Rather than jumping straight in to discussing the key elements of a formal garden, I’d like to ask you a question:
If someone were to ask you “What is a formal garden?” what images would spring to mind?
- A garden with straight lines and clipped hedges?
- Staid topiary, stone statues and a long rectangular pond?
- Swirling patterns of low evergreen hedges repeated in four quarters of the garden?
- Lawns with neatly trimmed edges and border plants kept firmly within the confines of their space – no cottage garden sprawling allowed!
But there is more to a formal garden than a rectilinear pattern of paths, although that does play a part. Some of the elements are applicable to the way we design a garden of any style so that it is pleasing to the eye. However, there are those that are specific to formal gardens…
Key Elements of a Formal Garden
Some of the elements of a formal garden are equally relevant for other styles, so I’ve restricted my list to four key elements. You will always find these in a formal garden design: –
- A clear structure
- Geometric shapes
- Symmetry
- A high proportion of evergreen plants
A clear structure
Many formal gardens were designed to be viewed from above. This might have been from a terrace surrounding the garden or from first floor windows. A clear structure, or layout could be appreciated form the elevated perspective. The delicacy of a knot garden with an intricate design of intertwining hedges looks very different from a high window. It takes on the aspect of a painting or tapestry.
But these gardens also look good at ground level. The clarity of the design was important whether inward looking in an enclosed courtyard or leading the eye to vistas beyond.
Geometric shapes
Geometry, in the garden especially, is often thought to be rectangles, triangles, straight lines. Which it is, but circles are considered the most perfect shape, offering symmetry and a visual balance to the sharp edges of a rectangle. And of course, viewed from above, many plants are circular in shape.
Parterre gardens became a major feature of Italian Renaissance gardens in the fifteenth century. These gardens were typically ornate geometric and swirling designs made with level, clipped box (Buxus) hedges.
Symmetry
Symmetry is achieved by the design taking the form of a symmetrical layout. This is fine in gardens or spaces which are themselves regular to begin with. Where the plot is irregular it proves more of a challenge.
For example, you could demolish a few houses or a village to make more room for your formal garden. Or, as a less drastic solution, create an inner wall or hedge, making an enclosed space for a symmetrical plan. There are other solutions too, depending on the shape and size of your current garden. Do ask us for more details if this is a garden design you’d like to have.
Repetition
Related to symmetry, repetition involve larger spaces in the garden or simply the repeat planting of a particular shrub. It gives cohesion to the overall design and should add to the simplicity as w ell as formality; in smaller formal gardens it also gives the illusion of space.
Evergreen Plants
Used for hedges surrounding the formal garden and for lower edging within, evergreen shrubs are a critical element. Evergreens are favoured as they change little in colour over the course of the year. Pruning can maintain a neat, formal shape and prevent flowers which would spoil the effect.
More Elements of a Formal Garden
In smaller gardens, it would be overly complicated and fussy to include all of these. Choose a couple that appeal to add to your formal garden design.
Paths
I’ve put paths into this section, as a small area of formal garden which is viewed from a terrace does not need paths within it. Where there are paths within the garden they should be very much part of the overall design.
Whether you have one path or more than one, the principal path always runs along the main axis as it defines the bilateral symmetry of the garden. A typical design is for a second path at right angles to the first, with them meeting in the middle. But having many criss-crossing paths can be one of the primary design elements of a formal garden.
Topiary
Topiary is seen as one of the mainstays of formal garden design. However, not all topiary shapes adhere to clean lines or formality. Now whether adding in a topiary peacock or elephant means your garden is no longer formal is I feel debatable; the odd quirk adds individuality. Topiary alone does not make a formal garden, and that is a good thing (in my opinion, anyway). See the blog links below for more on topiary.
Water in the Formal Garden
The earliest gardens we have records of were enclosed gardens, walls protecting plants and humans from the desert outside. These always featured water for its cooling effect and to aid maintenance chores.
Rectilinear canals or rills (narrow channels) are an alternative to a pond and fountain if you’d like moving water. Although a central pool with a clipped bay tree at each corner is an appealing image too.
Fish are optional…
Flowers
Allowing plants to flower is also optional: some formal gardens look stunning purely with foliage.
But my personal feeling is that foliage works best where the formal garden is a part of a larger garden. Because otherwise, where are the bees and the butterflies?
When choosing your flowering shrubs, consider the shape as it will form a permanent feature within the garden. for shrubs and herbaceous perennials, restricting yourself to one or two flower colours retains the formality. For example, white makes a perfect foil against dark green evergreens. Whilst pale pink shades offer more softness of contrast; bright pink enlivens the scheme. Bulbs are often better grown in large pots where the pot is a permanent feature.
Structures and Statues
Structures should follow the same rules as the other elements. For example, if you have a small arbour for seating, place it centrally, or to balance another feature such as a gate.
And then there are statues and smaller ornamental features. These may include classical figures, urns, large terracotta pots, a sundial. Keep it simple, too many in a small space look cluttered not formal. A single statue or urn at the end of a path lined with clipped hedges forms a focal point. Make it two urns and pop a beautiful bench in the middle so you can sit down and enjoy looking at your garden.
Are garden gnomes allowed? A spark of fun is absolutely allowed where its reflecting your individuality.
Is it the Garden Style for You?
Formal gardens have been around for thousands of years. Their popularity has waxed and waned, as with any fashion. However, the ability to use some or all of the elements of a formal garden mean it is a design which easily transfers to our twenty first century way of life.
For example, you could have a replica formal garden design, based on the intricate baroque swirls of a parterre d’embroiderie. Or a simple cruciform with standard fruit trees in the centre of each square. For easy maintenance small front garden why not consider low hedging of variegated foliage, with topiary cones at the corners, a sundial in the centre and ground cover plants.
And then of course there’s more …
For practical and beautiful ideas of formal garden designs to suit you and your garden, check out the blogs below. And get in touch if you’d like Plews to help with the creation of your own formal garden, large or small.
Or why not ask about our bespoke Gardening Lessons, where your classroom is actually your own garden? You could learn how to grow an orchard of citrus fruits in your conservatory. We can help with both gardening basics and more ‘expert tasks’, carry out worm and other experiments and for example, also show you how to plan a vegetable plot. Have a read through this pdf download for info. And if you prefer company, there are small group Gardening Workshops to come to.
For further gardening advice and inspiration, check out Plews Potting Shed blogs, including the selection below Plus we have a monthly Tipsheet You could come and find us on Instagram Pinterest and Facebook too.
Feeling nosey? You can have a peek at the progress of my garden renovation, Spitfires and Slow Worms, on Instagram and Facebook
You’ll get to see it in person if you come to the Plews Gardening Workshops Although later dates and topics still need to be finalised, there are current ones on Eventbrite for you to book into. Follow for updates on topics and dates on Instagram, Eventbrite, Facebook
Related Gardening articles you may enjoy from our Award Winning Blog
Topiary, Shrubs and Hedging
Topiary – Easy Maintenance Gardening?
9 Alternatives to Box Hedges for Shady Gardens
Evergreen Shrubs for Foliage Interest
5 Evergreen Herbs to edge your Flower Borders
9 Evergreen Herbs to Edge Your Kitchen Garden or Vegetable Plot
More Garden Design Inspo
Would You Like a White Garden or a White Flower Border?
Elements of a Romantic Garden for Valentine’s Day
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