The Power of Movement: Guiding People Through Your Space

The Power of Movement: Guiding People Through Your Space

By John Mini Distinctive Landscapes
Posted in Outdoor Landscaping
On September 11, 2017

When designing your garden space, remember that looking at a garden is like watching a choreographed dance—it's an experience of color, setting, and movement.

Here are some tips from John Mini’s garden design experts on how to use your garden’s rhythm to get the most out of your space.

What’s Rhythm?

One of the first things people will notice about your garden is its rhythm, which is all about how you repeat shapes, colors, varieties, and textures.

Rhythm is the difference between a random jumble of hedges and a landscaping selection that reflects the purpose of your space. That’s why we dedicate our time to choosing the exact plants that match not only your space, but your business too.

The easiest way to create a good rhythm is to be mindful of it.  Whether you want your garden to have the feel of an English country village or a Japanese water garden—the key is thoughtful planning.

1. Shape

The shape of your landscape is essential to your plan. Don’t fall into the design trap of thinking that the shape of your garden is determined by the space you have available! You can use the shapes you create within your garden to control its look.

For example, think about edges and what they mean to your theme. Are your flower beds curving, or do they end in sharp corners? If you opt for a winding path, think about where those lines invite the eye to wander. If you go for straight and clean lines, keep that feel in your beds, and trim your shrubs for a more tailored and professional look.

2. Color

The next aspect of rhythm is color. Showing people what to look at in your gardening space is all about colors, so you'll need to choose a color scheme for your garden and make that palette visible wherever your visitors stray.

For example, if you've chosen bright yellow marigolds as your signature annual, make sure that they appear throughout your space rather than clumped in the empty spots left by last year's impatiens.

3. Variety

In keeping with our tips about color, your garden will need rhythm in its plant variety. Whatever plants you choose, make sure they are in keeping with your master plan.

A great way to make sure your garden is a tasteful and manageable mix of annuals and perennials is to sketch your garden and label where you have what plants. Not only does that help with predicting what maintenance you’ll need, but it also draws your attention to spots you might want to improve. Or, of course, you could simply ask John Mini to select your plants for you!

4. Texture

The finishing touch to your garden is the texture of your plants—and, no, we don't mean how they feel.

Garden texture refers to how your plants look. Do your grasses look light and feathery or strong and sharp? For a perfect garden, you'll need to consider how all of the elements look next to each other.

Gardens are all about design, and your garden's rhythm is the unspoken key to how it will look to your awestruck visitors. No matter what size your garden is, you can use our tips to make your space inviting and exciting.

Here at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, we love working with rhythm, and we find our passion in transforming ordinary urban spaces into extraordinary natural environments. No matter what your garden goals are, John Mini's team of experts can offer you the advice you need. We can craft your garden for you while you effortlessly enjoy your garden experience.

 

John Mini Distinctive Landscapes

John Mini Distinctive Landscapes

With over 40 years of experience pushing the limits of landscaping, John Mini designs, constructs and maintains indoor, outdoor, and holiday landscapes for corporate and commercial clients in the Tri-State area.