Formal landscape

A presentation on Formal landscape garden with some examples in Asia.

1. FORMAL LANDSCAPE

2. Presented by: Sadia Hameed Zahra Shahzad Tehreem Asif Mehwish Ashraf Presented to: Mam Seema Sharjeel

3. Definition A garden laid out with complete regularity on formal lines and in accord with the methods of classic design, the plantings being in symmetrically arranged rows or geometrical figures. ( meriam-webster ) Formal gardens tend to rely heavily on symmetrical plantings (each side of the garden is a mirror image of itself if viewed from the middle) and highly stylized plant forms such as topiaries and clipped hedges to form edgings and garden rooms. ( daves garden-terry gardener)

4. History and inspiration of Formal Garden This classic style of gardening originated in Persia, and the courtyard gardens of the Islamic tradition, the Mughal gardens of Asia. Formal gardens may also draw inspiration from highly structured Oriental gardens that date back over 3,000 years. Unlike European classical gardens, the Oriental formal garden may or may not have a strong structure.

5. Many of today's formal gardens were inspired from European gardens of the 17th and 18th centuries. These European gardens were inspired by the gardens of ancient Greece and Rome. Strongly defined proportions and scale of architecture was reflected in the formal gardens through symmetrical design of the surrounding gardens.

6. Formal Gardens in Lahore Shalimar Garden One of the oldest Mughal gardens in Lahore, observing all the main features of formal garden including water body, clipped grass and trees, symmetrically arranged. Element of line is emphasized.

7. Lahore Fort Front garden of Lahore fort is another example of Formal garden created by topiaries and water features arranged in consistent pattern .

8. Characteristics Bilateral symmetry One side of the garden is the mirror image of the other. Hardscape, plant material, and shape of the garden beds are similar on either side of an axis so that the appearance of perfect balance is created. If there is tall tree on one side of the garden, there will be a similar tree in the same position on the other side of the garden. Hardscape Dominant hardscape with walls, paths, terraces, pools and similar elements creating a strong structure and year-round attractiveness.

9. Proportions Perfect proportions with hedges, paths, flower beds, walls, and other garden features in proportion to each other to create a restful, peaceful, enduring ambiance that emphasizes a control over the natural environment. Repetition Repetition of hardscape elements and plant material to provide rhythm and strong balance. Geometric shapes With strong emphasis on right angles and rectangular forms. Ornaments Classical garden ornaments such as statuary, urns, and topiary. Man-made level topography Surrounded by a visual barrier such as a wall, clipped hedge or dramatic elevation change of the ground to give it a clear separation from the surrounding natural landscape

10. Elements of a Formal Garden Vertical interest and shape Water feature Pathways Focal point Greenery Color Texture Light

11. Vertical Interest and Shape There are four main ways to describe lines: curved, straight, horizontal, and vertical. Each has different effects. Flowing lines give a sense of movement; angles in lines make the eye pause. Create vertical interest by adding topiaries. Trees trained as standards or planted in straight line. Stone or concrete pillars with decorative planters. Circles, rectangles, squares or triangle to organize the design around linked strong shapes.

12. Water Feature Pool with a fountain, canal running right along the main path or even a large bird bath. Increasing range of innovative designs It can be made from any number of materials, including stone, granite, stainless steel, resin, iron, and glass.  Most water features are electronically controlled, ranging from simple timer actuators to sophisticated computerized controls for synchronizing music to water and light animation. 

13. Pathway The main path runs along the main axis and defines the bilateral symmetry of the garden Other smaller pathways can branch off from it. They can be graveled or paved, and are typically lined with low hedges. Geometric in shape.

14. Focal Point Placed either in the middle or at one end of the garden. A water feature, an interesting statue, a modern sculpture, or a large tree can serve as a focal point.

15. Greenery Greenery, typically in the form of clipped hedges, topiary and lawns, is the backbone of a formal garden. Keep the lawn mowed and the hedges trimmed perfectly. Easy-to-shape bushes and specimens that have naturally neat shapes are preferred. Using low-maintenance xerophytes (plants that can withstand droughts) is a new and welcome trend in formal gardens. A well-manicured look is extremely important.

16. Color Formal gardens use a limited color palette. Annual and perennial beds can be laid out in geometrical shapes in the middle of lawns, or they can be incorporated as one-foot-wide beds along the hedges. They should be planted close together for a neat look. Use only two or three harmonious colors at a time. Few trees are included as accents that offer seasonal color.

17. Texture Textures refer to the feel of a surface and how it looks. A shiny leaf and a matt leaf may feel the same but have contrasting visual ‘textures’. Texture can come from hard landscaping materials, planting, water (still or flowing), buildings etc. Textures in the garden limited keeps the design simple and promotes unity.

