The Art of Landscaping: Formal vs. Informal Design Principles

Landscaping arranges areas for aesthetic pleasure. Two loose forms dominate: formal and informal.

Formal Landscape Design

Order is evident. Plants chosen to complement each other and site features. Low hedges/walls separate beds geometrically. Patterns often geometric. Water, stone, wood structures included. Stone adds class/elegance. Typically larger areas—beauty needs scale.

Informal Landscaping

Deceptively complex. Jumble of plants/structures with hidden order. Designers consider site and homeowner preferences. Let garden run naturally with guidance—minimal large-scale pruning. Cultured naturalness creates "disorder" that mirrors nature.

DIY Landscaping

Rewarding project: plan area, design from land's basic lay. Enjoy planning and subsequent maintenance.