Principles of Design #8

Principle #8   use shape and form

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.

There are many ways to bring shape and form to the garden.  It can be through living items such as plants, bushes, trees, or through inanimate objects like rocks, pathways, interesting items used as focal points, or items hidden only to be discovered when moving through the garden space.

However you do it, just do it.  Shape and form give shape and form to the garden.  How is that for double talk?  Make all your garden rooms interesting as you do with the rooms of your home.  Such spaces become much more attractive to the eye if different shapes and forms are part of the complete picture.  If all the furniture and accessories in your home are all the same period, or style, or even size, it is boring even if your friends don’t tell you.  Such spaces whether inside or outside – lack spirit.  That is sooooo dull.

There are a number of things that will bring interesting shape and form to your garden.  In prior postings, many of the pictures presented showed shape and form even when the photos were posted to cover a different principle of design.  Review them  and you will see many of the ways shape and form “just happen”.  In the Gardens at Waters East there are many examples.  Here is just one, which was mentioned in the November 14, 2010 posting outline;  the use of paths.  The use of interesting paths and walkways, can easily bring a dynamic movement of shape and form.   The photos in this posting will demonstrates how paths use this principle.

Gardens at Waters East has eight (8) different major paths.

a.     Lake Trail

b.     Middle Walk

c.      Berry Path

d.     A Walk Through Thyme

e.     Lily Path

f.      Rain Garden Way

g.     Formal Walk

h.     Secret Trail

Each walkway, and the entrance to that walkway, adds interest and even a sense of anticipation since only parts of the path can be seen at any one point along the way.  The final destination often is yet unknown.  That kind of mystery makes paths a very important element in the way form and shape can enhance the overall garden experience.  Paths are absolutely key in garden design.  Take your time and plan out how you want to walk through your garden.  Curves and corners can add mystery and the desire to go on to explore.  Straight line paths can highlight focal points, accents, and bring perspective.  Different trail textures can help designate different rooms.  Paths and walkways really do help a garden to be “special”.

Bring life to your garden using a mixture of shapes and forms in a variety of possibilities;

plants, pots, rocks, stepping stones, paths and walkways, etc. etc.

Keep it interesting without “overload”.

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