Formal

Formal gardens are traditional, very rewarding, impressive yet surprisingly simple, the bases being strong structure, defined lines, symmetrical balance and rhythmic patterns. Even the smallest garden can accommodate a formal design.

When making a formal garden, use a regular outline, balancing the plants and architectural features within this. Avoid a too busy or fussy planting or paving style, as this will distract from the overall simplicity of the garden and use a minimal number of plant varieties.

Some features of a formal garden include hedge rows which will often define the paths or borders, topiaries for clear defined shape, mass plantings possibly within the hedge rows for color and symmetrical balance, formal avenues of trees along driveways or on outer borders of design, water features and statues as a central focal point and paving going between the hedges and topiaries and leading to the focal point.