Lesson 2: Planning Your Garden
Architectural Elements
Pathways
Pathways are an important architectural element. They can increase the sense of space, soften the outlines of a new garden, and provide a dry place to walk on. The materials used to create a pathway vary from simple crushed gravel to flagstone. Once you have decided on the theme or “look” of your garden, selecting the appropriate materials becomes easier.
Gravel or shredded bark are the least expensive materials to use, but they can be unpleasant to walk on. This can be solved by using concrete rounds as stepping stones. This type of pathway is great for tropical or desert gardens.
Brick is the preferred choice for many home gardens. With its aged patina and shadings it lends dimension and texture to any garden, but especially to cottage type gardens. Interlocking pavers or loose bricks are equally attractive for this project. Planting chamomile or thyme in the crevices creates an interesting contrast to the bricks themselves in addition to releasing fragrance when trod on.
Flagstone or granite is the most expensive choice and is attractive for larger gardens, where it helps keep a sense of scale in relation to the yard. It is used most often for patios, verandas and surrounds for swimming pools. It is a very useful decorative accent for tropical foliage.
Before installing any pathway, the ground must be level, and be free of debris and large rocks. A chalkline and plumb level will help you make certain you have the right measurements and conditions to start. Draw the plans on paper first, to help give you a sense of how your finished product will work. Soft curving lines work much better than straight linear lines for smaller gardens. Try planning around an architectural element like an arbor or pergola. The proper placement of these features will give your garden a restful and fluid feeling.
If you decide to use bark or pea gravel, underlay the new pathway with landscape fabric to keep weeds down. Brick can be set with either cement or sand. If you do use sand, make certain you set the bricks in firmly. The sand needs to be deep enough to anchor them without tipping. Any patterns you might want to make with bricks should be designed first on paper, then have a trial run without cement. Once you get the pattern thoroughly set, you can mix your cement and begin laying your pathways.
Taking the time to place these important elements first, before you begin planting, will help you achieve a much more polished look.
Water Features
One of the most soothing and relaxing sounds in the world is water. The gentle trickling, splashing, or bubbling can ease stress and carry tired minds to a more peaceful place. Water features can be as small as a hanging fountain or as large as a full-sized pond.
Ideally, a water garden should have a sense of enclosure and be a place of retreat. On large properties, ponds can be placed some distance away. The weary "traveller" wanders a winding path to reach this haven, imparting a sense of "leaving" the world behind.
Smaller gardens may opt to have a pond near a patio or master bedroom, where it can create a serene environment for sleep.
If you are limited in space then a small water garden can be created in a half barrel and placed on the patio. These are very easy to do and can be completed in one day. Your local garden or home improvement center may offer classes or clinics in making your own water features.
A water wall is a highly sophisticated, visually stunning use of the interplay between light and water. When placed in the rear of a long narrow lot, this feature can knock the socks off your family and friends. A water wall is constructed of fiberglass opaque blocks, cemented together to create the wall. An irrigation pipe is installed on the back side of the wall, with a pump to recirculate the water. Spotlights are placed in front to highlight the whole thing. The water wall, surrounded by broad leaved tropicals, becomes the focal point of the garden.
Pre-formed pond liners make installation of a water garden much easier. Indeed, most projects can be completed in a weekend. There are some excellent online resources for watergardens, but the oldest and most reputable is http://lilypons.com/. Before installing any type of water garden, arm yourself with as much information on installation and maintenance as you can. This will help you make an informed decision about what type of water garden you can afford.
