Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Formal and Asian styles

Formal gardens
Keep formal gardens simple . Aim for balance and symmetry so the garden has an air of calm elegance. Here are some tips:
  • Use strong lines and boundaries, such as groomed hedges, walkways, perhaps even a reflecting pool.
  • Employ single-color plantings, aiming to match or complement your house color, fence, or another element.
  • Add stylish pots, urns, gazing balls, or statuary. Keep everything in moderation so it doesn’t look cluttered.
Asian gardens
Asian gardens are usually based on a garden floor, or a broad area of raked sand or stones. Choose fine-textured traditional plants, in pots or in the ground. Try bamboo, dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, iris, azalea, and flowering fruit trees. Then include Oriental-style accessories such as stone lanterns, bamboo fencing, a water basin, or even a small “tea house.”

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