Height.

Height is a very important factor when developing an interesting flower border, as variations in plants will add an interesting dimension to your garden. Where possible, plant heights should follow a gradient throughout the width of a border, with the smaller species at the front and the taller specimens planted at the back. This allows not only for a pleasing aesthetic, but allows for all plants to get the light that they need.

There are of course some exceptions to the rule. For flowerbeds which may have a sudden curve in them it is ideal to plant something tall on the edge. This gives a sense of intrigue, and draws visitors around the corner to see what lies ahead. Meanwhile, for plants which send up towering stalks of flowers, those such as alliums, annual poppies, or delphiniums, planting amongst smaller species will accentuate their beautiful height even more.

Seasonal Interest.

The one thing that is important to bear in mind when you visit a garden outlet is creating a flowerbed for year round appeal. Most nurseries will naturally be selling plants in their prime, full of flowers and beautiful leaf to attract customers to buy. If you only visit the shop once in a year you can often end up with a garden that looks lovely for about a month, and dull for the rest of the year. Take interest in plants that may not be in flower but which will come into bud later or earlier than that ones you already have. Meanwhile, ensure that you have some evergreen shrubs to dot throughout borders to provide foliage in the winter months. And if you’re not sure about planting for early spring simply buy a huge load of bulbs such as snowdrops, crocus, and daffodils. These will fill your flowerbed with spring flowers and will fade before other plants really start to grow.

Contrast.

You can easily add a little professional touch to any garden border by carefully placing plants so that they contrast with each other. Differently shaded foliage is fantastic for planting side by side, whilst also the color of emerging flowers should also be considered. Don’t plant two yellow flowered plants next to each other as they’ll merge into one, throw in a vibrant purple or pale white to break up the planting plan and every bloom will really show itself to its best ability. The same goes for foliage, even if the palette is largely greens. Find the most interest contrast whether its color, leaf shape, or foliage texture. A large broad leaf could be placed beside a spiky specimen, causing visitors to really notice planting.

There’s no exact way of doing things when it comes to gardening, your personal preference is the best key to guide you. However, with a bit of thought into contrast, height, and seasonal interest, you can ensure that your garden really stands out from others.

Geoff Wakeling is a writer with Brookside Patio Furniture which specializes in outdoor chaise lounge chairs which one can store in this recommended Toledo storage facility.

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What 17th Century Garden Design is Best for your Property?

Obviously, it doesn’t matter how you add in your creativity and individuality, the basic design is the same. Do keep in mind, though, that you do want to add in your own touches so that your overall garden is unique.

Therefore, when it comes to choosing your specific 17th century garden design, you really have to make sure that you make it personal. Choose elements which are going to mean something to you and which you find attractive.

So, think of it this way. The basic outline will be the essential elements of the 17th century garden design. Then, fill in the gaps with your own likes and personal touches.

Large old flower pots that look a little dated can be spread throughout the garden. A very simple technique such as this can give the garden an aged look.

The types of flowers and plants that you use here are also very important. You want to stick to more traditional flowers such as roses, tulips, and chrysanthemums in this type of garden. The plants you use will be ones such as vines and deciduous trees. This will allow the garden to have that traditional feeling setting it apart from more common gardens.

When you are coming up with your own 17th century garden design, the worst thing that you can really do is to stick to the basics too much and not personalize enough. After all, although you do want to follow the ‘rules’ in order to make your 17th century garden as realistic as possible, at the same time you want to make sure that you have fun and that you use creativity and uniqueness.

Take your time, have patience, and enjoy yourself throughout this process. Because it can really be a lot of fun, and you can spend a lot of time working on a garden such as this.

Technorati Tags: 17th century garden design, Flower Garden Design, garden design