What do you want your garden to look like?

You can download the form for our Internet Design Service which contains similar instructions.

Garden Styles

A style isn't something that is applied to the surface of a design, like a layer of paint on a wall. Rather it is what unifies the garden, makes sense of everything within it, and communicates a unique sense of place. It is as individual as a person's voice. Nevertheless we can identify some archetypes, and suggest materials that associate well.

          Urban chic - minimalist, rectilinear, theatrical.
                            Stainless steel, slate, dramatic lighting.

         Cottage - masses of "old fashioned" plants in variety.
                            Terracotta pots, old bricks, reclaimed materials

         Classical - symmetrical, balanced, traditional.
                            Carved or cast stone ornaments, stone flagstones.

         Japanese - austere, asymmetrical, calm.
                            Gravel, bamboos, individual rocks.

         Period gardens - ancient or modern.
Many different garden periods from Mediaeval to Arts and Crafts can be interpreted to suit different contexts. See our Garden History pages for more ideas.

Forms

Rather than using a strongly identifiable style, we often prefer to develop the character of a garden through its form. This can bring an elegant contemporary feel which combines well with a wide range of materials including natural stone, concrete paving, brick paviors and gravel. Here are three examples:

         Arcs and lines - strong flowing curves combined with straight lines.

         Rectilinear - overlapping rectangles, asymmetrical yet poised.

         Angular - straight lines and varying angles; restless and dynamic.

Concepts

Cutting-edge Landscape design tends to be based on a Concept, rather than a Style.
Perhaps this is beyond the scope of an introductory guide.

Test Yourself

Try to identify some of these styles in the examples in our Portfolio in order to develop your style awareness.

There are also a wide range of planting styles to consider - lush exotics, wildlife friendly, clipped formal, romantic ... This should of course harmonise with the overall style of the garden.