Any beginner gardener dreams of a garden design with big trees, vibrant flower beds, hedges, roses, reservoirs … and is willing to put every effort for giving life of his ideas, forgetting that in the garden everything should be harmonious. So when the time comes to design your beautiful garden, first of all, it is necessary to determine the style and decide which one of the traditional designs would match your fantasies.
Japanese garden design combines stones and water
There is nothing random in the Japanese garden design, everything has its own meaning – the plants and the order of their placement. Every detail, even the smallest one is in amazing harmony with everything around and has its own symbolism. The bridge over the creek represents the sun, the bamboo represents resistance and patience, pine trees – longevity, oak – strength, lotus – wisdom. The main elements in all Japanese gardens are stone and water. Their presence in the Japanese garden is a must as per Buddhism. The stones symbolize the “yang ” – the bright positive masculine principle while the water represents the ” yin” – the feminine , the dark force opposing yang. Japanese gardens are designed in such a way so that they reveal beautiful landscapes gradually. The paths are curved or placed in a circle around the central part of the yard. A special highlight of these gardens is the pavement that serves as a transition to a stream or pond.
The bridge is a basic element
Water pools in combination with stones and trees
Massive rocks and a bridge of stone slates
Feng Shui
Harmonious blend of rocks and shrubs
Landscape in Japanese style
Fabulous landscape – blooming trees and wooden bridge
Traditional Japanese design
Rock garden and red bridge
A koi pond
Bamboo water feature
Spanish garden design
Due to the fact that Spain was under the reign of the Arabs for several centuries, this inevitably reflected in the garden design. In the Islam water symbolizes the beginning of life and heavenly bliss, so these gardens always have many water sources. Fountains and pools lined with stone, colored ceramic or glass give these gardens a fairy character and small channels emphasize the strict geometry of the layout. Another distinctive feature of the Spanish garden is the limited patio (courtyard) in the open. Usually it is framed by galleries, wrapped with vines and rambling roses. Paths are designed with decorative flooring – tiles or natural stones.
When you design a Spanish garden you need to know the most typical elements. Courtyards and the surrounding architecture need to reflect the architecture and exterior of the house. Seating areas and potted plants should be incorporated into the garden and provide a view of the landscape. Whether a large fountain in the center of the garden or multiple small fountains, this is one of the main features in a Spanish garden. Symmetry is another characteristic feature which you should have in mind when planning the layout of the garden.
Pond with water lilies
Spanish style courtyard
Modern patio in Spanish style
The water is of significant importance
Patio design in Spanish style with large flower pots
Water pool and fountain decorated with flower pots
A beautiful fountain is the focal point of the design
A courtyard design with Spanish elements
Modern patio design with arches
Beautiful courtyard with fountain
Stone tiles and water pool
Beautiful landscape in the courtyard
ENGLISH GARDEN
The open plan of the English garden design is used to emphasize the virtues of natural plants and, if necessary, to hide flaws. Trees and shrubs are located in picturesque groups, the paths repeat the outlines of the landscape and smooth flowing river or a quiet pond add to the life of the garden. Such areas have a natural beauty that is achieved by strict rules. The design must consider even the seasonal changes in the color of leaves, grass and color of flowers. The principle of contrast is a must: dark trees and shrubs are alternating with bright flower beds, lawns with closed areas. Garden sculptures and accessories have an important role. Flowers in the English garden grow right through the grass and the lawn is never bordered with stone curbs.
Formal English style
Benches and flowers around a fountain
Low hedges and flower beds
A delicate arch at the entrance
Colorful design with symmetric flower beds
Wrought iron gate and natural stone wall
Trees and shrubs in picturesque groups
Immaculate garden design
Round flower beds around small pond
English garden with water pool and fountain
Formal garden with spectacular appearance
Natural stone stairs and stone wall
CHINESE GARDEN DESIGN
The Chinese garden is strictly hierarchical and has a main central composition while all other elements are arranged around it in a srtict order. Garden structures usually are bridges, pagodas and stairs in bright colors – red, green or yellow. The structure of the Chinese garden fully meets the Feng Shui study for harmony in the relationship between man and nature. Chinese gardens have three compulsory elements: plants, decorative hills and water.
A beautiful path
The harmony of elements
Massive rocks at the edge of the pond
The pagoda is the architectural element in the design
The basic principle – harmony between man and nature
A stone bridge and path
Bonsai trees on pedestals
A magnificent waterfall as a focal point
Large willow tree and ceramic pots
Lanterns along the path
Sun deck with colorful cushions
Spectacular Autumn trees
FRENCH GARDEN DESIGN
The gardens of Louis XIV are considered as the representative of the style which originated in France and reached its zenith during the rule of Louis XIV. Symmetric layout and sharp crisp lines – these are the main features. A special role is given to the numerous beds with manicured grass which surround a decorative pool, lake, canal or fountain. Often the whole panorama of this garden is set on a flat level. The plants, suitable for a French garden design are Thuya , spiraea , fir, maple, tilia and decorative plum and apple.
Fabulous French style
Straight lines form symmetric shapes
Picturesque formal
Landscape design with white tulips and water pools
Magnificent flower beds around the fountain
Stone flowerpots and bird statues
Manicured grass surrounds a decorative statue
Water pool and statues
Beautifully trimmed lawn
Beautiful flower beds around the pond
