Planting, furniture & ornamentation
The final stage of creating your perfect garden is planting, adding furniture and ornamentation.
Once you've considered all the points of landscaping, (check out our landscaping page) you can begin the fun part of planting, followed by the final touches, such as adding furniture and ornaments. By this stage you would have already planned the overall style of the garden and identified general areas of sun and shade. The garden should now be prepared with beds ready for planting, as well as installing structures, such as pools, patios, sheds, pergolas etc. Any garden infrastructure, such as electrics, water and maybe heating, should now be in place.
Plant categories
Before planting your garden, it's a good idea to have a basic understanding of the different plant categories. This will prove invaluable, helping to facilitate a beautiful, interesting garden all year round. Plants are commonly categorised into annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs, trees and climbers. Perennials, in turn, can be further classified into herbaceous, and evergreen types. Here is a brief explanation of each:​
These plants have a lifecycle of one year, e.g. Sunflower.
These plants have a lifecycle of two years, e.g. Foxglove.
These plants have a lifecycle of more than two years, e.g. Rose.
ANNUALS
These plants complete their life cycle (from germination to seed production) in a single year.
BIENNIALS
These plants live for two years, typically flowering and producing seeds in their second year.
​PERENNIALS
These plants live for more than two years, with some living many years. There are various different types of perennials, such as: Herbaceous, which have stems that wither in autumn and regrow in spring. Evergreen perennials retain their leaves throughout the year.
SHRUBS & TREES
Shrubs and trees can be deciduous (lose their leaves annually) or evergreen. They are imperative in adding structure to the garden and the evergreen varieties help to create a garden that is vibrant all year round.
Planting for the seasons
When choosing plants for the garden it's a good idea to keep the seasons in mind. Remember, depending on the species and flowering cycle, plants look different throughout the year.
Selecting plants will always be a personal choice and largely based on the overall style of your garden. However, if you are primarily a fan of spring and summer annual and biennial plants, at the expense of evergreen varieties, your garden will look disappointing at certain times of the year. This is because many plants have limited flowering windows and quickly die down after a short cycle, losing their leaves in winter.
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To create a garden which is interesting all year round, it's a good idea to focus on creating a garden that will look great during the winter months. Using a high percentage of plants that maintain their foliage throughout the year will guarantee a garden remains interesting regardless of the season. Therefore, the backbone of the garden should include an abundance of evergreen perennials and evergreen shrubs and trees. Once in place, seasonal plants can be added rotationally, in effect, layering the garden with changing colour throughout the seasons.
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Winter
The garden in winter is commonly perceived as an uninteresting dead space until spring arrives. However, with careful planning, the winter garden can look wonderful. The key is to plant plenty of evergreens, such as firs, conifers, laurels, olive trees, bay trees and more. You can then layer with flowering plants such as snowdrops, hellebores, and winter jasmine, to add further interest to the garden. Remember, planting a garden with the winter season as a priority will assure a garden looks great all year round.
Spring, being the gateway to summer, can support an abundance of plants which look great against the backdrop of your staple evergreen shrubs, trees, and evergreen perennials. Many spring annuals will need to be planted the previous autumn so mix with spring perennials, such as wisteria and biennial plants. Popular spring flowers include, bluebells, snowdrops, daffodils, alliums, anemone, primrose, pansies, tulips, iris, hyacinth and not forgetting, forget-me-not.
Spring
Summer
Summer is the time we spend longest in the garden and an abundance of summer flowering plants typically lightens the mood even on an overcast uk august day. Staple summer plants include perennials such as lavender and roses. Foxgloves are also welcomed, being available in both perennial and biennial varieties. Other popular plants are, petunias, lupins, hydrangeas, verbena and geraniums. Remember, you can also have evergreen perennials which look good in winter but flower in the summer such as hebes and veronica.
