Principles of garden design for Poetry in Gardens

The following principles are engaged for the design of gardens by Poetry in Gardens:

•     Balance
•     Rhythm
•   Colour
•    Texture
•    Space

Balance

The concept of balance is based on the comfortable feeling of stability brought about by the way in which the area is divided up and the various visual weights are distributed throughout the garden area. 

Rhythm

In a visual design sense, movement is conveyed when the eye is led along from one area or point to the next. If this feeling of movement is repeated over and over then the design becomes more rhythmic. The elements which affect rhythm in major ways are line and form and to a lesser degree space, pattern, texture and colour.

Colour

Colour comes to us combined with every shape, size and texture and as a part of every material we use in the making of a garden. Colour has an amazingly potent impact on human emotions and thus becomes one of the best elements for creating particular moods and effects.

Texture

In garden design, textural concerns are more to do with the overall surface of whole plants rather than that of each leaf or petal. The overall texture of plants can play a significant role in setting the garden style.

A small quantity of string contrast in plant texture can be one tactic that helps give a garden real personality.

Space

Garden space can be characterised as static as there is no visual movement. A static space is one of the most contrasting elements that can be used in a garden, therefore the selection of plants will create a complementary aspect to the existing space based on the texture, colour, and rhythm as mentioned above.

In cases of large gardens, space allows plants to mature and appreciated in full size. Large shrubs and trees add character to large gardens by utilising space. 

Advantages of mulching

Mulches have various beneficial properties for plants, soil properties and gardens overall.

Among the advantages often contributed to mulches are the following:

·         Water conservation; mulching can greatly reduce soil evaporation and therefore reduce irrigation needs

·         Weed control; mulching can prevent weed growth and minimise competition with plants for water, light nutrients and space. Also, less time & labour will be required to follow up with weeding the garden.

·         Soil structure improvement; mulching reduces the impact of rain, run off and erosion. Organic and biodegradable mulches enrich soils with nutrients and plants grow healthier. The addition of mulches also reduces nutrient leaching and needs for plant fertilising.

·         Aesthetics; many mulch types such as wood chips, shredded bark and some types of crushed rock help present a neat, tidy, and finished appearance in landscape plantings and designs.

Drip irrigation advantages

Drip irrigation or low volume irrigation has several advantages, especially over the hot summer months.

In general, less water is used, reducing costs and conserving water resources.

Weed growth is suppressed because less soil surface is wetted.

Diseases associated with foliage will be reduced because foliage is not wetted.

Uniform application of water prevents plant stress and enhances new growth.

Importantly, water is placed where it is needed.

Temperature effects on plants

Plant species respond to high and low temperatures in different ways. The important aspect on effects is the combination of high or low temperatures and the length of exposure. During summer, a relationship exists between high temperatures and time of exposure. A generalisation is that higher temperatures require shorter exposure times before plants fail.

Soil temperatures and also lead to plant damage or plant death. The hot soil leads to death of cells at the soil line and is a particular problem with shallow root plants.

Planting the correct plant species at the proper time with respect to averages and extreme of temperature in each area will play an important role in the maintenance of high quality plants. The appearance of two identical plants can differ dramatically if they are grown at two different temperature and maintenance regimes.

Watering plants

All plants need water to survive. The amount of water required alters based on soil conditions, temperature, the surrounding environment and the age/status (flowering/fruiting) of the plant.

Deep watering is by far more beneficial in comparison with frequent and shallow sprinklings.

Early morning is recommended for watering plants to avoid build-up of moisture around the trunk and the foliage.

Installing a watering system is of value. Drip irrigation is recommended as it minimizes water loss and provides water to the root zone of plants.

Planting design takes into consideration garden and soil aspects to group plants with similar characteristics that are in sync with micro-climate of the garden.

Plants will wilt if soil water is not adequate. Prolonged drought can stress plant to a critical level.

Control of weeds and mulching are good garden maintenance practices to minimise water loss and evaporation.

Poetry in Gardens

Poetry in Gardens is a horticultural services business established in 1999. The business has been specialising in small to medium horticultural projects that incorporate garden design and consultation, plant selection and establishment, garden maintenance, water features, and tree care and management.

A key principal of horticulture practise has been the art and science of horticulture applications tailored to individual needs and environmental attributes.

Poetry in Gardens contacts business in an ethical and environmentally sensible manner ensuring that client needs and wants are met incorporating site and environmental parameters such as sunlight aspect, soil conditions, site history, existing vegetation and use of garden.

Over the past 14 years a number of projects have been completed with great success and the plant maintenance of these projects has been a natural progression. Over 80% of the business clients that have their garden designed and planted by Poetry in Gardens have utilised the maintenance programs offered.

A large number of clients have been acquired through “word of mouth” and they have become clients of Poetry in Gardens for over 10 years. Projects of small scale like garden restoration and rejuvenation have resulted into long term maintenance and garden care.

Seasonal and annual garden maintenance plans are developed for each garden subject to client needs and budget. The maintenance programs are based on a four week cycle that may change subject to seasonal parameters.

Garden fertilisers.

Plants need fertilisers to grow well. There are two main general categories of fertilisers: organic and inorganic. Compost, mulch, and manure are some examples of organic fertilisers that are formed naturally. Chemical fertilisers are mined or man-made and can be purchased throughout gardening retail outlets.

A soil test is highly recommended before fertilisers are added to the garden.

Garden plants that require fertilisation during spring /summer are:

• annuals
• pot plants
• trees and mature shrubs
• vegetables
• fruiting trees

Either applying organic or inorganic fertilisers, mix well into soil and follow up with watering. Avoid direct contact of chemical fertilisers with plant tissue.