Knot gardens were developed during the Renaissance in Europe as intricate, decorative features composed of geometric patterns. This terrace shows a contemporary twist on the traditional knot garden design.
Though the area connects to other parts of a larger garden, it can be seen as a patterned feature in its own right, with its purpose as mainly decorative and not utilitarian.
by Hallmark Interior Design LLC
Though the area connects to other parts of a larger garden, it can be seen as a patterned feature in its own right, with its purpose as mainly decorative and not utilitarian.
We are starting to see contemporary designs that employ pattern as more than decoration, as an intrinsic component of the whole design — even in the most minimalist of gardens.
Here rectangular pavers lead to an island patio, creating a simple, repetitious pattern — but the clever designer integrated this pattern into the whole garden design.
by Brion Jeannette Architecture
Here rectangular pavers lead to an island patio, creating a simple, repetitious pattern — but the clever designer integrated this pattern into the whole garden design.
Pattern in a contemporary garden doesn't always have to be achieved by hardscaping. This superb glaucous planting scheme fills the space with pattern and texture. The rhythmic, linear planting puts movement into the design and emphasizes the pattern clearly.
by ecocentrix landscape architecture
Formal patterns sometimes suit better than more fluid designs. This horizontal pattern not only aesthetically makes the most of a front entry bank, but also helps in practical bank retention.
The pattern is scaled to link sympathetically to the building, so it's part of the overall design and not a separate entity.
by Christopher Yates Landscape Architecture
The pattern is scaled to link sympathetically to the building, so it's part of the overall design and not a separate entity.
Spirals are one of the most distinct structural shapes in nature: ammonites, the pattern of seeds in a sunflower and the shape of DNA molecules, for instance. The spiral is a symbol of a spiritual journey to some and is a simple pattern used by many cultures.
Used here as a design cut from grass, the spiral is merely a pattern that fills an open space.
by Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp
Used here as a design cut from grass, the spiral is merely a pattern that fills an open space.
The creation of conceptual gardens has been a turning point in the use of pattern in garden design. The term "conceptual gardens" is attributed to Tim Richardson, a landscape critic and the author of the groundbreaking book Avant Gardeners.
The conceptual garden seeks to portray an idea rather than provide a landscape design solution. It can employ pattern to present what some classify as modern art.
by Stefan Laport Landscape Architect IFLA
The conceptual garden seeks to portray an idea rather than provide a landscape design solution. It can employ pattern to present what some classify as modern art.
The development of this concept of design has come through the upsurge of international garden festivals, where designers experiment away from the restrictions of traditional flower shows, such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The design here is part of a theme garden entitled "The Romans and the Limes," built at the 2011 National Garden Show in Germany. There are many festivals leading conceptual garden design throughout the world, including Chaumont-sur-Loire, in France; Reford Gardens, in Quebec; and the RHS Hampton Court Palace Show, in England.
by Stefan Laport Landscape Architect IFLA
The design here is part of a theme garden entitled "The Romans and the Limes," built at the 2011 National Garden Show in Germany. There are many festivals leading conceptual garden design throughout the world, including Chaumont-sur-Loire, in France; Reford Gardens, in Quebec; and the RHS Hampton Court Palace Show, in England.
This patterned design shows pure delight in the idea portrayed. There is little practical, utilitarian purpose to the design: little area for seating, no barbecue zone, no raised beds for food production. It is a design of artistic merit that delights the eye in its own right.
by Stefan Laport Landscape Architect IFLA
Here we see the extremes that conceptual gardens can go to, with designs that are modern art in their own right.
Some may feel that the beauty of conventional gardens makes them art, and it is said that the English landscape garden is the most important art form to emerge from England. But to others, a conventional garden, such as a cottage garden, that is a jumble of flowers and vegetables is the ultimate celebration of artlessness.
The wonderful pattern shown here, with the squares and tulips planted on center, is the beauty of this conceptual design.
More: 12 Gardens That Are Pure Visual Delights
by Stefan Laport Landscape Architect IFLA
Some may feel that the beauty of conventional gardens makes them art, and it is said that the English landscape garden is the most important art form to emerge from England. But to others, a conventional garden, such as a cottage garden, that is a jumble of flowers and vegetables is the ultimate celebration of artlessness.
The wonderful pattern shown here, with the squares and tulips planted on center, is the beauty of this conceptual design.
More: 12 Gardens That Are Pure Visual Delights
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Did anyone else look at number 5 - the spirals in the grass - and think 'crop circles'? I used to wonder why people didn't cut their grass like that all the time - I thought it would be cool to use the lawnmower to cut out a design in the grass, and it would mean less mowing, too.
I like the first picture best; doable in real life and interesting.
Picture #3 will be a the upright plants with an undifferentiated carpet in from of it and the grass on the other side of the path will drown out the curve. In short, it will be boring and uninspired.
Picture #4 will be stripes of color --- not the most sophisticated garden plan, which is why so many gardening books advise against it.
Picture #5 is a nightmare to mow.
While pictures 1&2 are nice ideas for patios, it would have been nice to see workable designs for a conceptual garden that is not a conceit that shows no appreciation for the fact that plants grow.
My name is Stefan Laport. I am the designer of the garden and Roman Limes.
The tulip image is indeed a computer simulation. But at the opening ceremony of the National Garden Show Germany 2011 real plants were used. Red tulips on the Roman side and white tulips on the Germanic side. The composition should only take effect for a few days.
Otherwise, the garden is almost decorative all year round. Even in winter, the grasses have a considerable ornamental value. Take a look to my side at Houzz in the next few days. I´ll present here a recent winter image. The garden is now 2 years old. Therefore of non-suited landscaping can not be spoken. The trick is to create with few design elements a maximum effect.