There’s nothing like spending time in a beautiful garden! A blooming space celebrates nature, soothes the soul and inspires creativity. Public gardens are filled with interesting design choices, but when it comes to planning a garden at home, the possibilities can seem overwhelming. Flower GardensTerraced Flowerbeds Colorful blossoms are a representation of new life. Try terraced flowerbeds, which offer layers of landscaping options. Better yet–mix blooms with interesting greenery for a modern effect, as shown in the image below. [from Greenfingers] Log Border FlowerbedStones, concrete and horizontal wooden beams are common flowerbed borders, but what about vertical logs? Sometimes injecting a bit of the unexpected delights the senses. The height of the border and the silver-white hue of the wood are two eye-catching reasons to give this idea a try![from Cheap Seeds] A Rocky Flower GardenSpeaking of unexpected, the patchy garden below combines low-lying blooms, lush vegetation and substantial rocks to create a feast for the eyes. [from Garden Dream] Floral ContainersDon’t forget the power of an interesting container. The flowers below are an assortment of rich tones, but their careful arrangement is a work of art. Surprise yourself with some intentional planting and watch as your floral sculpture comes to life. [images below from The Art Garden] Garden GreenerySculpted Shrubs Trimmed hedges evoke the magic of an English garden. For a twist on this classic technique, try planting the shrubs inside of the flowerbeds, then tame them into sphere-like forms for a contemporary look that’s full of charm. [from Down to Earth Landscapes] Greenery Meets Color Another way to add surprise to a garden is through contrast. Choose red-leafed plants for variety, and surround them with greenery to make their color pop. [image of Chandor Gardens, from The Road Trip Destination Guide] Eye-Catching TrellisesOh, the beauty of a vine-filled trellis! While covered with flowers for part of the year, this garden focal point is most often pure green in color. Enhance its verdant appearance by strategically planting an assortment of grasses and shrubs in the space around it. The result: a natural paradise filled with various shades of green! [from Natural Home & Garden] Cascading VegetationFor texture and length, add “Silver Falls” dichondra to your garden. Not only does it serve as a silvery ground cover, it’s simply irresistible hanging from a tall perch. Who says a glittering waterfall has to be liquid? [from Fine Gardening] A Garden GreenWhile many yards have at least a patch of lawn, few elegantly frame the space in a way that calls attention to the grass itself. In the image below, a low border of bricks and plants elegantly surrounds the lawn, creating a true “green.” A garden sculpture becomes a stately showpiece in this setting. [image of Dumbarton Oaks Garden, from Daily Tea Enjoyment] Garden PathwaysGrid PathPathways create movement throughout the garden. Taking the time to make these walkways as beautiful as they are functional enhances an outdoor space. Instead of placing concrete tiles side by side, leave some room in between the stones, as shown below. The result is a grid effect that becomes lush when filled in with grass. [from archinspire] Plant and Stone PathwaysIf stepping stones lead garden-goers through dirt rather than grass, try filling the space in between with low-lying plants. Even if they spill over onto the stones, the resulting mounds of vegetation are visually stunning. [from Fun Design Ideas] Footpath as FlowerbedWhat if your garden paths were framed as purposefully as the flowerbeds? Creating borders for a walkway makes attractive tiles even more prominent, especially when the stone is dark and surrounded with white pebbles. The best part: You don’t have to mow or fertilize these outdoor pathways! [from MundoHogar.com] Boxwood BordersAnother way to outline a garden path involves the use of hedges. Boxwood is a hardy border plant of choice. Instead of creating straight lines with your walkways, cultivate them to open onto wider resting spaces, as shown below. The boxwood can then curve in response, creating geometric interest. [from Living Colour Landscapes] Water FeaturesTropical Pond Water features are a calming presence in the garden. Deciding where and how to install them can take much thought and careful planning. Consider the space itself, the type of surrounding vegetation involved, and what is practical for your time and budget. Below, a rectangular, contemporary pond complements lush tropical plants. [from Gardenhouse] Square Koi PondReinforce the shape of your pond by planting a delicate boxwood border around the perimeter. For an extra touch, add a birdbath or other statuesque item in the center of the water feature, as shown in the koi pond image below. [from Down to Earth Landscapes] Birdbaths and FountainsRemember that water features don’t have to be fancy to make an impact. Birdbaths and fountains are lovely garden additions, especially when given prominent placement. For example, a layer of polished stones can create an ideal bed for a ground fountain. [from Outdoorlivinguk]
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