Contemporary Gardens

This week we will be featuring Contemporary Gardens.

Things to keep in mind when looking at a CG is to keep it simple, minimal, symmetrical and balanced.

The use of hard landscaping such as polished stone, slate, concrete, decking, metals, gravel work well in this style of garden all modern materials that will steer away from the more rustic or cottage garden looks.

This style of garden, will suit modern architectual house designs and smaller townhouses.

Creating a framework for the CG is important. Also using unusual metal abstract pieces will give the garden a more urban industrial feel.

Let's talk plants for the CG.

Dwarf varieties that are well suited to containers new types of shrubs and trees with a tidy habit; and dramatic architectural plants that can be a focal point in the modern garden.

Trees in a contemporary garden tend to have a more upright habit, so they become a structural element. Their canopies are not too large, and there may be several in a row to create a hedge effect.

A Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) has an attractive shape that is a standout as a feature tree. Interesting grasses like Bowles Golden Sedge or Fountain Grass look great.

Topiaries or shrubs with a tidy shape contemporary topiaries, cordylines, phormiums, agaves, bamboo, and containerized trees such as Majestic Beauty Fruitless Olive, Golden Spirit Smoke Tree, Crimson Pointe Flowering Plum, palms such as Windmill Palm, and conifers like the Blue Arrow Juniper. Blue grass and kangaroo paw, succulents and ornamental grasses.

Less is always more in CG design - use colors, shapes, materials and textures sparingly.

Dont overthink your CG to much keep it simple.