An important decision to make before starting your new landscape project is selecting a landscape design style that best matches the look and feel of your home and still reflects your unique personality. This is the best way to create unity between your home and garden.
Below are samples of various landscape design styles. Click into the links and pictures to learn more about them and find some possibilities that may work for you and your home.
Formal Style: Formal landscape design heavily depends on straight lines and geometrical shapes. The plantings are orderly and pruned neatly pruned to maintain their formal effect. The Georgian garden would relect this style and would easily fall under this category.
Informal Style: Informal landscape design is the exact opposite of the formal style. A more relaxed feel is achieved by using curved lines and irregular shapes. The plantings are massed in a more informal manner creating a naturalistic appearance.
Tuscan Style: The roots of Tuscan landscaping came from the region of Tuscany located in southern Italy. This style creates an
Old World ambiance
reminiscent of the Italian countryside. The use of stone, old brick, wrought iron, heavy wooden beams and authentic
Tuscan plants
are typical of this style.
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Italian Renaissance Style: Sometimes referred to as "Palazzo" this landscape design style is a classical form of Italian garden design and has its roots in the Italian Renaissance period. Classical statuary, Roman columns and formal gardens is what this style is all about.
Mediterranean Style: There are many styles that fit neatly under this regional heading. Given its name partly from the climate, Mediterranean landscape design includes Tuscan, Andalusian, Santa Barbara Revival, Moroccan and French Country styles.
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English Garden Style: English garden design often is a blend of formal and informal styles. The
cottage garden
and
country garden
are similar examples of this casual style. The practice of mass layering using
country garden plants
confined within low hedge borders is a very common in this
romantic garden
style.
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Tropical Style: A well designed tropical garden can be very beautiful. Typically made up of plants with very large leaves and flowers with intense color. Lush foliage builds in height towards the back of the garden creating a dense planting area.
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Japanese Style: This Asian style of garden design tries to mimic nature on a small scale. The informality of nature plays a dominate role here. Oriental gardens often incorporate the art of
feng shui
with it's
nine zones
that helps to instill a sense of peace and balance to ones life. more info
Contemporary Style: This modern form of landscape design has been quickly gaining ground in popularity. Clean lines, bold patterns and new use of materials all play a part is this fresh style. Mass planting in large groups and the use of abstract specimens are common practice.
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Desert Style: This landscape design style can be so beautiful and full of life. And the popular
Southwest style
is no exception but these designs require proper planning to ensure there success. The use of drought tolerant and native plants are highly recommended.
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Xeriscape Style: This form of design incorporates the practice of water conservation and is sometimes called "Natural style". Natural woodlands are a good example of this style. Xeriscape is commonly used in many coastal gardens and urban landscape projects.
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