Modern Garden, How To:

The modern garden incorporates contemporary design, using symmetry, geometric shapes and straight lines.  Often, the emphasis is on hardscape and structures, with plants used strictly as accents to provide contrast and color.  Use the tips below to help create your modern garden style:

Define your space.  Determine where your structures and hardscape (i.e. patio, deck, walls, walkways, pool, etc.) will be located.  Create a space that is symmetrical and well organized.  Symmetrical design refers to an arrangement of elements that are equal to each other on both sides – in other words, whatever you do on one side of your yard, do the same on the other side.  Don’t take this too literally though, you do not want a pool on both sides of your yard!  Instead, create balance by placing, for example, a patio of similar size and shape, across from the pool. 

Common materials used in modern landscaping include stone, wood and concrete.  The characteristics of a modern paving design include straight lines, grid patterns and geometric shapes. 

Fencing or walls can add modern style to a space.  Options to consider include wood fences with horizontal slats, metal screens, and gabion walls (wire cage walls filled with stone).  Install all structures and hardscapes prior to planting.

Install your structural elements, they will be your frame or skeleton for the garden.  Create pathways, covering them with either stepping stones, concrete, or grass.  Keep in mind that if you use grass, it will require mowing. 

Create contrast in the garden using color and textures.  Contrast can come from your hardscape, as well as, plants.  Use sculptural elements and contemporary furniture made out wood, plastics or sculpted metal.  Cushions can be used to add a splash color.     

Incorporate contemporary containers into the space.  Use the same container, planted with the same plant throughout the design.  This technique will produce a clean look that is common in the modern garden.   

Select plants for their shape and texture. Modern gardens have a limited plant palette and green is the primary color.  Use trimmed evergreen shrubs to define the borders of your garden spaces, and topiaries or plants with unique architectural structure as specimen plants.  Almost any plant can be used in the modern garden.  It is how you use the plant within the design that is important. 

Add color with perennials.  Choose a simple color scheme, limiting yourself to one or two complementary colors.  Avoid the “plant one of each” syndrome, instead, pick 3 or 4 different varieties and plant in mass.  Consider planting within a grid or other geometric pattern.  Ornamental grasses or perennials, when planted in mass and repeated through out the design, can create a sleek and sophisticated look. 

If needed, amend the soil within your planting beds with lots of compost.  Plants placed in rich organic soil establish faster, requiring less water and fertilizer.    

                                                      Happy Planting!