Design Solutions

Use strong, simple circles to create movement and depth, says Louisa Gilhooly

Spheres and circles can make a small boxy garden look smart and cohesive

Q How can I incorporate circles into my garden’s design?

All garden designs, when viewed from above, are formed by a combination of shapes – organic or geometric. These can be organised into usable spaces for sitting, planting or playing. Deciding on which shapes to use in your design can affect the whole feel of the garden, so it’s worth putting some thought into it early on in the planning process – sketching out different shapes to see how they work together.

The circle has fascinated humans since the dawn of time. It’s a strong but simple shape that’s instantly recognisable and which occurs in nature as well as in man-made objects, so lends itself to both formal and informal designs.

Circles can be used on their own, or combined to form complex arrangements – as concentric rings, spirals, overlapping Venn-diagrams, arcs and S-shapes. They can create movement and depth within a garden and symbolise abstract ideas such as unity and cohesion. They might be incorporated as ground-level shapes (such as areas of lawn or paving); on the vertical plane as viewing frames (such as a circular hole cut in a hedge); or as a three-dimensional focal point (eg spherical sculptures or topiary). Taking the circle as its theme, this design shows how you can use a series of overlapping circles to create spaces for lawn, patio, a seating area and planting beds. The design creates movement and draws the eye away from the boundaries. ➤

Create a contrast The rounded forms in the planting could become a bit monotonous without some upright plants as a contrast: Acanthus mollis and Stipa tenuissima add variety and rhythm. Clip small-leaved evergreens Small-leaved evergreen box, Euonymus japonicus, yew or Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’ are ideal for clipping into topiary shapes such as these neat spheres.

BEFORE

The curved edge of this circular dining area intersects with the lawn, using an arc of brick setts laid just below mowing level. Set among simple evergreen and herbaceous plants and overlooked by an Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree), this circular patio is a relaxing spot for meals outside. This brick sett pathway surrounds the circular lawn and links the two patios. For hard landscaping, small unit sizes are ideal for creating curves with minimal cutting and wastage. The round flowerheads of alliums, pompom dahlias, Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’ and the fruits of a crab apple tree, extend the circular theme throughout the seasons. Rounded topiary and ornaments serve to echo the circular theme. Here a spherical slate water feature is tucked among topiary orbs – creating a dramatic focal point when illuminated at night. A semi-circular bench provides a comfy setting for evenings spent sitting around a fire pit and for viewing the rest of the garden.