What's your garden style?

There are endless combinations of plants that comprise a garden but four main types of design style; traditional, cottage, modern & natural. 
Your garden style should be a reflection of your personal style. Do you wear bold patterns and paint your walls bright colors? Or, maybe you prefer a muted color palette, clean lines and take a ‘less is more’ approach to life. I made a summary of four main garden styles and their key elements. You may find that more than one resonates with you, and that is normal. Having a basic understanding of your style helps me design a garden that you will enjoy. Even though I do not provide hardscaping services I added these elements into the descriptions for a more complete vision of each garden style. Follow the link embedded in each category to see pictures.

Traditional
The main element of traditional gardens is symmetry and balance. These are the more formally structured spaces that may be outlined by a hedge that either responds well to shearing or grows naturally in a tight, well defined shape. Certain plants or structures may be used as a focal point with all other elements complimentary. There is a ‘less is more’ approach with plant selection and color palette.

• Symmetry & balance (formal)
• Focal points
• More structured plants
• Limited color/monochromatic
• Repetition
• Clean/tidy lines with ‘edged’ pathways
• More lawn than garden
• design is maintained to remain static over time
• Hardscape etc.
  • Strong architectural features
    • Columns
    • Fountains
    • Sheared hedges
    • Topiaries
    • Pedestal urns
    • ​​​Pea gravel

Cottage
I think of cottage gardens as a collection of plants. There are many varieties and most, if not all, colors are represented at some point in the season. This informal design may appear random or like an ‘organized mess’ but is well tended. There is less defined, curvilinear edges.

• Relaxed/random
• Softer lines with plant material spilling over pathways
  • Less to no defined edges
• Many plant specimens (a collection of plants)
• An abundance of color
• Mixes of 
  • perennials, herbs, edibles
  • colors, textures, heights
• Full garden/‘Organized mess’ but well tended
• Charming
• design is maintained to be dynamic, or change over time
• Hardscape etc,
  • Clay pots
  • Picket fence
  • Arbors
  • Trellises
  • Flea market finds
  • Paths of natural materials
    • Stone, gravel, earth

Modern
Modern gardens also have a ‘less is more’ appearance. There are fewer plant varieties used with muted tones, and plants with discreet flowers, like grasses, often comprise much of the design. Hardscape elements are often intermixed in the garden spaces which tend to have a geometric outline.

• Asymmetrical (informal)
  • May interlock with lawn or patio    
• Minimalistic
• Monochromatic color, usually pale palette
• Clean lines
• Geometric
• design is maintained to remain static over time
• Hardscape etc
  • Metal-no rust
  • Concrete
  • Function of materials over nature
  • Ponds/reflecting pool
  • Spheres
  • Simple containers with a single plant specimen​​

Natural
Natural gardens emphasize the native landscapes of the region and highlight plants that have an interesting structure even into the winter. These plants are very durable since supplemental inputs like irrigation are not required.

• Reflects natural surrounding landscape
• Emphasis on plant selection especially natives to that region
• Little to no need for supplemental resources like irrigation
• Emphasis on plant structure over color
  • ‘Dies elegantly’ -Piet Oudolf
• design is maintained to be dynamic, or change, over time
• Hardscape elements:
  • Rustic/distressed/uneven