Simple rules for a formal look

Structure and focal points create a restful scene to complement a symmetrical home.

Structure and focal points create a restful scene to complement a symmetrical home.

Published Nov 14, 2014

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Johannesburg - Take a walk into your garden and then look back at the architecture of your home. Does your garden complement the style of your home?

One of the principal rules of garden design is to create harmony between the house and the garden. A new trend in architecture is a double-storey home with a symmetrical façade. This means that, from a central point, each side of the house is a mirror image of the other. For the sake of compatibility, a symmetrical house needs a symmetrical or formal garden.

What is a formal garden? Its main feature is that one side of the garden is a reflection of the other, with a primary axis in the centre that relates to the house. A formal garden requires level ground, so if there is a slope it needs to be levelled. Ideally, a formal garden requires as much space as the side of house adjacent to it.

The axis can be a path, or the central axis of a swimming pool or lawn. On each side of the central axis there are symmetrical plantings, paths, lawn areas and garden features. Depending on the size of the garden, these are linked to the main axis by intersecting paths perpendicular to the main axis. Other paths can be parallel with the main axis. The central axis and outer pathways are typically wider than interlinking paths.

With regard to planning this network of paths, it is essential to bear in mind the importance of scale. In a small space keep the design simple. It makes sense for pathways to be paved or to comprise gravel with edging. This gives clear definition to the formal design.

The plantings in this framework can be relaxed, with matching beds of a mix of colourful annuals and perennials that may even flop a bit over the paths. Alternatively, they can be more formal, comprising one type of plant. The most formal effect of all is achieved when the beds are edged with low hedging. The outer edge of a formal garden is ideally clearly delineated, with a medium-height hedge or attractive fence.

The best plants for hedging are long-lived evergreen plants. For low hedges, consider box (Buxus sempervirens Faulkner), small Abelia cultivars such as Francis Mason, Lonicera Nitida and Teucrium.

For taller hedging on the outer boundaries, consider narrow-shaped conifers, Abelia x grandiflora, laurel, bay, Cape myrtle (Myrsine africana) and dogwood (Rhamnus prinoides).

 

Focal points

Focal points are important features in formal design. The major ones typically occur along the central axis.

If this line is fairly short, position a focal point at the end. This can be something as simple as a bench or as grand as a gazebo. It all comes down to choosing a focal point in scale with the formal layout. Other options include a statue, a wall fountain, or a large container or urn.

An ornate, Italian-style urn planted with a stiff-leafed architectural plant is a traditional choice. However, a modern effect can be achieved with a large geometric container.

Another important place for a focal point is where a perpendicular path intersects a central axis path. The intersection can be widened into a circle, with a topiary plant, sundial, urn or even a pond in the centre.

Other places for focal points are the corners of a rectangular or square design, in the centre of hedged beds, and at the ends of secondary paths.

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