To make the most of the rich colours of autumn, choose trees such as the japanese acer and autumn spire (mountain ash), both of which have lovely red hues this time of year. Good autumn shrubs include hydrangea paniculata, vibernum opulus and fatsia japonica. Autumn perennials include, anemone x hybrida, rudbeckia hirta and verbena bonariensis, all of which display rich seasonal colour. Remember though, whichever season you plant for, keep a strong balance of evergreens to enhance your garden year round.
Autumn
Structure, form & texture
​When planting keep in mind some important points whether your garden is a formal design or an informal country style.
In preparing your planting beds during the initial landscape stage of your design, you would have identified both sun and shady areas. Accordingly, you should have a good idea of the soil type, for instance, some areas can have predominately clay soil, such as the south east, other areas near the coast, may have sandy soil. Though it is possible to change the soil type, by shipping in alternatives, you will mainly be governed by your existing soil. Remember therefore, that light levels, soil type and to some degree rainfall will influence your choice of plants.
It cannot be over estimated that choosing the right plants, will have a profound effect on the overall success of your garden. Depending on your design goal, the size, form, colour, and positioning will dictate the overall design language of the space. Versatile in their nature, plants can be used to create intimate spaces, shelter, privacy and encourage movement throughout the garden. They can also be used as a focal point as well as attracting wildlife.
Trees and shrubs should be the backbone of any garden, and coupled with layered, smaller foreground plants, a sense of depth is achieved. Additionally, use trees and hedging, such as laurel, yew and box, to define different areas of the garden and provide privacy. When planting, especially trees and shrubs, don't forget scale and proportion. Both in terms of the garden dimensions, house size, surrounding plants, furniture, and garden structures. Shrubs and trees can also be used to hide less desirable areas of the garden and create focal points, for example, an old olive or cypress tree at the end of a pathway.
Plants define structure, form and texture beyond the landscaping stage, playing a vital role in garden design. Trees and shrubs, especially, set the scene here. Bay, box, ilex and yew varieties, for example, can be clipped into different shapes, to reflect a style or mood, and hedging can be trimmed to reflect formality or a more relaxed aesthetic. Another example would be a pathway lined with tall cypress trees, with their tall, architectural silhouettes. Compare cypress to a pathway of weeping birch trees, with their softer aesthetic, the contrasting styles create two distinct moods.​ For larger gardens you can play with the dichotomy of structure and form when zoning different areas. For example, contrasting zones could be a clipped topiary courtyard area, opposite a wild flower space.
When creating contrasting areas, try to link a common design language between the two. For example, an interlinking path using a particular coloured stone or a plant colour replicated in both areas. As well as using trees and shrubs to create a backdrop of height, you can also use vertical planting as a way to visually alter the structure and form of the garden. Walls can be used to grow climbing plants such as wisteria and vines, creating contrasting interest to the smaller plants beyond. Vertical planting can also be used on pergolas and other structures throughout the garden, using plants such as a rambling rose or ivy. Vertical planting can define areas, as well as providing shade and privacy. Don't forget the use of hanging baskets which can link areas together by using plants of similar form and colour.
It's also important not to forget plant texture and shape. Foliage, stems, bark and flowers, all have their own unique texture and shape. For example, a garden designed using predominately green plants, can still look interesting with little flowering examples. Using plants with varying sized leaves, texture and foliage form, will absorb sunlight differently, leading to a more interesting space. Don't be afraid to experiment, such as using plants with tall, fine angular leaves, next to plants with larger softer leaves. Different colourful flowering plants can be used too, to great effect. For instance, you may wish to create an area using plants with just purple flowers. By using different varieties of purple flowers together, such as alliums, salvia, iris, lavender and nepeta, a more visually impactful garden is created. This is due to the varying plant textures and form. Remember, don't be afraid to experiment with different plant structures, forms and textures.
COLOUR
Another fundamental aspect when planting is colour. Whether you prefer a predominately green space or something more vibrant, choosing a cohesive palette is vital for a successful garden.
