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It is possible to divide most gardens and other landscapes into two main groups – those that are informal, natural and asymmetrical, and those that are symmetrical and formal. The informal gardens, although put in place by man, are intended to look as though they have arrived “naturally”. With formal gardens, on the other hand, man’s landscaping effects are not disguised. Instead, they are emphasized, with straight lines, mirrored curves (if curves are used at all) and a balanced appearance.

Although many formal gardens cover a large area (think of the gardens at Versailles, created in the 17th century, at a time when the idea of the formal garden reached its peak ) they need not be extensive. Following a few simple principles will give a smaller garden the formal effect.

The first principle is symmetry. In a strictly formal garden, your landscape design pairs up all the ingredients. What you plant on one half of the garden, you repeat in the other half, as a mirror image. However, while a symmetrical arrangement (such as a hedge each side of a path) creates a “frame” you still need some object of interest for the eye to move towards. A garden statue or a seat at the centre of the “picture” are two possibilities. This may be the place for two large urns, evenly placed, and brimming with bright petunias and violas.

The second principle is neatness. Shrubs in a formal garden are carefully shaped and trimmed – sometimes into artificial forms, as in topiary work, where unusual shapes are created with time and patience. Plants may be trained over archways or espaliered along fences, growing in spaces they would not usually occupy in nature. Such arrangements are especially useful in small spaces, where a formal arrangement can have a restful and pleasing effect.

The third principle is precision. Use a brick mowing strip to edge a lawn, making sure it is kept neatly trimmed. While informal gardens use local materials to be as close to nature as possible, this is not necessary in a formal garden, where you can use stone, brick or concrete as necessary to get the neat look required. Formal hedges (well trimmed, of course) add a third dimension. They can be clipped into various shapes, including display bays and archways. Similarly evenly spaced metal archways, covered in plants such as climbing roses, can add height.

Rose gardens lend themselves particularly well to formal treatment. Set off by straight gravel paths and box hedges and kept weed-free by regular hoeing, they provide a combination of beauty and formality that never fails to please.

Article by Steve Boulden at The Landscape Design Site.com which offers free garden designs, backyard landscaping ideas, plans, videos, and photos. For more free garden and landscaping ideas, visit http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com.