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Formal Gardens

Formal gardens often have very defined lines and angles. You can recognise then by the symmetrical balance they have. In general the theme is repeated through out the garden, i.e hedge rows and mass plantings.

Step by step to a successful Formal Garden.

• A plan – make sure that you have a plan to follow, and stick to it. You need to have some will power to restrain yourself from buying plants that do not fit your theme. Symmetrical styles are very easy to develop.
• Clean lines and edges – crisp lines that are clearly defined are the foundation of your formal garden.
• Features – a key element in formal gardens, paths often lead to a feature or key area in the garden. Decide what features you want, them lead your visitors to them. Herbaceous Borders, Rose gardens, fountains, topiaries, ponds, sundials, statues are examples of features.
• Structures – these might include pergolas, hedges, and archways. Choose these to fit your style.
• Seats – place seating areas carefully in your garden – hidden from view and secluded areas work well.
• Pathways – choose your ground covering carefully, bricks are not ideal for shady areas, coloured pebbles ad colour to a dark area.
• Framing objects – use trees, topiaries and structures to frame a focus piece in your garden – just like you would a picture – lead the eye to the centre piece.
• Maintenance – time needs to be spent on your hedges, topiaries, lawns and features to maintain the formal look. If you don’t have time – maybe a weekly visit from a reliable gardener would be a good idea (and great investment).

The formal garden is often an extension from the house. If you can follow your principles from indoors and bring them outside you will achieve your formal garden. Maintenance is the key for a successful formal garden. Formal gardens can be used on large and small sections. The formal courtyard garden is a look to be admired. But start with a plan and a vision, plant your framework first (just like building a house) and complete one area at a time.

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