This autumn's first speaker was Shelagh Todd, Head of Horticulture at Newton Rigg College.
The
theme of Shelagh’s presentation was to explore the general
principles of Garden Design and it is more than likely that everyone
present learnt something new!
To
begin her talk, Shelagh explained that there are many influences
which determine fashion and trends in modern garden design:
magazines, television, garden/flower shows, and by visiting other
gardens.
One
popular current trend is for wildlife / insect friendly gardens and
there is now a move away from the use of chemicals to a more organic
style of gardening.
In
Cumbria, we have many spectacular gardens from which to seek
inspiration such as Holker Hall, Levens, Sizergh and Hutton in the
Forest to name but a few.
One
important consideration to be made is to check what plants are
thriving in gardens local to yours. In Cumbria, there are quite
diverse areas when considering climatic aspects; what grows well in
coastal Grange-Over-Sands, for example, might not thrive in Shap,
Alston or Silloth.
Soil
conditions need to be determined before investing in the purchase of
plants. It is often true that there can be different soil types
within a single garden, as well as areas of sun or shade, all
requiring thought and planning at the design stage. How deep is the
soil? Where is the bedrock? Micro climates too are vital
considerations. Is the garden on a flood plain, does it have frost
pockets? Always test soils in order to determine if a garden is acid
or alkaline. Locate the wet, dry, sunny or shady areas of a garden
and weave these into your design and planting scheme.
Then
there is the idea of “themes” within a garden. Cottage style,
prairie planting, Japanese style, Mediterranean, minimalist planting
are all design aspects to choose from.
Other
design considerations are the necessities of everyday living such as
bins, washing lines, pets, tool sheds, compost bins and play areas.
Do
you have a preference for formal or informal gardens? At the end of
the day, it is your garden, so whatever you like, is what your garden
design should include.
Shelagh
encouraged everyone not to worry about making mistakes, because
everyone does.
One
key design element is to be harmonious in colour (both in repetition
and in planting), in the use of materials for any hard landscaping
(slate, brick, sandstone, gravel etc). All ingredients should be
complementary to the overall desired effect. The National Trust is
very skilled when it comes to the use of colour. Visit some of their
properties and research this aspect of design.
Always
make use of the ‘borrowed landscape’ and incorporate views
wherever possible. Consider the type and style of the property
sitting within the garden and also the type or style of the boundary
fences.
The
use of focal points and ‘leading the eye’, is an important
part of a good garden plan. It is advisable to keep points of
interest singular, and incorporate a ‘journey’ around your
garden, separate areas always add an element of surprise,
anticipation, secrecy and delight.
Principles
of good design apply whether you have a courtyard garden or a country
estate. Remember, we were told, that what you personally like and
enjoy, is of utmost importance. Formal or informal styles are
personal preferences.
Once
the broad garden design principles had been explained, Shelagh
illustrated her theme with some beautiful slides of gardens both from
this country and around the world.
Having
comprehensively described design features in her talk, it was
interesting to look at innovative examples of these principles, when
used by other gardeners. We saw photographs of Cumbrian farmhouse
gardens, the Taj Mahal, National Trust gardens and continental
equivalents. Followed by images of Trentham Gardens, a variety of RHS
properties and a broad spectrum of British gardens; all shown to
illustrate specific design features.
Written by Jude Jansen
