Long Formal Garden Design

Designing a Long Formal Garden

Unlike narrow garden, this from of garden is more rigid and formal and usually formed at an angle to the house. The major feature of this garden is its patio, which is made by a perfect combination of 450 mm (18 inches) slab and basket-weave brickwork. The multicolor bricks like red or grey/blue with brown slabs will give a gentle soft effect. Even you can use different shades in slabs like light grey slabs give more modern and contrasting effects. Remember, whenever you design a long formal garden, it will force the patio to extend a long way out of the house, which cause the actual garden to push away from the French doors reasonably. You can overcome this problem by introducing a lawn area close to the house and this will give an attractive view from the French doors. You need to slope the patio on the left side for proper drainage of rainwater. The grass on the surrounding areas of the patio will keep it level with the surface.

The patio area of the garden would be sectioned off from the rest by the raised brick bed on the right and feature on the left.

The height of the raised bed area should be around 300 mm (12 inches), and grown with some climbing plants and evergreens shrubs. The left side of the garden contain a brick wall of about 1.2 m (4 feet) high and backing a small pool. A cascade of water is arranged on the wall from which the water flows down into the pool. As the pool size is small, you will need to keep the aquatic plants to limited size and also it is better to spare a space for some Canadian weed (Elodea canadensis) and miniature water lily.

Another way to enhance the water feature is to introduce an extend wall containing a small urn or vase attached on one of its side. The pipe from the pump is fixed to urn at the back and water runs over from its mouth into the pool. Make sure the water in the pool is at least 400 mm (16inches) deep for the submersible pump.

The section of the garden other than the water feature is reserved for formal planting and grassing. You can use some evergreens or shrubs at the back of the water feature. A good combination of climbers and herbaceous flowers along with few roses will make your garden more attractive and colorful.

The end section of the garden is usually separated by a trellis or arch. The paving is usually located underneath the arch or pergola, which will lead to summerhouse or shed. For screening the trellis, you may need some evergreen climbers. Ivy, such as Hedera colchica dentata ‘Aurea’ would be ideal. The border on the left would be ideal for espalier, cordon and fan-trained fruit trees, as this place is sunny and idea for these plants. The area on the right could be used for some soft fruit or vegetables. The end part with shed is used for storing tools and compost.

Tags: Designing, Formal, garden, Long