1 Color - Orchestrating the color palette in the garden through the selection and arrangement of plants and objects.
A green framework holds the garden together and serves as a background for other colours.
Colours create moods and illusions.
The intensity of light affects colour.
Use no more than one coluor theme for each garden room. Greens and grays act as harmonizers between contrasting colours.
A garden's coluor scheme should match the house and other predominant features.
Growing conditions of gardens may influence colour schemes.
Broad sweeps of coluor are more effective than dabs and patches.
2 Texture, Pattern and Rhythm - Using surface characteristics, recognizable motifs, and the cadence created by the spacing of objects as elements of design.
Texture, pattern, and rhythm add layers of richness and interest to a garden.
Contrasting surface characteristics of plants and materials heighten the visual impact in garden rooms.
Repeating motifs create a feeling of continuum within a garden room and give harmony to the design.
The cadence created when three or more objects are equally spaced in an obvious pattern implies rhythm, order and dependability.
Repeated objects placed closely together tend to quicken the rhythm and the same objects spaced farther apart slow it down.
3 Abundance - An ample to overflowing quality created by the generous use of plants and materials.
Plants growing in a large drift or colonies appear more spontaneous and natural.
To gain its full effect, abundance has to be contained to the point where it is not a distraction.
A few "workhorse plants" used generously establish abundance without excess.
Generous plantings allow selective cuttings without diminishing the overall visual impact.
Staggered bloom times extend the impact of the display while maximizing the use of the bed space.
Ample plantings provide enough to share.
4 Whimsy - Elements of lighthearted fancy.
Whimsical touches personalize the garden.
Humour in the garden adds enjoyment to the outdoor experience.
Themes of whimsy running through a garden can add harmony, wit and surprise.
Serendipity can also serve as a form of whimsy.
5 Mystery - Piquing a sense of curiosity, excitement and occasionally apprehension through the garden's design.
Mystery in a garden uses the unknown, the unseen and the imagination as elements of design.
Mystery heightens the imagination of visitors, setting up the anticipation of surprise.
Intriguing paths invite exploration.
Various devices in a garden room that play on the senses-sound, sight, smells or touch-stimulate emotional responses.
6 Time - Various garden styles representing certain ages of design.
Garden styles reflect eras of design.
Well-designed gardens have features that are consistent with the age of the house and surroundings.
Manufactured reproductions of original materials often fail to blend in with the natural ageing of the garden. The choice of materials is as important as the appropriateness of the object.