7 - Cohesive Design

Question 1

How can decking be used to ensure a cohesive design?

Answer 1

• Build it with sides that are parallel to other lines in the garden
• Build it in a shape that reflects shapes that repeat through the garden (e.g. rectangle)

Question 2

How can concrete paving slabs be used to ensure a cohesive design?

Answer 2

If you build a patio in them, build the path in them also.

Question 3

How can hard landscaping be used to create cohesion using style?

Answer 3

• Use hard landscaping elements that are traditionally seen together in the same style, for example gravel paths with Taxus hedges and tightly clipped lawns
• Use statuary that links to the style of the garden, e.g. classical statues in a formal garden.

Question 4

How can soft landscape elements create a sense of cohesion in a garden?

Answer 4

• Hedges can be used as edging or boundaries in a formal garden, tying everything together and creating a universal style for the garden
• Flowering plants can be chosen with simple naturalistic flowers shapes throughout to create an ambience of the countryside
• Colour themes, e.g. hot or cool colours
• Colour links between hard and soft landscaping, e.g. white bark can be reflected in white slate paving
• Rhythm can create cohesion through the repeating of plant species throughout the garden
• Cohesion can be created through implied themes (e.g meditteranean plants)

Question 5

How can furniture be used to create cohesion in a garden?

Answer 5

• You can use them as a focal points, to bring attention to an area (e.g. a Lutyens bench that reflects the Arts and Crafts style of the house)
• Non-moveable benches can be constructed from similar materials to the hard landscaping (e.g. create a limestone bench if you have limestone slabs or a limestone-based rockery)
• Reflect the style of the garden in the furniture (e.g. a hammock in a naturalistic garden or a formal stone bench in a classic formal garden).