straight or curved garden borders

in horticulture from Iowa State University and an M.P.S. Single-color schemes enchant with their simplicity. The garden should encourage wandering, even if it's only the eyes that wander. The neighborhood wondered what I was doing. Inside and out. There is a pump house where I had to walk to and was the only source of outdoor water for a long time. My next big bed at the base of a maple tree in the front yard was a curved bed. I think it would look choppy and not as flowing though. I am not dismissing theories. And now I am going to bow of the discussion, because I believe that you are becoming personal, and I certainly did not set out to annoy you. Established trees on siteIf you are lucky enough to have an established tree/s on your block of land, then this may determine the line. is, to my mind, redundant as I would be the first to state (and celebrate) the obvious fact that nothing in my garden is natural - it is 100% artifice down to the smallest plant and most artfully placed stone - all has been constructed. You disagree - which you are entitled to do. This leading to the barn shifting and moving and even possibly over years the constant maintenance of concrete cracking and eventually would cause walls to shift and the collapse and demise of the structure. It would have a lot of movement here where its usually windy. When establishing balance, you need to determine a central reference point from which to draw an axis. Check out the square troughs used in the Alpine Garden at Denver Botanical. Its the cooling process of the glass. Classic formal front garden: For straight edges, try using a piece of twine stretched taut and held in place with canes. Anyhow, since this topic came up, its a new thing I'm googling. You can plant more in deep borders and even use them to hide certain parts of the garden, including walls and sheds. I am not trying to be the arbiter of individual taste. We called NPT and they did a warrenty form for us. I hope they have no drunken parties. They stated that they discontinued this line from its manufactuer. My Vegetable garden was put in there (a Fenced ).So a path that meandered from my shop skirts between trees ( can't walk straight and through the trees) and then a slow curve of a beeline because their was a brow of a slope to the pumphouse.. Andanother idea bites the dust. Before you create or plant up garden border, its important to consider its shape and depth. But I believe that it is you that are being subjective and that the objective view lies on my side of this argument. Arguing with a certain person posting here would be an exercise in crazy-making considering they thought it fit to analyze and argue about an autobiographical post of someone's journey into gardening, childhood memories & relationship with siblings. It brought a particular person to my attention at a time when that was needed. Conversely, a massive house overpowers a narrow front walk lined with strips of flowers. I was commenting on the impasse that peoples passionate devotion to their ideals had arrived at. It could be the front door, a tree in the backyard, or any other object. One last time - I am not saying that there are not situations when we have to do what we have to do because of boundaries, line fences, cement sidewalks, road allowances, etc. This particular "garden" is a slanted Hill and faces my property and ultimately is my maintain "convenience" more so than theirs for multiple reasons. There are many examples where straight and curved lines provide contrast, yet complement each other exceptionally. Informal back garden: Suprisingly the man from the company had also picked out the same tile for his pool, he said he wife loved the color and he too had the same issue. No. Sides were pronounced and people are being repetitive as you said. That particular rectangle I call the hell strip is one of my favorite areas, obviously, straight lines are the only option. The hopi indians designed imperfection into a design to allow free movement of the soul in and out of the piece. I think we can all agree that most gardens involve artifice and that nothing is absolutely natural. I've seen vegetables grown in raised beds the same way. Medium textures fall in between. I was just working in my un Aced shop and I was thinking about one of the sayings that I say to my clients when I want to shove my artist beret firmly on my head. I don't even know you. No drifts, no flow, just a mixed up jumble with absolutely no discernible thought behind it. Horizontal lines on the ground slow you down. This example of the clematis forest from the Royal Botanical Gardens that woodyoak has posted here (woody, I hope you don't mind that I am reposting your photo here. My Mailbox, town drainage and a telephone pole are all an issue right there beside the driveway next to one another. However, taste is always personal and I can see nothing to suggest that one way is any better than another way - nearly anything, done with brio and confidence, can look delightful. Ian Barker Gardens has often incorporated elements of formality and informality in our designs. "because she has meandering curved space". Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. I walked like a topographical line (its easier). I am really on a vacation when I get in the garden and then I let the outdoors take over. He said he did a lot of research and found that these are made and manufactured in Mexico. Shallow or narrow borders are useful if youre short of space but still want to soften certain areas of the garden, such as a strip of soil between a fence and path. Lol (planned maybe lol) Anyways so when they moved in that was 3 homeowners ago in my house (me #3). She pointed from street all the way up to top "corner pin" but that included all this encroached "abandoned" property. The glass must be able to withstand submersion in the water, water pressure, expansion and contraction of grout, chemically treated water and full sun.

