Key Garden Design Principles
Use Proportion and Scale Thoughtfully
Reflect the proportions of the house in the garden to create harmony.
Ensure garden elements are appropriately scaled—large spaces can handle bold features, while smaller spaces benefit from subtler detailing.
Create Vertical Interest (One-Seventh Rule)
Aim to have around one seventh of the garden occupied by elements of height—such as trees, pergolas, obelisks, tall planting, or sculptures—to add drama and visual layering.
Reference Architectural Materials
Echo materials used in the house (e.g., brick, stone, wood, metal) within the garden—through paving, walls, edging, or decorative features—to unify the space.
Design with Vistas and Focal Points
Create clear sightlines and framed views (vistas) that guide the eye through the garden.
Use focal points like a sculpture, tree, bench, or water feature to draw attention and create interest.
Encourage Exploration (Journey and Discovery)
Avoid revealing everything at once. Use layers, curves, screens, and changes in level to invite movement and uncover views gradually.
Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry
Where appropriate, mirror elements for a formal look, especially near the house.
In looser, naturalistic areas, use asymmetry to create a more organic feel.
Create Zones or ‘Rooms’
Divide the garden into functional areas (e.g., dining, relaxation, play, wildlife) using planting, hedges, walls, or changes in paving to define spaces.
Repeat Forms and Materials
Use repetition to create cohesion—whether through repeating plant types, colors, shapes, or materials.
Layer Planting
Use a hierarchy of planting: trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcover. This adds depth, texture, and seasonal interest.
Consider year-round interest with evergreens, bark, structure, and winter color.
Use Contrast and Texture
Combine bold and delicate forms, light and dark foliage, or rough and smooth surfaces for dynamic visual appeal.
Incorporate Movement
Choose plants that sway in the wind or attract wildlife to bring life to the garden.
Water features can also add motion and sound.
Focus on Flow and Circulation
Design paths and walkways that feel natural and are easy to navigate.
Ensure transitions between spaces feel intentional, whether formal or relaxed.
Work With Light and Shadow
Understand how the sun moves across the garden. Use this to place seating, plant sun-loving or shade-loving plants, and create dappled shade.
Consider Maintenance and Use
Ensure the design aligns with the intended maintenance level and how the garden will be used—by people, pets, or wildlife.
Sustainability and Ecology
Where possible, include drought-tolerant plants, harvest rainwater, use local or recycled materials, and encourage pollinators and biodiversity.
Let me know if you'd like this turned into a printable or shareable one-page guide or want any of these points tailored for a specific garden style (e.g., formal, cottage, modern, wildlife-friendly).