Learning About 17th Century Garden Design
Planning a 17th century garden design doesn't have to be that difficult, you just have to ensure that you take your time, have patience, and that you are as informed and knowledgeable on the subject as possible before you start on your project.
Choosing Your Specific 17th Century Garden Design
Of course if you are planning to go with a garden design, based upon 17th century designs, the basics are likely to remain the same no matter what extra design aspects you add in. However, if you want your garden to be truly unique, it is the addition of these extras that will make it different from everybody else’s.
Therefore, when you are decising upon the specific 17th century garden design you are going to use, to make it really personal, you must concentrate on choosing those elements (of the design) which really mean something to you or which you immediately find attractive or interesting.
The first thing to choose should be a structure which will act as the main overall focus of your garden design, such a structure is obviously going to be in a 17th century style. After you have chosen the main aspect you can take a look at the smaller design elements which, together, will help to create a personalized garden.
For example you could place a number of large rustic, or well aged, flowerpots around your garden, this will help create a more classic feel to your garden and help it to look far older overall. To further enhance this illusion it would be an idea to introduce a well aged gazebo somewhere into your garden.
Possibly one of the most important aspects of your 17th century garden design is the choice of landscaping plants and flowers that are used. It is best to use those which are considered "traditional" such as chrysanthemums and classic roses, together with tulips and other, older, bulbs. Adding vines and other climbers will help to create the illusion of age but you should also ensure that you choose your trees carefully, always opt for deciduous trees, those with clearly defined structure such as a weeping willow or a monkey puzzle tree, this will help to create an eclectic and traditional feel to your garden.
Final Pointers
17th century garden design is an art, but one which follows a number of basic rules. When designing your own garden it is best to use these rules as a guideline for your own interpretation. If you try to stick too closely to the original design your garden may end up feeling rather distant from you and a "copy" rather than a bespoke personalized garden which you will enjoy more.
A further problem with sticking rigidly to a 17th century garden design is the amount of work involved in sourcing suitable materials, plants etc. it is, therefore, far easier to create a garden in a 17th century style or influence in which you can allow yourself some freedom of expression thus creating something truly unique.
Above all you really must have patience, take your time and enjoy the process of garden design and build. Every aspect of the process can be great fun which can be enjoyed by all of the family. It may take a little longer to create such a garden but the added enjoyment when it is complete is immeasurably, and, over time the garden will mature creating character that can not be created instantly but can be enjoyed forever.
More books about 17th Century garden design are shown at the bottom of this page.
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Below is a selection of books about 17th Century garden design:
