this view once enjoyed from the window seat had me wondering if the principles of patchwork as seen from above could be used effectively in installing plants and other features in garden design.
Patchwork is in essence a design made up of a pattern of pieces. In a garden they could be represented by flowering plants or different types of foliage.
I refer to the work of architect Christopher Alexander, author of A Pattern Language in which he presents a language of design, made up of patterns that help solve common design problems.
Before you even begin, you should ask yourself what sort of garden you are aiming to create, what you would like in it and how you are going to use the space – for relaxation, family games, a place to enjoy the view or to showcase special plants and art work. Or, all of these. What I found is that there are certain pattern elements listed which are the basis for good garden design with each archetypical and able to adapt to all garden situations.
These are:
Scale is the element that sees to it that the plants and hard landscaping we choose are in proportion to the small/big house and the size of the area to be landscaped.
Measure the area with which you have to work as you would when drawing the plan for a patchwork quilt. Take note of areas which have sun throughout the day and those with partial or full shade so you can choose plants accordingly.
Garden rooms can be used to express different themes which divide and connect the garden.
Pathways control the passages through the garden and what we will see along the way.
Bridges change the surface heights in the garden separating them, creating focal points and interest.
Gates define the entrances to different sections creating intrigue and provide a decorative feature too.
Shelters including archways, trellises and arbours anchor the garden in space and create a vertical dimension. They also provide planting opportunities for growing climbing plants if space is limited.
Borders define the edges of sections while separating them.
Patios link the house to the garden by creating a natural flow between them.
Sheds are usually rustic and add a different texture.
Focal points – garden art, a sculptural plant different to those surrounding it, or large interesting rocks etc – act as accents and abbreviations in the design.
Water adds sound, movement, reflects the sky overhead adding a third dimension to the scheme and a sensory element.
Ornamentation creates ambience, humour and surprise. It also personalises the space.
Containers provide artistic flexibility and opportunities in places where plants would otherwise not grow.
Materials can add bulk or softness and solidity.
Selecting your patchwork ‘material’:
The secret to a successful patchwork garden is using diversity and balance. Repetition in a patchwork design is also important.
Use Vertical Space: If ground space is limited, consider trellises or vertical planters to grow climbing plants like beans or cucumbers.
Grow the larger plants at the back of the beds grading them down towards the edge with plants of lessening heights.
Work out your plan on paper allowing enough space around the plant for it to grow to its mature size. Bear in mind the water and sun requirements of plants when planning.
Prepare the soil to a depth of a large spade head for the plants’ specific needs by adding organic matter to allow a free flow of air, water and food. Add bonemeal to feed the roots. Ensure there is good drainage and that waterlogging can’t occur.
Choose a theme for your garden which may be explored through colour or patterns with a mix of blending colours, gradients of shades and a collection of varying textures in leaf forms and various shapes.
Select plants which have different times to flower. Get to know the flowering plants of different seasons. If not don’t buy all your plants in one season as nurseries usually mostly promote plants in their best season.
If your budget is inhibiting, work on small sections of the garden at a time.
Combine flowering plants with those with interesting foliage. Grasses, striped fronds, lime green leafed plants, those with grey or red foliage. Look for those with different textures. This ensures that your patchwork plan looks good in all seasons.
Water the plants well after planting.
Add mulch to keep the soil cool, suppress weeds and maintain moisture. A layer of mulch between the newly planted garden brings cohesion until the plants grow and fill in the area around them.
Maintain the garden according to the plants’ needs. Deadhead spent blooms to keep it looking neat and encourage new flowers to form. Snip of any dead or untidy foliage. Create harmony.
If not a patchwork garden, consider nature’s patterns such as the branching of a root system to the wave like pattern of an energy flow which allow us to harmonise our design with nature.
Circular forms and curving shapes ensure a natural flow making them easy to maintain.
Mandala gardens radiate from a central point, while circular keyhole beds are tended from the centre maximising on space.
Provide visual harmony by having regular spaces between trees, stepping stones and colour patterns.
Repeating shapes, using circular elements in patios, flower beds and lawns have a softening affect and make the design more organic.
Once complete add a bench from where you may enjoy the setting you have created.
• In the Garden is written by feature writer, garden enthusiast and former teacher Julia Smith, who has returned home to live in Chintsa East. The column aims to inform novice and accomplished gardeners on how to make the most of their green patches. Julia is currently away, this column is pulled from our archives.