Month: March 2014

Think Like a Landscaper When Planning Your Garden

One of the best tricks for planning you garden like a professional landscaper is to work around a focal point. This component of your design should be capable of drawing a lot of interest and attention from guests all by itself. However, by tying this in with other elements of the garden, a truly cohesive space can be achieved.

garden design
Source: Marvin Gardens Facebook

Your focal point can be a naturally occurring element, such as a large boulder or tree, or a strategically placed item, such as a building or sculpture. Larger gardens may employ more than one focal point, but this will detract value from a garden too small to handle it, appearing cluttered.

It’s important to employ a strong sense of contrast when developing your focal point and the rest of the garden. Although many aspects of the garden can be included in this venture, such as color, accounting for the texture of your garden gives one of the most subtle yet impactful impressions. Rhythm and repetition of design motifs are also very effective.

For more help planning your garden, please contact us at Marvin Gardens today!

Incorporate Your Patio in Your New England Garden Design

Even if the majority of your yard is taken up by a large patio, planning your garden to incorporate this feature is not a problem. Here are some garden ideas for your New England residence:

  • If you live close to your neighbors but desire a little extra privacy during your morning coffee or afternoon yoga, shrubs planted along the outside of the patio or in containers on the border will create a sufficient barrier.
  • For something a bit more exciting, spring bulbs bring a splash of color early in the season. Hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips all make great choices after a harsh winter.
  • Incorporating late blooming perennials will fill in the space as the seasons shift.
  • For a utilitarian approach to patio gardening, herbs and vegetables can be grown in easy to access containers. Herbs are especially viable at the edge of larger planter boxes closest to the door. After all, if you enjoy cooking, why not have a fresh supply of your favorite ingredients?
  • Even in a shady patio, plenty of shrubs and ornamental grasses will flourish. Also, consider employing out of the ordinary containers for your plants, such as an ornate bathtub or antique wine barrels.

For more help planning your garden, contact us at Marvin Gardens today.

Accessorize Your Garden With a Sense of Fun

For a more playful environment, there are many ways to incorporate whimsy into your garden. Controlling the colors, sculptures, shapes, and other display elements of your garden will generate an exciting atmosphere.  Here are some ways to bring fun to your landscape:

make a garden fun
  • Bright colors just imply fun. Instead of blending subtle tones, contrasting distinct colors of the rainbow will leave your guests in a better mood. The trick is to utilize brightly colored items amidst a sea of green foliage.
  • Unique sculptural selections can offer fun vignettes that speak for themselves without competing against the rest of the garden. They work well as bends in the garden path or walkway.
  • Interesting, eye-catching, shapes around the garden demonstrate a childlike frivolity. With a free-for-all celebration of shape, guests are left looking for similarities as they view the premise.
  • If you already have an amusing collection of attractive objects, consider moving their display space to the garden. Of course, you’ll want to ensure they are prepared to be kept outside, but using the garden as a home for a unique assortment of items leaves a positive impression on guests.

If you’re on the market for fun garden design accessories, please contact Marvin Gardens today!

Ideas for Natural Barriers in Your Garden Design

Plants, shrubs and trees are beautiful in and of themselves, but they also make wonderful screens for creating even better spaces in your backyard. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Define a Space – The savvy use of a combination of plants, shrubs and trees can create anything from a cozy, shaded nook for relaxing to a large, dedicated space for entertaining.
  • Add Some Privacy – Given time, most trees or hedges will completely obstruct the view from your yard to the street and vice versa. The key to getting it done in a resonable time is to use foliage that meets your needs in terms of density and speed of growth.
  • Eliminate an Eyesore – Another great use of natural barriers is to hide the necessary but unsightly equipment needed to run a modern home. You can use small shrubs around HVAC units and pool pumps but keep them well away from the equipment.
Traditional Landscape by Maine Landscapers via Houzz

For more specific recommendations on natural plant barriers and other creative garden design ideas, please contact us at Marvin Gardens.

Create a Garden That Connects Your Interior Design to Your Yard

One thing that homeowners don’t always consider when it comes to their garden design is how it will connect with their interior design. The following are a few ways that you can help create a more balanced home design by visually connecting your garden and your interior design together:

  • custom garden design
    Source: Marvin Gardens Facebook

    Color – Make the colors of your garden design compliment those of your interior design. For example, if your interior color scheme is more on the neutral side of things, add soft yellow or purple flowers and plants to your landscape. If your home’s colors are bolder, then use bolder colored landscape elements.

  • Architectural features – Consider the best architectural feature of your home, then make it stand out. You can do this by clearing the space around it or by repeating its color or shape.
  • Style – Different architectural styles will work better with different landscape features. For example, a Victorian style home will look fantastic with boxwood hedges, while open lawn areas and picket fences tend to work better for traditional Colonial style homes.

Use these tips to connect your garden design to your interior. Be sure to contact us at Marvin Gardens for all of your garden needs.