 Now I have my garden design idea. But how should I plan the planting? James Bolger shows you what you need to consider and notice for your garden design plan!
Generally we will either get the seeds to grow our own, or go to buy grown-up plants. Whatever you do, it is not just "dig a hole and bury it directly". Before you do this, there are couple of things you have to think about. Planting design would be one of the main parts of your garden design plan!
Find out their properties
Firstly you need to do some research on the plants. Let's make it a bit easier.
PERSONALITY
Sun / Shade Lovers
Check out where your house is facing, and the area covered by sun light or shade. Some plants love sun, some plants don't. If you want them growing properly, you have to plant them in the right area.
Cycle
Some plants could live for over 20 years, some of them may only be a few years. Once their life cycle comes to an end, you will need to re-plan the area.
Season
It's usually about the blossom and fruiting. Knowing when your chosen plants will bloom will allow you to have the whole garden in flower/fruit at once.
LOOKING
Size
It's about height and also superficial measurements. Use a wide range such as Large specimen trees, Medium size trees, Small size trees, Flowers, Grass, etc.
Texture & Shape
It could be the whole plant or just in it's leaves. The subtle changes will catch your eye and add to the overall aesthetic.
Colour
Colour is definitely the point of garden design. Each plant has different colour on its leaves and flowers. It brings different colour in different season. A good plan could keep your garden fresh and interesting all year round.
- Different Colour -
- Different Shape -
Tips for the tasks
Then there are a few tips you should know when planting.
1.) PLANT IN TRIANGLE OR RANDOM
Don't put it in neat row. That will look too regular tobe natural. Try triangle or random.
2.) PLANT IN ODD NUMBERS
It's an easy and useful tip. Odd numbers will give an interesting triangle/random pattern easily.
3.) USE MASS PLANTING OF THE SAME PLANTS AND REPEAT
A small plant standing alone looks quite sad. Get some company for it!
4.) USE DIFFERENT SIZES TO GROW DIFFERENT HEIGHTS
Even the same plants will have different sizes. Try to put different sizes next to each other to make levels.
5.) USE DIFFERENT SHAPES / TEXTURE PLANTS NEXT TO EACH OTHER
Garden design is an artwork. So you need to play with colour and texture. The easy tip is to put different shapes / texture plants next to each other.
Ready to make your plan? Here are some examples for inspiration.
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