If the garden owner loves the look of layered hedges it is possible to create this look with straight or curved beds, but generally formal plantings revert to straight lines. No one is disputing your right to plant your garden or edge it anyway you like, or indeed to love what you have done, just as a person who fills every last inch of the interior of their homes with knick knacks or dolls or whatever, would obviously be smitten with their dolls and love what they have done. Obviously, the only straight lines in the wood are the outlines of the horse-boxbut thern again, I am not really gardening either - a kind of intermediate colonising, adding and mowing a few utility areas. EVERYONE is right! And I can't imagine ANY garden without imperfections - that is the nature of the beast. I just turned around and walked away. I kept quiet out of politeness in the other post but I no longer care much whether it sets well or not. I like that Great to see you on this forum, Mike. The form and shape of plants and other objects in the garden work to divide space, enclose areas, and provide architectural interest. IME, most gardens suburban gardens fall somewhere in the middle, often incorporating both straight/geometric elements as well as the organic. So now it's 2012 and he confronted my hubby says "I'm using your property and your using mine." Moral is now I'm trying to sell and he's threatening potential buyers they won't have a driveway because the "entrance" is on his property. Use texture to contrast plants in groups or minimize architectural lines. There will always be straight lines of bldgs./property lines which can be like frame framing a picture. Pattern creates rhythm, as well as charm. Undulating border edges can look great, but the secret to success is not to make the waves or undulations too small. I'm eating my typed words. Think about the trunk of a tree, the distant horizon, the line created when a lawn ends and the adjacent woods begin. Different plants can pop their heads up at different times of the year to create interest. Digging and preparing by hand took a month to remove sod, add amendments and plant. I dont think you received the correct information it was not the installation it was the tile it self that is defective. Oh dear. Paint the wall behind the art and stick vase as part of the dining color, and then stop at the corner without taking it up the stairs where the hand rail is. Visual balance is achieved when the elements on each side of a real or imaginary axis are equal. Um, well this idea of curvy lines being more natural (better?) Gardens that may be complete in almost every sense may seem ordinary until rhythm is introduced -- for instance, a stately procession of shade trees along a drive or the reptetition of pavers or the pickets in a fence. Pick from foxgloves, anemones, cyclamen, ferns and more. I still find myself thinking about the idea of straight vs curved and the idea some of us expressed, myself included, that curved lines are always better. Sweeping, curved borders can really help to make a space feel larger than it actually is. Gardening is both art and science. There is amateur art, art for fun, art for therapy etc. Soothing horizontal lines create a sense of stability. Bad art doesn't equal "wrong" art in the same way that bad design can equal wrong design. It does seem that the smaller space you have, the more consistent and thoughtful you need to be. I think something along those lines except with higher raised beds would make a wonderful community type garden at an assisted living center. In fact, weve learned that it need not be a matter of making a choice a garden that is a blend of both straight lines and curves can work beautifully. Think about what effect you want to achieve. I have major Boundary and Survey issues myself. Its important you get a smooth, uninterrupted curve when creating these borders, so use a length of hose to experiment with the shape and size of the border. Maybe folks who have studied these things can advise.

Symmetrical, or formal, balance is the easiest to see and understand: The elements on either side of a real or imaginary line are mirror images. Look at the bottom picture of the Blue Grama 'Blonde Ambition' alternated with gomphrena & petunias at the Denver Botanical Garden entrance. I would like to thank tex for posing this discussion in the first place :-) I have found it to be one of the more interesting and thought provoking discussions I've encountered on GW/Houzz in sometime. This is usually most suited to people that dont want to spend the time meandering down a path, or want to direct the eye to a certain location. Perhaps there are, but looking through hundreds of magazines and pictures even on this forum, they are few and very far between. Lancelot Capability Brown and many others rebelled against the straight lines and formality in landscape design style being imported from Europe. False dichotomy - why not some combination of straight AND curved lines. The plantings usually consist of rows of layered hedges that are neatly manicured. Too stilted and too isolated to be considered a forest. The other may involve a bold use of colour and dramatic juxtaposition of geometric forms, etc. It has value, but it does pay to recollect the limitations of the art form.

