English style in landscape design. Photo
Content:
Each style direction of landscape design presupposes the presence of the necessary elements, without which the creation of a garden project is impossible. The English style in landscape design boasts an impressive list of such rules. Below we will look at 10 basic principles of this style.
Landscaping of the site in the English style puts balance at the forefront. And also moderation in everything. Thanks to this, the most uncomplicated flower beds acquire a unique nobility. And the overall composition of the garden simultaneously gives the impression of comfort and sophisticated harmony. All this gives grounds for many gardeners to consider the English style as a model of excellence, resulting from the climatic and ethnographic characteristics of England.
There is an opinion that it is impossible to implement all the principles and canons of this style outside the British Isles. However, these hard and fast rules are widely known. Therefore, recreating the atmosphere of an English garden is tricky though. But a doable task. In this article, we will look at the main elements of this style.
English style in landscape design: a well thought-out structure
English style in landscape design: photo
The English Garden is, first of all, a place for walking. Therefore, its structure resembles a route. Which includes a series of eye-catching objects against the backdrop of a smooth landscape, consisting of separate walking areas. The number of variations of such objects and zones, as a rule, is limited. And includes lawns, front gardens, gazebos. As well as artificial ponds, orchards and ornamental gardens.
The boundaries between the zones are fences made of stones. And also cleverly trimmed green hedges. Gravel paths, paved paths or lawn belts are the connecting links in the English landscape design style. Flower gardens are distinguished by uniformity of forms. And, as a rule, they have a frame in the form boxwood framesforming simple labyrinths. An indispensable element are wide mixborders, difficult to fill, - one-sided or double-sided.
English style in landscape design and its poetry
English style in landscape design: photo
Landscaping of a site in the English style is usually referred to as a landscape direction. But you should know that its very basis is extremely far from the uncontrollable riot of nature and chaotic combinations of flora representatives. The English garden does not take as a model a forest clearing or wild thickets. An attentive guest will notice that each flower, each decorative element is in a strictly designated place. Where the hand of an experienced gardener with excellent taste and aristocracy placed it.
The colorfulness and imaginary freedom of the English style, as a rule, reminds of the gardens of fairy-tale sorceresses from the legends of fairies and enchanted princesses. The English garden should not give the impression of wildness and neglect. A carefully calibrated and well-groomed pastoral.
The effect of aristocratic choice is supported by the classic list of plants allowed for growing. Among them is the obligatory and respectable lavender. And also catnip, geraniums, delphiniums.Of the trees, preference is given to maples and ornamental varieties of apple trees. The choice of bulbous plants will also be traditional. As a rule, these are tulips and daffodils that retain the status of fashionable classics. Of the varieties for the English style in landscape design, the brightest, most unusual, well-known are suitable.
Green spaces
English style in landscape design: photo
Another cornerstone of this style is the famous English lawn, which is mostly used in the English landscape design style. Green carpets fill all the space that is not occupied by front gardens and ridges. And also serve as a juicy base for the entire ensemble. One rule applies here: there cannot be too many lawns.
English style in landscape design: photo
Despite the variety of combinations, there is not a single accidental or overlooked plant on flower beds and mixborders. Every flower, every tree speaks with full voice. And they are absolutely self-sufficient, being in the company of their many neighbors. And here the secret lies in the utmost respect of the gardener who chose the English style for the needs and preferences of the flora grown in the garden.
This is reflected in a purely scientific approach to caring for flower gardens and front gardens. And also in the constant study of the characteristics of a particular plant. That allows you to avoid unforeseen circumstances. And keep the garden in top condition.
English style in landscape design: harmony of color
English style in landscape design: photo
A panorama of a garden in the English landscape design style, as a rule, resembles the work of a brilliant artist who skillfully selects shades. How harmonious and sophisticated the colors of this style are at any time of the year. Taking into account seasonal changes in plant color. Against a background of calm greenery, transparent watercolor tones are mixed and balanced. And richer shades. In this case, preference is given not to contrasting colors, but to related colors. Namely: pink combines with lilac, lemon yellow with orange. And transparent blue is adjacent to purple.
English style in landscape design: photo
Many gardeners strive for the continuity of the garden's flowering throughout the season. And they do not ask questions of the aesthetics of the combination of certain colors. The English style in landscape design takes a fundamentally different path. And leaves the garden to slowly change its outfit as the seasons change. For each period, an ideal ensemble of cultures is selected. Which create a coherent and recognizable portrait of the season.
Royal roses as an element of the English style in landscape design
Landscaping of the site in the English style: photo
Without this truly royal flower, it is impossible to imagine a real garden in the English style of landscape design. Fragrant and unpretentious English roses are the best fit. There are practically no restrictions on the use of varieties. Small spray roses will decorate the borders. Decorative rose hips will become hedges. Ground cover varieties of roses will create great cascades. And the vines will braid the arches and arbors.
Adjusting the height
English style in landscape design: photo
As for the principle of combining tall plants with lower neighbors, it is exhausted by a simple rule: from low to high. It should be remembered that in an English garden, there should be no gaps between the plants, showing bare soil. The effect of the continuity of the vegetation cover is created due to the observance of this principle. An increase in height from foreground to background is mandatory when it comes to one-sided objects. In double-sided mixborders, the height increases from the sides to the center.
As with any rule, there are exceptions. They concern the so-called "living sculptures".That is, figuratively trimmed shrubs and flowers on long stems that differ in decorative qualities. It is permissible for such objects to dominate over short partners, creating a compositional accent.
English style in landscaping and accessories
Landscaping of the site in the English style: photo
A garden sculpture, a small fountain, a sundial, a bench should be harmoniously integrated into the overall ensemble. And carry a certain semantic load. Namely: to draw attention to a secluded corner of the garden. And also mark the border between the zones. Make the bend of the path. In this case, the main thing is the moderation and justification of placing the accessory at one point or another.
English style in landscape design: photo
English style garden landscaping is the choice for those who enjoy daily gardening. The beauty of a landscape is usually directly proportional to the effort put into it. Aristocratic sophistication does not tolerate slovenliness and laziness. Therefore, every tiny element of the decor needs to be taken care of. And also under constant supervision.
The English style in landscape design is external ease. A seeming luxury without effort, behind which lies discipline and unswerving adherence to the rules. This article lists the basic elements of this style. A diligent and patient gardener can create a small slice of an English estate on his garden plot.
English style in landscape design: photo