Garden Design

Garden design needs to be done by professionals with a sound understanding of geometry and experience in hardscape design. This is because so many areas like patios, fountains, outdoor kitchens, and courtyards appear magnified and vibrant in the power of a living presence. An extensive knowledge of plant species variety is also needed, because a garden needs much more than colorful flowers to add experience and value to Houston outdoor living.

This is because greenery, not color, is the foundation off all types of garden design. A professionally designed garden is always characterized by layered, varying shades of green. This upholds a three-dimensional aesthetic and makes the vegetation stand out more prominently. The residential landscaper uses many different plant species to create this effect, including hedges, special grasses, ground cover plants, and even small trees.

Color is then introduced in two ways. Ground cover plants with colored leaves (such as begonias, impatiens, salvias, pansies, petunias, and cyclamen) are used for annual color. Seasonal colors are created by flowering plants.

The location of the garden will be determined by its size and style. Larger gardens normally occupy a central position either in the yard. These styles include traditional parterre gardens (though not necessarily their derivatives), French gardens, Japanese gardens, and English gardens.

Other garden designs, such as Italian and Mediterranean work better as linear support elements next to homes, walls, fences, and alongside walkways. Contemporary and modern gardens are planted to counterpoint the abstract forms of contemporary architecture with a touch of the organic. They also are planted throughout modern landscapes to add life to the otherwise sterile intellect expressed through contemporary landscape design.

The ultimate decision on what garden design to develop will always based on relationship. Every major landscaping element must be harmoniously complimented by the vegetation we plant; otherwise the entire landscape theme will appear broken and out of sync with itself. Elements such as the home, both large and small trees, and water features of any kind must look enhanced by the selection of plants and the form they are arranged in.

Vegetation is also needed around any major hardscape features in order to unity these structures with a natural presence of life. This is especially true around anything made from brick, concrete, or wrought iron. Garden design softens the appearance of these often harsher forms and settles them into what ultimately becomes a pristine setting.

There is also a very essential, albeit unseen aspect to garden design, and that is irrigation and drainage. While it is a fact that Houston experiences a very humid climate, rain is unpredictable and sporadic. You simply cannot depend on the rain to water your plants. You need a professionally designed and automated irrigation system in the yard in order to ensure the viability of your vegetation. This system must be completely concealed in order to avoid diminishing the aesthetic of your property.

You also need a concealed drainage system to protect the yard from flooding during those times when it does rain. If your area begins to flood, this drain system will get the water out of your garden and into the storm sewer system. Again, only professionals trained in advanced landscape architecture should be trusted to design such a system effectively.