When choosing plant colour, many of the same principles are replicated in interior design. Colour choice is of course, personal, so always be guided by your own preferences. A good place to start for inspiration is inside your home, you can use your choice of colour here for initial ideas. For instance, you may wish a continuation of the same interior palette to flow into the garden beyond. Alternatively, you may wish to have a garden that contrasts in colour, to your interior space.
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Another way to choose plant colour is deciding on a mood, such as, calm and restful, or vibrant and energetic. To take this further you can match a mood with a season and plant accordingly. Winter could be calm and restful, with an abundance of mixed green foliage with subtle winter white flowering plants. Spring, on the other hand, could evoke a subtle transition using pastel tones, like soft pinks, blues, and greens. Summer then evokes vibrancy, using bold hues, like bright reds, pinks, purples and oranges. And then autumn, of course follows with a warm, cosy mood, using earthy tones such as, deep reds, burnt oranges and warm yellows. As in interior design, it's a good idea to create a mood board, experimenting with various plant images will help you visualise the finished look.​​​​​​​​
Though there are limitless colour possibilities for the garden, you can always add or reduce colour relatively inexpensively from year to year. Indeed, if you are not confident in colour choice, a good idea is to start with a minimal palette. For instance, a monochromatic garden, such as all green, can look chic all year round. Alternatively, using just two hues, for example green and white can also be very effective. Remember, even in minimal colour gardens, there are many different tones to one colour, so choose a variety of plants to add further interest.
HARMONIOUS
These are hues which you will find next to each other on a colour wheel. Therefore, these colours blend seamlessly with each other for a cohesive aesthetic.
CONTRASTING
These are colours which are opposite each other on the wheel, such as blue and orange. Contrasting colours are especially eye catching due to the dichotomy of colour and possibly suit a summertime garden more. Using contrasting colour supports a more maximalist design.
TRIADIC
To use the triadic principle of colour, choose three hues that are equally spaced on the colour wheel, such as green, orange and violet. This can be a good way to to gently push your planting beyond one or two colours, retaining an element of minimalism. A triadic choice will assure a balanced yet dynamic look.
For larger gardens, if you feel confident, you can zone areas using colour in different ways. For example, one area could use harmonious colour, while another could be monochromatic or contrasting in tone. However, if you mix colour this way, be mindful to keep the whole garden cohesive in look throughout the seasons. When choosing plants, also consider their flowering times. This will insure you have the right colour all year round and no plants clashing in colour due to ill timed flowering. Also remember, that the same plant can appear a different shade depending on the light, so experiment with positioning for best results.
POTTED PLANTS
Potted plants offer flexibility and visual appeal in gardens. To successfully use them, choose the right containers and potting mix, paying attention to watering and fertilizing. Consider pot size, drainage, and plant compatibility for optimal growth.
When choosing a plant for a pot, make sure the plant and pot are the correct size. Remember, a pot too small limits growth, and plants can become waterlogged in a pot too big, causing root rot. Outside pots will need drainage holes but are available in a variety of different materials. Popular choices include terracotta, ceramic, metal, wood and composites. Whatever material you choose, make sure the pot will withstand the annual temperature changes in your area.
Though in some ways potted plants are easier to maintain due to their access, they do need careful watering compared to ground plants. This is especially important in hot weather, when you should water thoroughly until the water drains from the bottom. Avoid using garden soil in pots, It compacts easily in containers, hindering drainage and root growth. Use a well-draining potting mix: Look for good quality compost and add perlite or vermiculite which improves aeration and drainage. Plants also have reduced access to nutrients, so they will need regular feeding with a propriety plant food, soil quality is paramount. Popular soil enhancers include, liquid fertiliser, pellets and slow release granules. Potted plants can also be susceptible to diseases and pests, so check their condition regularly, pruning dead leaves etc.
When curating pots in the garden, create visual interest by grouping pots of different heights and textures. You can use pots of a similar material or likewise experiment with contrasting finishes, such as mixing terracotta and metal containers. Consider using a colour theme when planting or repeating plant varieties for a more cohesive look. Don't forget to also use differing plant heights as well as pots, bearing in mind scale and proportion. Potted plants offer flexibility, so you can move them around to different locations based on sunlight, as well as seasonal and aesthetic needs.
