PRINCIPLES OF GARDEN DESIGN

Articles In This Section:

· PRINCIPLES OF GARDEN DESIGN

· GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

· SHAPE AND GENERAL CARE OF LAWNS

· HEDGES

· THE PLACING OF PLANTS

There are always the few in every community who strive to excel. When these folk apply their diligence to gardening, either they have a superlative generalized garden or they specialize in one type of plant. This is not so with the vast majority of home-dwellers. They have a garden of many types of plants, but, almost invariably, roses are the most highly prized. It is often said that roses will not thrive in beds with other plants, but some of the finest blooms I have ever seen have been on rose plants surrounded by small annuals or vegetables. It is hard to argue against such results. In fact, I think it is statements of the former kind that make people believe that roses are hard to grow and that the successful grower is akin to a magician. Any good garden soil will suit most garden plants, and the rose is the most common and most desired of them all.

In laying out a garden there are many guiding principles, observance of which will give better results by way of both growth and effect. Before proceeding with any lay-out of your garden, test the natural drainage of the area. Most gardens will benefit by artificial drainage, though few have had this preparation. It is essential in cold, wet, heavy soils.