Amorphous borders have more curves, of varying sizes and depths, like the flow of a river. I sometimes find I get to thinking in limited ways and accept certain often claimed remarks as if they are gospel but the straight vs curved discussion has me doing some rethink as I said. I love the straight arbor too. I'm too tired and physically limited to reconfigure the old bed. See how this classic design element can energize and order your own garden, Without any curved lines but with a wealth of energy-efficient features, this remodeled home in Northern California has plenty of appeal, Make the most of your home's best features by extending lines, reinforcing shapes and continuing curves, Brick, Metal, Wood or Concrete Edging Helps Keep Your Garden In Shape, Soothe with curves or go straight-up efficient. Thank you very much, Keswick and Catkin. So the true experience of wandering through a place, and enjoying its placeness isn't being shared. Seems like some people need to be right all the time or maybe they actually believe they are the singular stewards of poetic beauty, charm and grace. Snap up great exclusive offers from our carefully chosen partners. There is no wrong way to garden. Once it has weathered, the pointless statue has been taken to the tip and the plants are spilling over the edges it could be a fairly pleasant place to sip a glass of something.

The same exact thing happened to us. Sometimes I walk like water drains and sometimes I walk like a topographical line and sometimes I walk like a ruler, not often. A French provincial house will be crying out for straight lines and formal plantings to enhance the mirror frontage of the house. It just seems to be the kind of thing the judges like. An ornamental grass, when viewed alone, may seem a fine-textured plant. P: 03 9836 3130 | E: info@landscape.net.au. Nor do I see any virtue whatsoever in somehow pretending that curvature is inherently a better use of space since I prefer to hold true to an idea of vernacular, or garden languageand as mine is essentially modern, 1960s built, urban courtyard style, it seems feasible to continue using the same materials and following the essential (straight) shape of the nearest buildings and, on a wider scale, the larger setting. Clients often ask us what we prefer in regards to line in their garden design. Straight lines require more maintenance to achieve that clean look because imperfections readily stand out. I think there are wrong ways to do design and technique, but I still contend there is no wrong way to do art because art just doesn't work that way. Style of plantingThe desire for a style of planting will often determine which lines to integrate. A logical and natural stopping place would be in the corner. I just throw stuff at it. Ummm that sounds like someones art. Nature does not strive for perfection. Although you can't control natural light, you can play up its effects. It reinforces texture and contrast. I thought I was innovating by making a L shape. Trees and shrubs can take many forms. My large garden is shaped by paths also. Ideal for Paradise or Mediterranean Garden designs. Mine were purchased at NPT (National Pool Tile) Arctic 1X1 glass tile Ice #AT012. It seems to suit the other clean and straight lines in the room more. The areas were decided by function. It is a decision based on site appropriateness, should be influenced to some degree by the architecture of the buildings on the property and always, always by the owner's desires. Wish me luck . I have both in my suburban garden. Pattern is the repetition of shapes in order. I let my gut and my feet decide for me. No matter which types of line you use, be aware that lines lead the eye. Borders can be several metres deep or as narrow as a spades length. Leading off to informal side garden: Hanging it in your mothers living room, it might be OK but thats a different category. That LBJ garden where the wildflowers and perennials are in rectangular boxes looks ghastly to me. But in any garden where there is the opportunity to have curves rather than straight lines in a garden, and one is not going for that very clipped, geometric look, it will look more pleasing aesthetically to the vast majority of people, if the lines are softened. Make sure you have a visual guide in place when doing this to avoid unwanted irregularities along the line. If you are drawn to vivid splashes of colour, artfully displayed on a canvas, you may choose the abstract, and may find it to your taste, but I do not believe that you would choose it if you were interested in displaying what a garden looks like. Those who don't allow the lines to be blurred are generally looking for a very geometric, or sterile, or modern look (which really is a very personal taste) where the gardens (if that, in fact, is what they still are) were intended to look that way, or the gardens look unnatural, like something constrained that wants to be free. Like Campanula's it is confined within walls and is paved with straight edges.The plants provide the the curves.

