A garden
may be the best embellishment for a home, but the time, effort
and cost that go into creating a green space and maintaining it
are enough to put off most people.
The advent of professional landscaping agencies promises to change
the way we look at private green spaces.
Appearance
Today, most houses in the city sport at least a small garden to
enhance appearance.
For most families that have invested in a garden, the peace of
mind achieved by bringing nature to the doorstep is worth all
the effort and the expense. Professional agencies can convert
a small patch of land as small as 50 sq. ft into a beautiful green
space.
Professional help
But creating a green patch is not just a matter of buying plants
and trees from a nursery and sowing them in your plot.
It takes a lot of planning and scientific methods of gardening
to achieve the desired effect.
A professional agency will try to understand the client's needs
and compulsions before coming up with a design. Garden setting
is as scientific as it is creative.
"The architecture of the house and the shape of the plot
are factored into the design of the garden, says B.R. Sreekumar,
chief executive of Perfect Agri Management Corporation.
Elements
"A square- shaped house can have a formal garden with hardscape
elements such as sculptures, rocks and ornamental fixtures arranged
in a symmetrical manner. Softscape elements such as lawns and
different species of plants and trees are more suitable for odd-
shaped plots and buildings constructed in the traditional stylem"
he says.
While hardscape elements and palm trees are preferred for minimum
maintenance, water features like small pools and running water
add depth, light and movement and colourful decorative rocks add
elements of interest. Selection of plant species is also a major
input.
Some species like philodendron grow well only in shady areas,
but others thrive in direct sunlight. The location of fixtures
is also important to create the right effect. Colours, sizes and
shapes are skilfully blended to create an illusion of space.
Display
A square area is generally easy to create a simple and balanced
display. Curves on the other hand, add a sense of flow, motion
and appeal. A bridge or trellis can be used to separate and divide
areas, while a curved walkway or flowerbed helps to make the garden
unfold and add expanse.
Focal point
"A garden is mostly built around a focal point like a rockery,
pebble bed, cascade or bamboo bridge over a pond," says Mr.
Sreekumar. "While some clients insist on a birdbath, others
may want an aquarium or an abundance of hardscape elements such
as sculptures, terracotta figures, cast iron furniture or ornamental
lamps. But the choice of elements depends on the environment.
A big pond would look out of place in a small garden. Improper
arrangement of features would only add clutter," says Mr.
Sreekumar.
New trend
The new trend is to combine the aesthetic elements in a garden
with commercial farming. A few families in the city have started
experimenting with medicinal herbs, banana plants and organic
vegetables in their garden.
Most landscaping agencies hold detailed consultations with the
client before finalising the design. For small gardens, the aerial
view of the garden is drawn. But for bigger projects, the client
is given a walk- through experience on a computer. Recurring maintenance
costs are factored into the budget for a garden.
