Finding the right garden style

Andrew Mangwarara

GONE are the days when one would just scatter plants in the garden and hope to have a beautiful outcome.

Now, careful planning and selection of a suitable garden style are required.

The aim is to have an organised and unique look that fits your home and personality.

There are many garden styles, and this time we will focus on just a few.

Naturalised garden (Prairie garden)

It is characterised by tall grasses and flowering perennials. Ornamental grasses have interesting textures and colours. This attracts birdlife, adding both visual and audible elements to the design. A naturalised garden is low-maintenance and ideal for those who prefer minimal fuss. Though it can take up to four years to establish, you will eventually enjoy the presence of birds, bees and butterflies in this space.

Country style garden

Perfect for romantic type of people, this style flows with the natural topography and curves of your landscape. It features classic blooming plants that are favourites for cut flower enthusiasts. The plants include hydrangeas, roses and lavenders.

Country-style gardens are characterised by meandering brick or stone pathways, appearing as if they have been there for a long time. The gardens usually include fruits, vegetables, herbs or berries near the kitchen for that country-style fresh cooking experience. Maintenance is generally lower.

Formal garden

A formal garden is a well-organised space with symmetrical shapes, where everything balances out in the landscape. It is a low-maintenance space with few plants arranged in an orderly manner. However, it can become high-maintenance if hedges are incorporated into the design, as they require frequent pruning.

Oriental (Japanese or Chinese) garden

These gardens have unique spiritual elements incorporating water, plants and ornaments. They originate from Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist philosophies. They usually feature koi ponds, waterfalls, stone basins and small bridges, which have deeper meanings and create spaces for meditation. Weed control can be an issue due to the many open spaces and rocks.

Contemporary garden

This style features clear straight lines with a simple plant selection. It relies more on the hardscapes of the building and plant life. It is easy to maintain as long as you manage the weeds.

While it is possible to mix styles, this can dilute the impact of each design. For a more cohesive look, it is better to have dedicated spaces for certain styles.

This week, we feature pictures from Bulawayo, of the Banff Lodge, which has a contemporary garden style.

The place offers excellent warm resting facilities in the Hillside suburb. The family-run establishment is located near the Hillside Dams and the Mabukuwene Nature Garden, which offer great wildlife walks.

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