What is your Garden Type?
By MG Calla Victoriaa
This is the second part of my two part article on "Garden Types," if you missed Part 1 you can find it on my website.
Italian gardens are formal gardens that are larger, grander, more symmetrical; and are filled with fountains, statues, and grottoes. Viscaya Gardens in Miami is a perfect example of an Italian Renaissance Garden complete with Grotto.
Terrace gardens are not gardens on terraces but a technique whereby retaining walls are created to prevent soil erosion. You will find Terrace gardens near homes and buildings that are near steel slopes. Terracing helps to retain and harvest water for plant material and protect the property. Without the terracing rainwater would run down the slope and collect around the property causing foundation problems and standing water. Terracing is essential in certain situations, however it is also a popular alternative to flat terrain. Using retaining walls in certain parts of a flat landscape can add dimension and interest as the eye dances from one level to another.
Water gardens also known as aquatic gardens are usually man-made water features. A water garden is defined as any interior or exterior landscape or architectural element whose primarily purpose is to house, display, or propagate a particular species or variety of aquatic plant. Although a water garden's primary focus is on plants, they will sometimes also house ornamental fish.
Although water gardens can be almost any size or depth, they are typically less than twenty inches in depth. This is because most aquatic plants are depth sensitive and require a specific water depth in order to thrive. The particular species inhabiting each water garden will ultimately determine the actual surface area and depth required. Plant material used in and around water gardens are called bog plants, meaning that they like wet feet. Elephant ears and papyrus plants are favorites in water gardens.
Courtyard gardens are very much a part of the southern landscape. The charm and privacy of a courtyard garden is enhanced by the mystery of its enclosure. These gardens are always completely concealed with a privacy gate and high walls. These private open spaces are surrounded by walls or buildings. One of the many benefits of courtyard gardens is the lack of grass, as the floor of a courtyard garden is always some kind of stone treatment. So as there is really no soil to speak about, courtyard gardens are basically container gardens with most of the plant materials being displayed in huge ornate terra cotta pots, and the trickling of a wall fountain adds to the ambiance of these awesome spaces..
A knot garden is a garden of very formal design in a square frame consisting of a variety of aromatic plants and herbs. Most knot gardens now have edges made from boxwoods. Most Renaissance knot gardens were composed of square compartments. A small garden might consist of one compartment, while large gardens might contain six or eight compartments. Although traditionally large gardens, now miniature knots are quite in vogue and easy to maintain. You can dedicate a small section of your garden to a knot garden, or even create a raised knot garden on a table. A Knot garden is truly a work of art but demands a lot of attention including almost daily clipping to keep the edges clean.
Check out my gardening tip of the week.
Remember, never get too busy to stop and enjoy the beautiful flowers!