Garden Design Ideas
Sketch, Learn, Sketch -- Repeat As Needed
Grab Your Sketch Book
Resketch garden design ideas that you love. I love formal, modern, contemporary gardens (ok, I pretty much love'em all). When I can sketch them out, I see things I may not have before.
When I revisit some of my faves, it's tough to realize just what their structure looks like. If I can resketch them, I understand them better. It forces me to analyze their overall layout, the focal points, plants, etc.
Shapes & Colors come to Life
Sometimes plant shapes really stand out. If you go a step further and color it in -- voila! You'll see other subtleties that eluded you. You may also find that you're drawn to a certain color palette.
Other times, you may find that the frame work for a garden is different than what you're used to. Does it frame the front door just so? Do you love the arch of the vine over the window?
Sketch, Learn, Sketch
Repeat As Needed
At first glance, the garden design ideas seem straightforward. A beautiful archway leads to an urn. In the background, an archway echoes the shape and beckons you on.
When I did a simple sketch of this garden picture, I noticed some things. Firstly, the colors are very pastel. Pale pinks, white, cream, yellow, and grays.
Secondly, the colors are set off with deep greens and a bit of evergreen hedge. What appears to be yellow flowers or a chartreuse foliage on the left lightens everything.
Finally, I hadn't even noticed the final hanging basket in the background. Not until I took time to sketch was it available to me.
Suddenly, I understand the designer just a little better. Although I would never copy another designer, I love learning from other designers. Sketching is like a mini-lesson from another point of view.
Remember, your sketches are for you. Don't worry about creating a masterpiece.
Keeping a sketch book is a valuable tool for any designer. Mine has ideas regarding recycling, favorite ideas from magazines -- whatever strikes me as beautiful or thought-provoking.
Sketching a garden plan view or elevation -- even just tracing over a picture -- creates a fountain of garden design ideas. What better way to know what you would love in your own garden?
Garden design ideas -- in the backyard! They're an extension of your home.
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