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Garden Aesthetics | (Read 313 times) |
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MJ Solaro
Administrator
Posts: 131
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March 28, 2008, 12:50:25 PM |
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This poor forum doesn't really see much action, does it?
As I look enviously at pictures of different gardens online, I am thinking quite a lot lately about garden aesthetics. It seems the most elegant gardens have a blend of utility and beauty. For example, I love the permaculture recommendation that herbs be grown close to the kitchen so it's efficient to use them. But I also love the concept of the French Potager where flowers and vegetables have grown side-by-side. Gorgeous!
How do you find ways to balance function with form in your garden or farm?
In this pic: swiss chard side by side with Dahlias.
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kelda
Posts: 263
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August 11, 2008, 11:00:33 PM |
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Aesthetically, I'm aiming for what I think of as a 'hobbit garden', like in the last scene of the lord of the rings, with sam and his family, and the garden just exploding with boldness and food. but i also think part of the appeal is the hobbit-dedication to keeping the paths and plants functional so it feels more under control than an exploding garden.
Some common themes I think about:
1) Clear paths and defined edges make people feel good and, I think, help people feel relaxed.
2) Garden 'rooms' help create privacy and areas of interest. I think about which plants can help add 'walls' in order to make more rooms. From a permie perspective, those rooms can also be suntraps, windbreaks, and create the dappled shade we so strive for in forest gardens.
3) Benches. too few permie gardens have them. what are we? all work and no play?
4) Enough evergreen screens. So in winter time the garden still feels protective. If not conifers, than bamboo, or thicket-y areas, etc.
5) Many things from the book 'Pattern Language'. curved paths, walk to a good view, levels of intimacy, archways, etc.
Aesthetics is very important in our edge with a 'mainstream' society. If people feel overwhelmed by a confusing garden they may spend less time there. If they feel good in an edible landscape, even if they're new to learning its many functions, then they'll spend more time there. That's what we want.
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