The Experts Guide to Formal Gardens:

Gardens usually reflect their owners in one way or another. An untidy, relaxed person will often have an untidy and relaxed den, whereas as elegant person who likes everything to be in its place may well opt for a formal den. Such a den is usually a positive feature of the home rather n just an outdoor space.

What is a formal den? Generally, a formal den is one t has some formal qualities about it. This usually means t the shapes within the den are geometric. Thus lines tend to be straight or in precise curves, such as a circle, rather n sinuous and informal. Beds are frequently square, rectangular or circular. Sometimes they might even be triangular, but this is an awkward shape in the den because the corners are difficult to plant as well as being tricky to mow around.

Another aspect of formality is t there is often regular repetition, in other words certain pla or even whole beds may be repeated at regular intervals. This creates symmetry, which is an important part of such dens. Calmness and tranquility are the qualities t usually sum up the formal den.

What is sparseness? Formal dens can contain as much planting as you like, but many rely on relatively few pla set in key positions. Often a round pond set in a graveled area with just a couple of clumps of marginal pla, irises perhaps, and a few water lilies can look quite stunning in its simplicity. Long vistas down paths also create a feeling of calmness.

So, what can we use as formal pla? Any pla may be used in formal dens, but there are many t are preferred because they have a formality about them either in their natural overall shape or the quality of the leaves. Others, mainly shrubs but also some ground cover pla, lend themselves to being trimmed into formal shapes. Clumps of hostas and irises are valuable because of their leaf shapes, while grasses such as mischanthus or pla such as yucca or cordyline all have their fountain of leaves.

Many ferns also produce this graceful fountain shape. Other pla t work very well in formal dens are the statuesque ones, such as verbascum. Annuals all of the same height, such as salvias, or in rounded clumps, such as busy Lizzies in a large container, can also contribute to a very formal look.