Definition
Garden design involves the planning and arrangement of plants, paths, decorative features, and outdoor elements within a defined outdoor space.
Unlike landscape design, which addresses an entire property (including grading, drainage, hardscaping, and infrastructure), garden design focuses on the aesthetic and functional layout of garden areas such as flower beds, courtyards, or kitchen gardens.
Garden designers consider light exposure, soil conditions, plant combinations, bloom timing, and color schemes to craft visually appealing and ecologically sound plantings. Design principles such as repetition, contrast, focal points, and layering help guide the layout of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and ground covers.
Key characteristics:
- plant-focused design within smaller or defined outdoor areas;
- emphasis on beauty, biodiversity, and seasonal interest;
- can include pathways, seating, containers, garden beds, and garden structures.
Related Terms: Landscape Design
🎥 More on Video
Features the practical side of garden design including tips, mistakes to avoid, and how to apply the principles of garden design.
Historical Background
Garden design traces back thousands of years, with enclosed gardens (spaces created for beauty, shade, and spiritual or leisure activities) appearing in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia. These early gardens often combined flowering plants, fruit trees, and water features in walled courtyards or geometric layouts.
By the Renaissance and Baroque eras, European garden design evolved into formal systems of parterres (geometric patterns that create compartments and visual order), clipped hedges, and patterned flowerbeds that showcased symmetry and control. French and Italian traditions like the jardin à la française emphasized visual order, perspective, and ornamental planting.
The 19th and 20th centuries brought further change. The English Arts and Crafts movement emphasized naturalistic plantings and seasonal beauty, while modern garden design began to reflect ecological awareness, plant performance, and the creation of functional, small-scale outdoor rooms.
Today, garden design is shaped by both aesthetic and environmental considerations, often emphasizing native species, biodiversity, and the intimate experience of outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is garden design?
Garden design involves the planning and arrangement of plants, paths, decorative features, and outdoor elements within a defined outdoor space.
What is the difference between garden design and landscape design?
Garden design focuses on plants within a defined area like a flowerbed or courtyard. Landscape design is broader and more structural as it includes the entire outdoor environment - grading, hardscape, infrastructure, and plantings.
Do I need a professional for garden design?
Many home owners and gardeners design their own garden spaces. However, professionals can help with more complex goals like pollinator-friendly plant selection or water-wise garden planning.
Does garden design include hardscaping?
Garden design can include hardscaping. It often includes elements like trellises, stepping stones, containers, or small retaining walls. Larger-scale infrastructure generally falls under landscape design.
What are the core principles of garden design?
Balance, repetition, proportion, contrast, and seasonal interest. A well-designed garden flows visually and practically, and supports healthy plant growth. It also fits the gardener's style and goals.
References
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Garden Design Principles
https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-design/design-principles
Better Homes & Gardens - Garden Design Ideas
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/
University of Illinois Extension - Small Garden Design Tips
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/gardendesign/
Wikipedia - History of Gardening
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_gardening
English Heritage - Gardens Through Time
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/gardens-through-time