Simple, Elegant Garden Design Secrets



Simplicity and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art."
 
- Frank Lloyd Wright


Simplicity is not simple...
Simplicity of layout requires great attention to detail. For example, in the photo above, the garden designer had to address how big the squares were, how far apart they should be spaced, what size paving should be used around the turf squares and what color, what kind of turfgrass should be used and how may squares and rows should there be.....





The end result is entrancing.




Simplicity in planting design is daunting at times. Here Robert Irwin planted up a roof garden at the Getty Center.  Note the glorious shapes, their counterpoint, the arrangement, and the bit of red to the upper left...always go for that bit of red....





and here the simplicity is in the long, slow curve of a wide walk and the stately trees that border it on both sides.

Note how far the trees are from the walk - this space is critical to the overall design. Any closer and they would seem menacing.

I think they widened this walk - look at the additional paving pattern and the lovely pebbles in the border of the walk. Reflexology path, anyone?

Comments

  1. JamesNovember 9, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Those roof garden images at The Getty are stunning.

    'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.' -- Leonardo Da Vinci.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Seattle Landscape ArchitectDecember 19, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    I love the look of your garden. It so simple yet sophisticated.

    Thanks for sharing the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenDecember 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM

      You are so welcome - and thanks for the feedback!

      I will post some more inspiring landscape photos soon.

      Delete
  3. CandleApril 19, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    I am in love with this garden. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jan JohnsenApril 20, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Isn't it great to fall I love with a garden? Thanks Candle.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Renton Auto Body RepairJune 5, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Lovely garden design. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jan JohnsenJune 5, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    love to share, renton! thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJuly 15, 2014 at 6:44 AM

    Wow! Such simplicity can make real wonder in every garden! It seems like nothing special, but as result of such work is great impression of general garden design! I saw many interesting ideas on house-plants.biz, but I like such simple and elegant designer's ideas! So thank you for sharing such useful expirience!

    ReplyDelete

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