Modern Garden Design
In our section about European garden design we look at the various types of design through the centuries. When we create a modern garden design we can take a great deal from the earlier garden designs and adapt them to make a unique design for modern living. In the very same way we can benefit from the plants collected and developed by the great explorers of the past and the wealth of information they collated on how to care for these plants, species and sub-species. Furthermore there have been a great many recent advances in horticulture and in the development of materials suitable for use in the garden (such as plastics for greenhouses). All in all the modern garden designer has many advantages over his predecessors.
Modern garden design incorporates much of what has gone before while attempting to create something fresh and new. Modern gardens are often seen as an extension to the living space of the home and common features include decking, bold water features and sculpture. Contemporary pots, planters and other containers often hold a place of prominence and while most elements go well together it is common to have, in larger gardens, distinctive areas (either purely decorative or both decorative and functional).
The interaction of the basic elements is key to a successful modern garden design. It is important to maintain the individuality while also ensuring that there is consistency and, if there are any, separate areas they should flow together and invite the person to explore rather than exclude themselves from the rest of the garden (as in the case of secret or hidden gardens of old).
Use of available and synthetic light is also a crucial element in modern garden design. Without light there is no color and the correct light can bring an element, of the garden, suddenly to life. Where natural light is insufficient or none existent (as in shade or at night) these areas can be lit using contemporary outdoor lighting which itself can play an important architectural role in the design.
The types of materials used in garden structures or sculptures is very carefully chosen. Reflective materials such as highly polished stainless steel add extra dimension while non reflective materials can help to absorb or enhance color. Pure white can be colored in the evenings with colored lighting and different moods can be created by changing the colors used.
A grass lawn may or may not be used in modern garden design. It is common for a wooden deck area to lead onto a small grassed area of lawn but often large areas are covered in other materials such as gravel, pebbles, or even recycled glass of various colors is becoming increasingly popular.
And Finally The Plants
It seems strange to leave mention of garden plants until the very end of this article but, in truth, plants are often not the center of attention in modern garden design. As I have said earlier it is the interaction of the various elements that is key to success and this is incredibly important when it comes to choosing which plants to use in your design.
There are really no limits on the types of plants you can use and architectural plants, such as flax, are very popular. Plants with unusual leaves or flowers are popular additions but even the simplest of plants can bring incredible beauty to the design. Bamboo is often used in clumps and the different colored stemmed varieties can add variation on a theme. Keep in mind that the usual planting rules, of using groups of complimenting plants, need not apply and highly contrasting plants can be used to great effect. Let your imagination run riot and have fun.
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