Re: Garden design, addendum
Bravo Cyndi -- Well said! I'll try to remember those lessons next
time I lay out a garden bed (or inherit a large estate).
Nan
>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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Nan Sterman
San Diego County California
Sunset zone 24, USDA hardiness zone 10b or 11
