SCIENCE AND ARTS

Landscape gardening involves working on the design details, creating a concept and visualisation, construction of work space and populating the space with plants and other vegetation. It is an imitation of nature or a miniaturisation of nature at its finest.

This process also involves soil analysis, keeping in mind the weather condition. This helps to understand the plant growth and the impact of the surrounding including the people, animals and relative ecosystem.

GARDENING METHODS

There are three methods of landscape gardening influenced by different ideas and narratives.

• Formal: Formal landscape gardening is a planned process. Initially, a plan is devised, then the land to execute the plan is procured. Symmetry is the essence of formal style landscape gardening. It relies heavily on symmetrical and geometrical aspects. The land piece is four sided. The land contains flower beds and pots arranged geometrically. The pathways in the formal gardens always align at 90 degrees. Everything in it has geometry to it and efforts are made to maintain the garden symmetrically in always. Example: Persian gardens.
• Informal: Informal style of landscape gardening is a departure from the formal. It is an exact opposite of formal with no respect for symmetry and geometry. It is a rebel style that seeks asymmetry in every aspect and element within. The roads, pathways, plant organisation, water bodies etc. the roads are curved, arrangements are random, plants are let grow naturally. Example: Japanese gardens.
• Freestyle: As the name suggests, freestyle gardens absorb from both the formal and informal garden styles to create a unique blend of gardening style. Rose garden in Ludhiana in India is one example of a freestyle garden.

The principle of landscape gardening borrows a lot from the landscaping principles with emphasis on rhythm, harmony, balance, contrast and proportion.