While there can be many interpretations of the terminology of natural landscaping but the focus of the discussion here is on landscaping that promotes a causal and relaxed style and is diametrically opposite that of a formal and structured landscaping style.
While natural landscaping can be executed on virtually any property, whether you should at all go in for it depends on the existing surroundings and the architectural style of your home. This is necessary to verify that the natural style of landscaping will look good. A vital part of creating a natural landscape style is the choice of materials; typically indigenous materials find application in such projects.
The hallmark of natural landscaping is simplicity of design and style; shapes, patterns, and colors should blend into each other smoothly and harmoniously. In this sort of a creation, there is an inclination to employ shapes that are more organic for walkways, bed lines, and patios. A mass of shrubs and perennials in the planting beds can be used to create a stunning visual impact while retaining its essential simplicity.
Some Specific Natural Landscape Types
Among the types of natural landscaping that comes to mind before the rest is called the prairie style. It relies upon mass plantings that are repeated a lot. At the heart of this simple design, one can usually find wildflowers and ornamental grasses that are native to the region.
Another popular style is the cottage garden that characteristically incorporates less mass plantings of any one particular shrub or plant and more of specimen type plants. The cottage style also usually features meandering paths constructed from pavers or natural stone to connect the garden to the outdoor rooms.
Another great example of the natural style of landscaping is what is popularly called woodland gardens. This style is typified by incorporating shade-loving plants within an assortment of mass plantings and specimen plants. To provide seasonal interest in a consistent manner some woodland gardens are based around a selection of indigenous plants.
The chief visualization and inspiration behind the concept of a woodland garden is the natural environment seen in a forest. You should ideally contact a professional landscaper like King Landscape Company for some great implementation ideas.
Creating the Connection
When embarking upon a natural landscaping project, it is vital to ensure that there is compatibility of the design and style with the prevailing architecture as well as the environs. In the event the architecture of your home does not support a natural style of landscaping, you can find a way out by designating an area to build a natural garden.
Since the very essence of a natural style lies in its informality, don’t get hung up on maintaining strict discipline. If need be you can throw in a little bit of the formal style as well to create a look that is one hundred percent unique.
If you are having trouble in imagining this particular mix, try thinking of a situation where you plant ornamental grass that is upright in an otherwise natural landscaping environment.
While the use of indigenous ornamental grass is considered natural, its upright stance is the hallmark of a formal style. As with any sort of landscaping design, the goal of natural style of landscaping is the creation of a connection between the landscape design, the natural environs, and your home.
Material Choices
As will perhaps be expected, the choice of materials that goes into building a natural landscape design is indigenous to the region. However, it is important not to be extremely rigid about this; else the naturalness of the design implementation gets rubbished.
While largely the natural style expects the usage of native plants, it does not preclude the use of some specimen plants that may not be indigenous. It is more important to ensure a repetitive pattern of planting in masses to create the illusion of unity in the landscape design, which in turn makes it all the more visually striking.
To create an impact right from day one, you should think about using a variety of plant sizes when you are first installing them in the garden. You should also use a mix of plants and trees that change color with the season so that there is always something unique about your landscape. Your natural connection with nature can be enhanced with the use of native rocks and woods of indigenous trees.
Author bio: Catherine Olivares is a manager at one of the country’s leading nurseries. She has worked extensively with clients of King Landscape Company for providing the best of landscaping materials.