18. Light During night time, with the help of artificial lights the ambiance of landscape can be observed.  Landscape lighting add safety, security, mood and drama to the out door environment. Lighting changes the environment, various effects can be achieved: • down lighting • up lighting • path lighting • spot-lighting • underwater lighting • sculpture lighting

19. Principles of a Formal Garden Unity Balance Scale and proportion Rhythm

20. Unity Unity results when all of the basic garden design principles come together in a balanced, harmonious whole. Focusing on harmonious array of plants and other landscaping materials. Good structure in the overall design, combined with hardscape that meets the needs for service and enjoyment. Creates the perfect setting into which favorite plants are placed.

21. Balance Balance can be achieved through symmetry – repeating the same feature on either side of a dividing line. This is used in formal gardens. Through balancing volumes or shapes on opposing sides of the garden (but with less attention to the strict center line of a space). This is used in informal gardens

22. Scale and Proportion It is important to keep the features in the garden to a human scale and in proportion to each other. Paths need to be wide enough and spaces large enough for people to move about freely. For example very tall planting in a small garden could make the space feel very claustrophobic. A tall tree with only short planting in the rest of the garden may look out of place.

23. Rhythm Rhythm refers to the effect of repeating design features or effects regularly to give the whole a unified feel. Use of long lines punctuated with uprights or green colors punctuated with bright colors can give rhythm to a design. Formal gardens may use the same feature repeated to give rhythm; informal gardens perhaps the same shape but in a different material or color.

24. Styles of Formal Garden French gardens Islamic gardens English gardens

25. French Gardens A classic look, well suited to period homes. Gives a sense of formality and stillness. Manicured lawns, distant focal point, such as statue or fountain and neatly clipped, evergreen hedging are the main characteristics of French gardens.

26. Islamic Gardens Early Islamic style gardens are based on very formal theme, but have also influenced garden styles in more modern times. They were characterized by long central pond or rill, geometric layout, lines of planting either sides of the garden. Repeated plantings of fruit trees, or flowers in pots set out in lines.

27. Bird eye view of Taj Mahal in Agra India

28. Bird eye view of Lahore Fort

29. English Gardens This style of “Landscape” garden was emerged in England in early 18 th century, and spread across Europe, replacing the more formal, symmetrical gardens of 17 th century. Recreation of classic temples, gothic ruins, bridges, and picturesque architecture were their major features.

30. Advantages This type of garden is ideal for a large plot as it gives an impression of space. Since the plantings are limited in variety, they can be maintained easily in ideal cultural conditions. Except for flower beds with annuals, all shrubs and trees are permanent features, which keeps recurring costs low. Devoid of clutter, a formal garden is very relaxing for the mind and body.

31. Suitable Plants Foliage plants are put into beds and rows. Hedges are common way to create geometric shapes and define paths. Boxwood shrubs being the most common type. Evergreen and semi evergreen plants are used.

32. ASTELIA WESTLAND ELEGANTISSIMA

33. HORSE PURSALANE JUNIPER TREE

34. FIELD BINDWEED PURPLE FLAME FLOWER

35. Planning a Formal-Style Garden PLOT AREA Large plot area is required. Usually made in public gardens and mansions. Maximum area 800 sq.ft . PLOT SHAPE A square and rectangular plot can be used. But an irregularly shaped area need to be trimmed in to a regular shape.

36. FORMAL GARDEN INFORMAL GARDEN Follows a strict symmetry Not necessarily symmetrical at all – though balance is still important Strong shapes in planting and formal features.(topiary and monumental sculpture Plantings is loose and features are quirky or causal Often public or semi-public spaces. Private and personal spaces. Structure of design is clear and apparent example: knot garden. It may not ,at first glance, look deliberately “designed’ at all. Representational statutes; dressed stone walls, clean lines. Abstract statues or use of feature stones etc , rustic fences or arches. Box( Buxux sempervirens) or other clipped hedges. Wild or native hedging ( cratageus monogyna ) Straight stone lined water features, formal fountains. Wild life ponds or streams.

37. Maintenance Weeding Mulching Garden and planting Lawn mowing and turf care Seasonal pruning Soil fertilizing Pest and disease control Garden renovation and cleanups Green waste disposal

38. Summary Formal garden style rely on geometric shapes. It is associated with status and wealth. While creating a formal garden always start with a focal point. Foliage plants are put into beds and rows, with mirror image, planted on each side. Hedges can be used to give geometric shapes. Use gravel walkways or other green plants for open spaces. A regular shape area is used for this type of garden.

39. Conclusion Through the design of formal garden, the garden conveys a sense of established order and transparency to the observer. In garden design, the formal garden is said to be the opposite to the landscape garden. It is differentiated by its distinguishing features. The area that has been created for formal garden is divided by hedges and trellises, this creates an atmosphere of clarity and straightness and also degree of simplicity. The center of the garden is often round, oval or square structural element made of dimension stone. The planting are limited in variety that can be maintained easily, providing a feeling of relaxation for mind and body.

40. THANK YOU

41. DIVISON OF SLIDES SADIA- VERTICAL INTEREST (13) ZAHRA- LIGHT (27) TEHREEM- ISLAMIC (43) MEHWISH- CONCLUSION (56)