Principles of Design #5

Principle #5   use a variety of structures

The posting today is one of the series titled:

                               Principles of Design in use at Gardens at Waters East.

All ten (10) design principles are listed in an outline form which can be located on the November 14, 2010 posting.  Refer back to that date for the complete list of the guiding ideas used to develop and to bring unity throughout the many gardens.

The use of structures, defined in a narrow or broad sense, can add dimension to your garden.  Structures such as entry ways, arches, pedestals, fence posts, benches, branches of trees and bushes even in winter, and the long grasses in any season, add structure.  Structures can be both aesthetic and functional.  In adding structure, a gardener can add interest and make an anchoring element.  The “voice” of the garden space “speaks” so much better when structure is part of the vocabulary.

Here are a couple examples used at Gardens at Waters East.  You will see these structures again, others you already may have seen in past postings, and others have yet to be posted.  As more photos are posted in the months ahead, take note of how the structures add meaning and interest, even if very simple in nature and design.

 The arched "gate" in the above photo leads out of the garden proper along the Lake Trail to the Overlook Rest Garden located at the very edge of the bluff.  It is approximately 7 1/2 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide.  There are four different arch "gates" in the Gardens at Waters East.

This is one of several simple brick and stone benches placed around the gardens for rest and viewing.

The above walkway leads to the main entry gate for the Gardens at Waters East.  Covered in Golden Hops vines, one enters a "cave like" enclosure before bursting out into the Main Entry Garden.  Notice how there is a real sense of mystery and the unknown when approaching this space.

This is the seating bench and area for viewing in the Lily Path and Birdbath Garden.

The photo was taken in late Fall so as to better show the seating area.

An example of branches giving structure to a garden space.

(((  NOTE:  if you wish to use email  -- please do:  gardensatwaterseast@yahoo.com  )))