When designing a garden, the most fundamental and influential decisions you’ll make are around the shaping, the moulding, and manipulation of space. This isn’t just designer-speak. Whether you like the idea or not, it’s what you’ll be doing, either deliberately or intuitively.
Nor does it make any difference whether the garden is large or small. All a large garden gives you is more options about how to create good spaces. But it’s just as important in a small garden.
Tonight’s episode of Dream Gardens (Episode 3, Season 2) is a brilliant illustration of this (not pictured here). On a relatively small suburban block in Kyneton, Victoria, the designers make the bold decision to divide the available space up into several much smaller spaces. The result, as you’d expect, is to make the whole project feel much larger and far more engaging. What’s more, they use very bold methods to achieve it. Catch it at 10pm (AEST) on ABC TV (delayed from normal time, as the Matildas are challenging (my kids would say ‘versing’ – eeek!) Chile). Or if you miss that, catch in on iView.
Better still, come and visit the garden with me on the Saturday 30th November, as part of my next Design Masterclass.
This course covers the fundamentals of good garden layout, and will totally change the way you think about the potential of your own garden space, as well as alter the way you enjoy and evaluate other’s gardens.
The course involves loads of discussion, teaching, great food and a visit to two gardens that perfectly illustrate the design principles in question.
Here’s what other’s have said about the Design Masterclass:
“One of the most enjoyable and worthwhile days I have spent improving my knowledge of gardening and gardens with a very engaging presenter who both instructs and inspires.” Lindy Saul
“The Masterclass is equally valuable for the home gardener or budding/established professional – you are guaranteed to come away looking at garden design concepts with fresh eyes and a more lateral way of thinking.” Kate Catterall