Small Formal Garden Ideas
Formal gardens tend to lend an eye to the architecture of the home and look best near traditional-styled homes because of their symmetry. Formal gardens also resemble geometric shapes in their design and are not necessarily created to showcase a specific type of foliage. They are more geared towards transforming the overall look of the exterior of the home by placing plants and flowers in specific locations.
For the novice, a formal garden may seem overwhelming and intimidating but once you understand the basics you will find that transitioning your current garden space into a small formal garden is not as difficult as you think. Before you begin your project, keep these basics in mind:
- Symmetry
Lay out your design in a symmetrical pattern. This is the key to a formal garden. Your design must contain this basic requirement. Your garden should be balanced, orderly and repetitious.
- Level ground
Take careful measurements and if necessary, hire a contractor to ensure that the ground is level. A formal garden requires a minimum plane of 12-by-12 feet to create the best visual impact. A smaller garden’s space can be reduced by half.
- Create the walkway
Plan your walkway thoughtfully. The best way to appreciate your small formal garden is to take a walk around the space. You also need to choose the type of material for the walkway. Brick, stone and gravel are the most popular choices. Define the edges of your walkway with geometric shaped plant beds and/or flower beds. This will help to shape the overall pattern of the garden.
- Strong axis
Frame the view with sculptures or evergreen plants at the entrance and exit. This is one of the most basic garden layouts. It is the result of two straight paths intersecting to form a crisscross.
- Define borders
Interject your own personal style and soften the edges of the plant or flower beds with perennials, herbs and annuals that will add the perfect touch of warmth.
Remember, a small formal garden does not have to be stiff or cold. It should showcase your home's features while also including your own personal style in the design.