Principles of Design in use at: Gardens at Waters East (GAWE)

As this blog and its posting move into the future, it is important early on to form a foundation for the many entries to follow in the months and years ahead.  A vital part to that foundation is laying out the principles that have gone into the original and ongoing creation of the garden space.  Here today is an "outline" and an  "overview" of the Principles of Design in use at the Gardens at Waters East.  During the remaining days of this month, each of these ten (10) principles will be further explained in words and pictures so that these principles can be made a part of your own gardening experience.

Over the months, as your time and budget allows, in a step-by-step process you can incorporate the principles that are listed here.  As you bring these design principles to your garden, it will then have a greater unifying "feel" and look.   A little forethought and planning can help every garden become a great garden.

Principles of Design in use at:   

                     Gardens at Waters East  (GAWE)

1.    favor the use of  “indigenous” material

a. fence post

b. driftwood

c. beach stones

d. Niagara Escarpment

2.    develop seasonal interest

a. objects and plants that attract the eye throughout the year

3.    make inside / outside connections

a. tie in colors, textures, accents,

4.    highlight perspective and borrowed views

a.     incorporate views of neighbor’s trees, fields, flowers

b.     draw the eyes of viewers out and beyond immediate area

5.    use a variety of structures

a. entrance gates, arches, pedestals, benches, pots, art

6.    create multiple “garden rooms” with seating areas in each

a.     there is a total of nine (9) rooms in the garden

Special Growing Area Gardens

a.     nursery, etc.

7.    display objects of interest and art --“focal points”

a.     “found” art and created art

8.    use shape and form

a.     structure of bushes and trees

b.     large rocks

c.      cairns

d.     pathways

a.     plan out how you want to move through the space

b.     hidden views to entice

c.      path names:

                                                                             i.     there are eight (8) different named paths

e.     vertical and horizontal elements

9.    showcase native plants

a.     easy care and drought tolerant

b.     habitat for attracting birds and butterflies

10. mix a palette of colors and textures

a.     one tone to multi-tone, color value

b.     variegated

c.      contrasting & complimenting

d.     from annuals and perennials

e.     smooth to rough surfaces

f.      rounded to pointed

g.     soft to hard

h.     solid to lacy

i.       use of leaves, flowers, barks, stones

NOTE:            The focus of a garden design project is:

1.    first to get the design of the layout and full garden area planned, which may happen in the early stages of development, but will probably happen continuously for a lifetime

2.     second to choose and work on the flowering plants etc.

Numbers 1 through 7

deal more with the “Hardscape” and “Backbones” of the garden and its design qualities

                        Numbers 8 through 10

deal more with the plants and living items of the garden

 Reminder:   Over the next weeks many postings will cover in greater detail the Principles of Design listed above in this "outline" form.  Enjoy.