THE POWER OF SIMPLICITY
In the first of a new series, RHS Young Designer of the Year Ula Maria argues that when designing your garden it’s best to keep things simple
Have you ever witnessed the magic of the bluebell sea in the woods awakening after the winter? The blissful combination of a blue flower carpet covering the woodland floor, and the freshly sprouting leaves of the trees falls nothing short of enchanting. When I was walking in the West Woods near Marlborough at the beginning of May, I thought to myself, how simple yet powerful the spectacle created with a single species of this elegant flower. That is nature showing us all the power of simplicity.
Simplicity is pure, elegant and timeless. As Leonardo da Vinci once said: ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. It denotes clarity and honesty of the design. It doesn’t leave any space for unnecessary additives or clutter to distract the eye, but just enough interest to keep one’s attention. I believe the most successful form of simplicity is when the design becomes almost invisible and creates an illusion that the space has always been that way, before someone has inhabited it.
It is important to note that simplicity does not equal simpleness. In fact, it is an artful skill to achieve simplicity in its purest form. The most effortless-looking space is often a result of a complex design process where every detail has been carefully considered, and intricate ideas refined to their purest expressions. The little things have to create maximum effects.
Eliminating any superfluous elements allows room and freedom to draw the focus on the key elements of the design. It never fails to amaze me how magnificent every design detail, material, and plant look when they are carefully placed and given the right context.
BONES OF THE GARDEN
I have always looked at the hard landscaping as the bones of the garden, or the canvas of a painting. Unless it is designed to become a focal point or a key feature of the garden, the hard landscape should act as a breathing space – uncluttered, distilled and timeless.
It is generally a good practice to think of the garden as an extension of a house and select timeless-looking materials that will complement the garden surroundings. Carrying materials from the interior space works incredibly well in smaller gardens. In most cases, you will be able to draw inspiration from the existing features on site, such as the bricks used for the house or the timber used for an interior floor.
The simpler and more refined the material palette from the outset, the more cohesive the garden will look. Try to picture your hard landscaping material palette as a photographic background for your garden. The plants will become the true stars of the picture and they will most likely look their best against the unified, simple backdrop.
LESS IS MORE IN NATURE
One of the most common habits of garden enthusiasts, myself included, that often leads into a restless garden is ‘over doing it’ with the variety and mixture of plants. Like with everything, we should follow the rule of less is more. It is important to know when to stop. Adding more and more plants of different styles, colours, textures and garden areas contradicting their natural habitats can result in a muddle if we are not careful when arranging these.
To achieve simplicity within the planting, look for inspiration in nature. Remember how magical the carpets of bluebells in the woods look in spring, or swathes of white cow parsley in summer. Try to find a group of plants that grow and work as well together as these prime examples we see in nature.
You can also begin by picking two or three of your favourite colours. In most cases, these should be complementary rather than clashing to ensure they will work well together. Once you have chosen your plants, plant them in large groups and swathes trying to adapt and distil the inspiration you find in nature.
Planting in larger groups will make a bigger impact. The forms, textures and colours of the plants will become more apparent and this way it will be easier to create a distinct character and spatial identity for the garden.
GOD IS IN THE DETAILS
It is important to say, that simplicity does not and must not mean boring or soulless. I always remember the words of the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: ‘God is in the details’. Clear and calm, every garden should still have its unique character that lives through careful selection of the details. These, like in a great artist’s painting, should be the finishing touches that make the space different and special. It might prove difficult to not be tempted by an incredibly beautiful selection of pots, troughs and sculptures, it’s important to keep within the theme and character of the garden.
I believe that a series of empty spaces within a garden are often good spaces that give freedom for thought, exploration, and flexibility within the garden. Likewise, simplicity leaves room for improvement and growth, which is always exciting. It is important to remember that there are layers within the garden like in a great painting. You can always add more details once you have a strong background to begin with. NEXT MONTH Finding beauty in imperfection.