A historical survey shows that the form of the garden was to a large extent dictated by its function. The function, in turn, was affected by many things, including climate and lifestyle. From the Renaissance onwards most gardens were large and designed mainly for show and for tranquil pursuits such as the gentle stroll; they were invariably tended by gardeners.
It is equally important that the style of the garden is in keeping with the inside if the house and garden are to be seen as a whole. Not only does the house lead out to the garden and thus form a unit in the physical sense but the garden can usually be seen from the windows of the house and should harmonize with the interior as much as possible.
In this context it is often easier to define style in a negative way: concrete slabs, for instance, lack the subtlety and texture needed for paving a cottage garden, and asbestos pots would he out of character in the garden of a traditional brick house.
A garden should work as an extension of the house both practically and visually. While the form which a garden takes evolves primarily from its function, the style must above all be in sympathy with its location. Very occasionally a contrast in style can work by shock tactics, but in the main this is not a good idea. The first problem is to recognize your style. For those who live in an old period house there is no difficulty, but for the vast majority who live in modern suburban houses it is more tricky. If your plot has any long-established features, such as a group of old trees, it may he a good idea to retain these and let them to a certain extent influence the style of your garden. The biggest problem arises with a badly neglected plot or where the site of the garden is little more than a barren heap of builder's rubble. As a starting point, give some thought to building materials, then to the interior style of the house itself.
The demands of a single family can vary enormously over a number of years. Where they are likely to be in the same home for sonic time it is important that the garden plan is flexible enough to reflect these changing needs. A young couple might use the garden mainly for sunbathing or entertaining and would want a simple layout which is easy to look after. The arrival of children would impose many new demands, from pram-standing space to soft play areas and tricycle runs. With a growing family a bigger area of the garden might be devoted to vegetables, with a large terrace space for outdoor activities and family meals.
As children leave home the garden area should become quieter and parents should have more time to spend in it. They may concentrate more on the plants themselves, possibly with special interests developing such as roses or a greenhouse. However, what can be looked after with ease at fifty becomes something of a chore at seventy. - 16035
It is equally important that the style of the garden is in keeping with the inside if the house and garden are to be seen as a whole. Not only does the house lead out to the garden and thus form a unit in the physical sense but the garden can usually be seen from the windows of the house and should harmonize with the interior as much as possible.
In this context it is often easier to define style in a negative way: concrete slabs, for instance, lack the subtlety and texture needed for paving a cottage garden, and asbestos pots would he out of character in the garden of a traditional brick house.
A garden should work as an extension of the house both practically and visually. While the form which a garden takes evolves primarily from its function, the style must above all be in sympathy with its location. Very occasionally a contrast in style can work by shock tactics, but in the main this is not a good idea. The first problem is to recognize your style. For those who live in an old period house there is no difficulty, but for the vast majority who live in modern suburban houses it is more tricky. If your plot has any long-established features, such as a group of old trees, it may he a good idea to retain these and let them to a certain extent influence the style of your garden. The biggest problem arises with a badly neglected plot or where the site of the garden is little more than a barren heap of builder's rubble. As a starting point, give some thought to building materials, then to the interior style of the house itself.
The demands of a single family can vary enormously over a number of years. Where they are likely to be in the same home for sonic time it is important that the garden plan is flexible enough to reflect these changing needs. A young couple might use the garden mainly for sunbathing or entertaining and would want a simple layout which is easy to look after. The arrival of children would impose many new demands, from pram-standing space to soft play areas and tricycle runs. With a growing family a bigger area of the garden might be devoted to vegetables, with a large terrace space for outdoor activities and family meals.
As children leave home the garden area should become quieter and parents should have more time to spend in it. They may concentrate more on the plants themselves, possibly with special interests developing such as roses or a greenhouse. However, what can be looked after with ease at fifty becomes something of a chore at seventy. - 16035
