Garden Design IdeasGarden Ideas, Photos and Tips for Gardening at Home

Any nurseryman can tell you that the act of putting your hand in the grease and tending to a garden can be a reposeful and curative experience . Afterall , just being alfresco can reduce stress , promote a sentiency of happiness , and improve our tone of life .

While gardeners know these benefits to be genuine , they also have intercourse that gardens are n’t always serene , tranquil spaces . It ’s not precisely well-off to project a garden in a way of life that frame the mind at ease . As landscape interior designer and garden generator Jan Johnsen say , “ we relish make a beautiful outdoor space and savor the calm it bestows upon us . ” She believes that there are specific technique and elements we can integrate to make our gardens a more visually pleasing surround that we can relax in and savor . Here , we share just a few of our favorite design lessons from Jan.

1. INCORPORATE THE SWEEP OF A CURVE

Gently curving line are sluttish on the eyes than square lines with sharp turning point , and in gardens , curves give our oculus something to comply . “ By laying out a industrial plant bed or even a walk in a strong , playful line you ask for people to explore , ” Johnsen says . Her trick for laying out a curve ? Pick a central radius point , then apply scar paint or powdered limestone to mark the primer coat as you swivel from the central point . Get moremusings about curved lines from Johnsen .

curving dividing line are easygoing on the oculus and give them something to follow . Here , a curving garden bed display red salvia and clean impatiens . Photo by Jan Johnsen .

2. PRACTICE COLOR ECHOING

As Johnsen describes it , color echoing is when “ one color weaves through a landscape painting via the use of blossom , ornament , foliage , and even piece of furniture . ” This make a sense of cohesiveness that carry the centre around the outside space . Choose the color you ’d wish to see more of , then incorporate it bit by bit . ( Learn more : Creating Echoes in the Garden )

The soft gold and chickenhearted colour gently weave throughout this garden , creating a harmonious rhythm and menses . The Heather Garden , contrive by Lynden B. Miller . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .

3. PAIR FLOWERS AND GRASSES TOGETHER

As Johnsen puts it , “ heyday and grasses make a glad union because they let each other to shine . ” cosmetic grasses serve as a beautiful backdrop for colourful blooming plants , and Johnsen recommend unite various colors , shapes , and textures . See some of hergrass and flower combinations .

Violet - low-spirited ‘ Rozanne ’ geranium blossom among dwarf spring grass . The two look smashing together and both tolerate full sun or partial shade , making them great companions . Photo by Jan Johnsen .

4. ADD “FOOD FOR THE NOSE”

Pleasing fragrances are therapeutic and incorporating them into your garden is just one way to put your intellect at rest . Here are some places Johnsen recommends includingscented plantsin your landscape :

Fragrant plants , like this At Last ® rose , add another layer of tranquility to the garden , creating a soothing evasion for the sense . exposure by : Proven Winners .

5. USE NATURAL MATERIALS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

By incorporate materials such as river rock and large stone to create lineament we want or postulate in our garden , we can make something that ’s both aesthetically pleasingandsustainable . The achromatic tone of natural materials have a calming issue , giving our gardens a more peaceful feeling than materials that can sometimes look out of place .

Johnsen used stones to plan this drainage area , creating a feature of speech that is not only functional but also adds to the garden ’s esthetic . picture by Jan Johnsen .

6. FIND YOUR GARDEN’S POWER SPOT

According to Johnsen , a garden ’s power situation is the place in your garden that obtain the most pursuit . For example , a location that provides a beautiful view of the sundown , a spot where you may sit down under the shade of a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and hear to the walkover , or a corner of your garden that ’s particularly quiet . Johnsen recommends finding that power spot and then picture out how to make the most of it . peradventure add together a comfy chair or a piece of garden art that will trace you out to the spot .

make a garden office patch by placing a snug chair in a peaceful , scenic country - like this inviting hillside retreat surrounded by riotous verdure and colorful bloom . photograph by Jan Johnsen .

Books by Jan Johnsen

Gardentopia

Heaven is a Garden

The Spirit of Stone