Choose the right border shapes for your garden, with the help of our garden border design tips. Before moving to Des Moines, Iowa, for this position in 2019, she spent 14 years serving as an editor for The American Gardener magazine, published by the American Horticultural Society in Virginia. Formal hedges and garden edging etc can define the edges of formal and informal gardens, but its much more difficult to retain formality with loose edges. Of course, this is partly determined by the plants you use soft, billowing plants such as ornamental grasses will help to offset the effect of long, straight edges. He said there is a specific process which is done for glass tiels used in pools. SO Who's moving all this ?? Changes in texture can be subtle; the textures of various plants (and objects) are relative to one another. Thats quite a few straight lines. Alone, an upright arborvitae or a thin cactus looks awkward. I'm a slow learner. The sharpest pendulum swing was in the 1700s in the UK. Curved lines shape informal garden beds and add interest to pathways. Smooth hostas paired with astilbe's feathery flowers and serrated foliage make a classic combination. Ah well, Mara, as you well know, we are more than just a tad obsessive here! I have to admit that even when a strict straight line formal garden is planned, I will always try and find a place for a circular bed somewhere or perhaps a curve in a corner. They seem convinced they set a noble and exemplary example for others whom they perceive as less sensitive or less artistic to follow. Is one style better than another? For example, the perfect informal edge might be considered to be no defined edge at all, where plants spill out onto paths loosely, such as groundcovers sending out tendrils that ideally should look like charming, even elegant, but certainly not messy. I am having a hard time with passion right now. If I might interject from a garden designer's point of viewthere is not a right or wrong approach or as wantonamara puts it, an either or situation. so I guess my plumber was designing my yard. Typical city yards never are, not really. I don't have a problem helping the buyer "win" this because believe me I did my research and know more than any "buyer" will ever search buying a property. Repeated, narrow verticals also add stability. In addition, the consistent use of the vertical lines of the bamboo helps create a sense of rhythm. Floral uk - your garden is beautiful, but frankly the plants are doing what the curved edges would do soften the lines. So, it need not be a pendulum swing between one landscape design fashion and another that is, formality and informality. which island do you like - straight or curved? There's another straight path on the east side with a narrow strip of dirt. Any suggestions I can get him to quit chasing off my buyers ?? My whole yard is reactive to my personal trails. It comes down to personal choice and taste and it even says a lot about your personality. Texasranger, I think some of your examples relate a bit more to design and technique, which are related to and components of art (and science), but not the same. So take heed in this for your own future sells/buys but definitely any buys you or your family will endure/invest in. Oh dear. So many of my "lines" are about functions of me going somewhere. Combine a range of fine-, medium-, and coarse-textured plants to achieve balance and a bit of drama. It starts out as a very geometrical space in the winter, then over time morphs into herbaceous abundance, before going back to geometry. Line is one of the most important and useful of all design elements. Ya gotta wonder how many ornamental gardens the Hopi Indians designed :-) Productive, food producing, edible gardens, yesornamental/flower gardens, maybe not so much. A landscape without strong, contrasting forms becomes as confusing as a melody without rhythm. .

Find out how to select the most suitable border shapes and depths for your space, below. Maybe not, those renaissance guys were all about cross FERTILIZATION and they had many talents and advocations. All the art classes (a couple of degrees) , I let slide cause it feels good to me.

Ah well, we don't need to have witch-hunts or snark - it is perfectly clear that passionate people have passionate feelings. And I am just as guilty of those as anyone else..yet while I appreciate and enjoy these sorts of more philosophical discussions (and often contribute my $.02), I never think to initiate any myself. Curving lines take the eye on an intriguing journey. There are two basic types of balance: symmetrical (formal) and asymmetrical (informal). Lines going away from you on the ground draw you forward. I wasn't being dismissive of anyone. When creating patterns, think of light and shadow as part of the palette. . but it will never come as close to capturing what was captivating about the original scene as will the landscape. Ummmmthat depends. Finally, the colors of flower blossoms can create wonderful contrasts. Rather reminds me of a regiment of soldiers. I'm not interested in gathering converts or pound others into submission to adopt my way of thinking or win an argument but I thought Campanula's knowledge and ability to throw legitimate examples out to support her comments is impressive. Owner #1 payed to have a railroad tie garden fence put in that encroached 6ft onto their property. Mine is even smaller - and has no curves either. Composition is fought over in my house tooth and nail. It is very unfortunate that we did not know that the glass tile we picked out was not a high grade "pool approved tile" or it was but it was not Annealed properly and therefore was defective. Neighbor has been playing on my property for years. So we went off "picture" of towns "picture". Its as liberating as not having any defined borders at all, which I can relate to after ripping out the lawn & converting to a naturalized native landscape.

