5. Principles of garden planning Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the meaning of the term Genius loci
A
- Quality, characteristic or atmosphere that makes one location different to another
- Often an emotional or subconscious feeling
2
Q
State key characteristics of a garden with Symmetry
A
- One side is a mirror image of the other
- Used in formal gardens
- Strong use of geometric shapes
- Features are repeated along the axis
- Straight paths often running along the axis
- Key focal point, often fountains or sculpture
- Use of topiary to create distinct shapes
3
Q
State key characteristics of a garden with Asymmetry
A
- No central axis
- Used in informal gardens
- Balance is key, e.g large tree balanced by a summerhouse or group of smaller trees
- May reflect interior of house, an extension of it
- Minimal straight lines - inspired by natural habitats
- Plantings are easy maintenance
- May include a wildlife pond
4
Q
Plants suitable for Topiary
A
- Buxus sempervirens (Box)
- Taxus baccata (Yew)
- Illex (Holly)
5
Q
Key Garden planning principles
A
- Harmony
- Simplicity
- Balance
- Sale & Proportion
- Repetition & Rhythm
- Focal point
6
Q
- Harmony
A
- The fitting together of parts so they make a connected whole
- The garden and it’s surroundings
- The Garden and the house
- Within the garden itself
- Use native tree’s as hedging to to ease transition with boundaries
- Reflect style, shape, colour, materials of buildings
- Link divided spaces though use of materials, landscaping and hedging
7
Q
- Simplicity
A
- Helps to add calm and avoid chaos
- Limit the number of materials used (no more than 3 hard landscaping)
- Repeat plants and colours
- Limit number of features
- Avoid multiple focal points
8
Q
- Balance
A
- Not just symmetry (easy in a formal garden)
- Using features which have a similar visual weight
- Patio could be balanced with a lawn
- Large tree could be balanced with a group of smaller tree’s or a summer house
- A pergola could be balances with a boarder of tall herbaceous plantings
- Unbalanced gardens could include all features on one side or one large tree at the end of the garden as a focal point
9
Q
- Scale & Proportion
A
- Gardens should be scaled to allow for comfort and should not feel constricted Consider: - Pathways - Patio - Steps - Pergola - Boarders
10
Q
- Scale & Proportion of Pathways
A
- Only located for a reason and should be functional to avoid desire lines
- Consider who will be using the path
- 1.2m ideally 1.5m needed for wheelchair access
- Paving not gravel need for wheelchair
- Service paths 1m wide but should not have sharp turn/right angle
11
Q
- Scale & Proportion of Patio’s
A
- Provides main link between house and garden
- Must be generous - no smaller than 4x4m
- Single story - width should match house height
- Double story - width should be 2/3rd of the how height
- Should allow 1.2-1.5m behind chairs
12
Q
- Scale & Proportion of Step’s
A
- Larger than indoor steps
- Shallow riser 100mm (no more than 150mm)
- Deep tred 450mm ideal
- Wide as path 1.2-1.5m
13
Q
- Scale & Proportion of Pergola’s
A
- Must be taller than adult and allow extra room for hanging plants
- Uprights 2.4m
- 1.5m Wide min if used as a pathway
- Pillars should not affect the movement of people
14
Q
- Scale & Proportion of Boarders
A
- As wide ass possible, plants spread as they develop
- Tall plants should not be planted in narrow boarders
- Min 1m - only 1 plant deep
- 2-3m is ideal - combo of climbers, shrubs, perennials, bulbs
- Height of tallest plant no more than 1.5x width of bed
15
Q
- Repetition & Rhythm
A
- Repeat shapes, patterns, colours, materials
- Add rhythm to a path by creating an inset pattern
- Avenues of tree’s
- A pergola
- Recurring clipped plants
- Use combinations of plant forms, texture and colour
16
Q
- Focal point
A
- A feature that draws the eye - Can be good or bad
- Bad = Conifer in the wrong place/ compost heap at the end of a path
- Divert the eye from a bad focal point by creating a new one
- Only one focal point should be visible at a time
- Curving paths could have a series which are revealed as you move along
- Tree’s, arbors, summer house, statues, containers