Design some mystery in your garden
The element of nature’s natural mysteries, of not knowing what may be waiting around the next bend in the landscape, is an intriguing design concept. An idea you can utilize when planning your own potential space.
Begin by going out into nature and recording plant distribution patterns, such as drifts and curving patterns of plants residing along the banks of streams and rivers. Observe the smallest of details of foliage and bark parading forth in all of their simple beauty. These natural design elements can be reinterpreted into your garden design.
The next step is to look carefully at your garden site. Examine the type of soil, the slope of the ground, the amount of available light and moisture and any microclimates your garden may have.
There is a common misconception that natural landscapes are chaotic and lacking in perceptible patterns. But in relatively undisturbed, naturally evolving landscapes, pattern is ever-present in a subtle arrangement of plants. In nature most plant species are grouped together with others of the same species. Plants are grouped together because they have very specific environmental needs that can be met only in certain areas. With either vegetative or seed reproduction there is a tendency for plants to form these natural “drifts.” A drift is simply a group of plants with a higher density in the center and a feathered edge of more widely spaced plants. In the garden this characteristic is easily translated into naturalized drifts of flowering bulbs or drifts of annuals and perennials that are allowed to self-sow.
The spaces carved into a natural landscape by a meandering stream provide a useful analogy for garden design. In a garden setting, curved beds that broaden along the outside of the curve, and have pockets of plants on the inside of the curve, can subtly block a view. This partial concealment provides an air of mystery and surprise, mimicking the pattern of a wandering stream.
Change is an integral part of the natural landscape. Not only the seasonal changes that come with new growth, flowering, seed production, changing foliage colours and leaves falling, but also long term changes associated with the reproduction and spread of plants and the demise of mature plants. You can bring this element of change in your garden by incorporating such elements as fallen branches or fallen trees where possible.
Plant detail is abundant in nature and should be included in a garden design. Fine bladed grasses and fern fronds, for example, or mosses to add some texturing. Various and interesting twigs and branches, that are more in evidence in the winter months can be utilized.
Study nature and you will discover inspiration for designing natural looking garden spaces that are both distinctive and ecologically sound.
Garden Tip: It’s important to sterilize pruners often, especially when dealing with roses. Instead of lugging around a bottle of alcohol and some paper towels, take a along a pocketful of individually wrapped alcohol swabs. They’re easier to use and even easier to carry.