Lexington, KY - How do you picture the shape of the perfect patio and garden bed edges? Is your preference for warm, luscious curves or cool, refined straight lines? The former is a feature of natural garden design; the latter results in a more formal look. Each has merit and beauty.
Every garden is a reflection of the gardener. And we're all unique.
Some of us welcome the relief that curving lines offer from the rigid, straight edges of our traditional building architecture. Others feel that continuing those straight lines into the garden provides the feeling of organization that they crave.
Some like clear, straight pathways bordered by manicured plants. Others say that these straight edges make the plants look as if they are penned in, as if the straight edge is declaring the rules.
Curving pathway and bed edges encourage us to slow down and really look at the garden. Such natural meanderers might feel rushed by straight lines - Point A to Point B in the least amount of time - while others will enjoy the implied efficiency. Straight lines are no nonsense.
Consider the Curve
Curving, meandering pathways and garden beds slow us down, giving us time to consider each moment in the garden. A curved line tends to be smoother, creating a more comfortable, natural movement and a more relaxed landscape effect. It tends to invite you through the garden, instead of directing you.
Feng shui would remind us that we rarely find straight lines in nature. We are told that healthy chi naturally moves in a meandering fashion, like a gentle stream, and that straight lines carry this life force energy too fast, sometimes to our detriment.
Our bodies don't have straight lines, either. One might say that our cities are built according to a man-made geometry and our bodies are built according to natural geometry. Such proponents of curving bed edges would say that we were born and nourished by natural geometry and to this geometry we long to return. Curves are us, in other words. Soft and fluid. (Tip: Use big, bold curves in your design. Dainty little waves tend to look like you meant to have a straight edge and just made a mistake.)
Straighten Up
Straight lines in the landscape give a more forceful, direct and structured feel to the area. Straight lines evoke a sense of order and a crispness that is more formal and contemporary. They direct the eye, stating plainly what is intended: "Go this way," "Look at this" or "Move right along." (Tip: The formality of straight edges can feel unwelcoming. Some lush and exuberant plantings will keep things friendly and interesting.)
Well-known landscape designer Gordon Hayward made a case for straight edges in an article in Horticulture magazine:
"The largest and most important structure in your garden is your house. When you create gardens that extend its straight lines out into the landscape, and when you design gardens that share its style, color and materials, you visually link house to garden. Curves are best used at the edges of your property, where their more organic shapes echo the natural landscape or small woodland at the edges of your property." (Tip: No matter what you choose, curving or straight edges, always be sure that the shape of your lawn is pleasing. This green form is much more noticeable to the eye than the garden bed shapes and is one of the keys to a successful design.)
While a natural landscape design with curving bed edges will probably not be symmetrical, symmetry is the most defining feature of the formal garden. If you draw a line down the middle, the two sides should mirror each other. Imposing order and balance onto the capriciousness of nature is the goal.
A formal garden does not need to be stiff and groomed to perfection. In fact, the gardener's personality can add some needed warmth and intimacy. Rambling perennials can fall onto straight pathways, sculptures and urns can add some whimsy.
Both styles of garden, natural and formal, can surprise and charm us.
Landscape designers are as different as gardeners and home owners in their preferences. Curving or straight, who is right? The only person who counts: you.