The bridge traverses a curved slope that falls away under it. I could easily live with this. There are so many factors to take into consideration when choosing between the two. Keep in mind that light can be either natural or artificial. (Just enlarged it) this property "line" is "degrees" so goes from 6ft to 1ft over 20ft in the garden however there is another 5ft of "grass" now all "weeds" (in last 10yrs). I am not put off by the obvious DIY-ness and the small space. Yes, I have read the tedious Russell Page and his later adherents in the landscape school of gardening (with their vistas and views, formal by the house, wilder further away etc. And, the Deepdene project: Straight lines evoke a sense of order and a crispness that is more formal. I thought that was an interesting discussion and I am rethinking my position. For curving edges, use a length of hose laid in the desired shape, then start cutting along it with a spade. Make simplicity a guidepost as well, and you likely will achieve a unified design that gives you a sense of completeness. Good structure in the overall design, combined with hardscape that meets your needs for service and enjoyment, creates the perfect setting into which you can place favorite plants -- trees, shrubs, groundcovers, flowers, and seasonal containers. Viveka Neveln is the digital garden editor at Better Homes & Gardens. I was away for the long weekend, and wanted to say thanks for the the nice comments above. But then again I really do not worry about the aesthetics of gardening since I have turned all the important decisions over to instinctive wandering. The style of the houseThe style of house is usually the first port of call. I'm going through the same with my kitchen renovation planning..I keep leaning toward the straighter lines, and I have a shallow overhang too.

When the wood is a bit more cleared, I will grow plants for a living (yep, I know I will remain in poverty) but at least I won't have to deal with the general public (and their hopeless demands) any longer. But certain focal points, by virtue of their interesting character, deserve major attention. As different plants come into bloom and then recede, to be replaced by others, there will still be a satisfying sense of visual rhythm. None is more important than the others -- each has different effects. PLUS receive our 2-for-1 Gardens to Visit Card and Guide. I like the 'tree' trellising but not the layout. Impactful, bold, bright and long flowering, this hardy sunflower will bring radiant sunshine to your summer and autumn garden.

Instead I work with my small suburban yard, my two or three trees scattered around the yard and light restrictions to build the beds that fit. I have built a lot of very small Cambridge courtyard type gardens - we simply do not have the space in our tightly populated town for sweeping views and large treesunless you are a very wealthy individual (and working for those types comes with specific attitudes too)but mostly, it is the idea of making a garden in a week/month, for nitwit customers, which I just cannot bear to do any more. Looks like it was put together by a committee of volunteers. Here is what I have learned from reading all of the posts here. Full photo credit goes to you) is a lovely example of a design intended to incorporate aspects of science for study and art for admiration - although I do find myself wishing the straight lines of trees were staggered a bit more as it does remind me a bit of rows of corn. Consider the ultimate size of a tree before you plant it. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Strong lines can draw your eye into the landscape, directing both where people look and where they go. Theres something quite magical about seeing a curved pathway lead around a corner not knowing where it will lead (most probably to a garbage bin) but the mystique is what makes it appealing. If you do, good luck keeping up with perfection. We as humans often have a hard time reconciling that. I did design to death and am heartily sick, sick, sick of it - those artfully placed pots, vistas and oh dear, you can see the whole thing at once - you NEED a surprisegah! Another straight line deal similar to the demonstration garden in Texas. To move all that soil and to have car "movement" may impact the compacted soil. One of the best ways to get an initial feel for how large you want your borders is to get out in the garden and have a walk around potential sites.

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