French Garden
A French garden hopes to incorporate the details that make the French countryside so unique and their people so passionate. Although its design has been traditionally formal, many contemporary French gardens incorporate blended aspects, straying from the symmetry and controlling nature of those that initially emerged in the 17th century. Any French garden, however, still requires careful planning and maintenance in order to deliver the feeling of the French countryside to your backyard. French gardens pay particular attention to perspective, architectural structures, and plant placement.
Perspective is one of the most important features in a French garden, and it is used to draw attention to important pieces of the garden. The main focus is usually the house, and lines of sights are built from this central focal point. Perspective is created by planting on various axes that extend from the main focal point. Plantings are placed according to color, height, and width in order to draw the eye to the intended focus. Bodies of water are also common because they create another perspective, reflecting the beauty of the garden and expanding its visual appeal.
Architectural structures are also a main focus within a French garden. Beyond the house being a central focus, French gardens also incorporate gazebos, arbors, trellises, and window boxes to add interest. Historically, a French garden always had a terrace that overlooked the entire garden due to the 17th century notion that gardens should be viewed from above. Regardless of the actual item, plants are used to draw attention to specific architectural structures. Planting roses that climb up an arbor or trellis help create a feeling that you are lost in the French countryside.
Most importantly, the plants that exist in a French garden help create the overall atmosphere. Originally, French gardens were very symmetrical in design, illustrating the gardener's control over nature. Thick hedges shaped into geometric patterns helped lead the eye to a focal point in the garden. Although these techniques are still quite popular, contemporary French gardens tend to make more use of less organized planting. Blended planting, or avoiding near rows, allows for a natural look. Even though this type of gardening looks less maintained, it does require plenty of care. Varieties of green foliage with focal points of color are important, and a French garden makes much use of climbing and vining varieties. Nicely manicured hedges are still a mainstay for French gardening, but they are now more incorporated into the other vegetation. Additionally, many are finding fantastic ways to include edible plants within their garden design.
French gardens still provide the sensory experience they once did and illustrate the gardener's ability to create order in nature. However, today's French garden offers many more options in design. With patience and creativity, you will soon be enjoying your own garden sanctuary. For more information regarding this topic, as well as many more garden related topics, visit the PicturesqueGarden forum today.
