Garden design, addendum

Jan's question about The Golden Mean got me thinking of all I have learned
about using lines and focal points to create an effect in a garden or in any
other work of art. It took me less than fifteen minutes to pour out my
extensive knowledge. It could be I have missed nuances, but for what it's
worth, here's what I know. I'd be glad to hear other's thoughts, as
obviously my knowledge could be expanded.

Garden Design: Lines and Shapes

Symmetry: Will create a crisp, orderly, formal impression. Leaves no leeway
for a lazy weekend without grooming, as a single leaf out of place ruins the
symmetry. Good for large estates with sweeping vistas that go on the length
of a valley, preferably ending in statues, preferably of lions. Excellent
for the owner of the garden, if you employ a full time staff of gardeners.
Excellent for a gardener who would like to remain employed full-time by an
estate owner with desperate pruning needs. Most popular when women's skirts
were about twelve feet wide and sweeping down the garden path took some
serious open space.

Triangles Contained Within the Scene: Pleases viewers as the eye goes from
point to point easily and the attention always has another place to go, in a
predictable progression. Good for anyone except those who cannot stand the
fact triangles can be tipped over and would feel more comfortable with
squares.

Triangles That Lead Out of the Scene: Intriguing, as the eye is led from
spot to spot until it reaches a point beyond vision. Tends to make visitors
walk into the scene, to see where the complete triangle lies. Try not to
have the mysterious trail lead to the compost heap, though if you do, it can
lead to interesting discussions about organic gardening.

Squares and Rectangles: See triangles plus they are very stable shapes. Easy
to mow around, too.

Circles - By necessity symmetrical but a little racier than straight lines.
Incredibly easy to create a polka dot effect, which will raise the eyebrows
of most visitors, not in pleased surprise. It can be fun waiting to see what
they can come up with to say that is polite. A large circle created by focal
points can add a feeling of motion to a scene but also can make the viewer a
little dizzy after they follow it visually for a few trips round the scene.

Oval - The same as a circle but the contrast of its differing length and
width relaxes it a little. The fact you can't layout a clean oval by tying a
string to a stick makes them harder, hence more bragging rights.

Truncated Circle or Oval (Curve) - Humans love 'em. Try to use the garden
hose to lay out your paths in sine wave curves. They please both foot and
eye, leading them gently through a garden. By the way, take pictures of your
progress in trying to lay out a pleasing sine wave through your garden with
the hose. They will be a true glimpse into the depth of your character. Put
aside plenty of time and at least one pitcher of cold drinks with a heft
dose of your choice of spirits in it. Try not to let it bother you that when
the hose naturally falls into a pleasing curve, except when you are trying
to arrange it as a guide along the planned site of a future path.

One Last Tip: Remember when a visitor points to a really out of place plant
that has taken over the garden scene (say something that was labeled as
white that turned out to bloom flaming orange,) it is a Focal Point. If they
still seem to think it was accidental, start giving them further explanation
about the lines in your garden. They will be asking about herbs and asking
for cuttings to divert you in no time, and the orange flamer will be soon
forgotten.
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