Pool plants
Pool plants are a great way to add visual interest, attract wildlife and keep pool water clear and healthy. The correct choice is crucial to enhance your garden overall. If you follow a few important rules your pool will thrive throughout the year.
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Firstly, remember scale and proportion of plants compared to the size of the pool, and always include 'oxygenating plants'. Also check what water depth plants need as well as avoiding invading species. Lastly, aim to cover approximately 50 percent of the water surface with plants for the best ecological balance.
When choosing pond plants keep in mind maintenance. Water species tend to grow fast and some varieties can overwhelm a pool quickly. Regardless of your choice, pool plants will need thinning out regularly, so be prepared with the waders! As well as the colour and style of plants many of the principles of soil plants also apply. Just make sure that your pool plant choice is cohesive with the rest of the garden. Also, like soil plants, you can choose native or exotic varieties. Though it may be a good idea to quarantine new pool plants to avoid introducing disease into the water. The variety of pool plants is vast, so adhere to their varying depth, water and light requirements. Common types of plants include marginals. These prefer shallower water on the edge of pools but can grow very quickly.
Oxygenating plants are self explanatory and are essential for a healthy pool. They tend to remain submerged so serve more as a functional plant, good for pool quality and wildlife, especially keeping fish healthy. Another very popular choice for pools are water lilies, but be careful as they can quickly outgrow a small pond. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, from gigantic lily pads to dwarf types. There are also native and tropical varieties and being perennials, will last many years. not only do they deter algae but the create crucial shade for wildlife. Most water lilies will need to be planted in baskets with aquatic compost at their correct depth. Floating plants are also often seen in pools. They do not need planting and help prevent algae, and offer shade. Floating plants are a good addition but will need regular thinning.
Fruit, vegetables & herbs
Site location is a primary factor when considering growing fruit, vegetables or herbs. An area with six to eight hours of sunshine would be ideal. Make sure your soil is well drained and amend soil quality with compost if required. Also consider raised beds, which also warm up faster in the spring and locate your garden near a water source. Choosing level ground and a sheltered area will aid access and protect your plants from damaging strong winds. To further facilitate access, make sure pathways are wide enough and fruit and vegetable beds are not too wide.
WORLDWIDE
Choosing which fruit, vegetables or herbs to grow is a personal choice. If this planting area is a main part of the garden you may wish to consider selecting and positioning plants which visually look cohesive, compared to each other and the garden as a whole. However, the primary reason for this type of garden area is to produce produce that you can enjoy on your plate. Remember, these plants are adaptable and can be grown in containers and greenhouses as well as beds. Therefore, they suit all sizes of garden and even hanging baskets can be used.​
WORLDWIDE
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A recommended growing layout for a vegetable garden can be found on the RHS website. Here they suggest growing vegetables in four distict zones. A brassica zone would include, broccoli, kale and cabbage, while a legume area would see vegetables such as peas and bean varieties. Another zone would be roots and alliums, with carrots, onions, garlic, leeks and parsnips etc. The last zone would be would contain everyrhing else, ranging from tomatoes, rocket, spinach, potatoes, lettuce and sweetcorn to radish, courgette and strawberry.
WORLDWIDE
Herbs are available as either perennials or annuals. Like fruit and vegetables, plan planting herbs so you have an interesting variety throughout the year. Popular herbs include basil, thyme, oregano and dill. Dill is good for fish dishes, pungent oregano for mediterranean food, basil compliments Italian and Asian cuisine, with thyme suiting more savoury dishes. Other easy to grow herbs include parsley, which is very varsatile and sage, which is great with poultry and stuffing mixes. Mint too, which compliments lamb, is easy to grow but can become unruly if not kept in check.
WILD FLOWERS
A wildflower garden, or meadow, is a great way to add natural beauty and support local wildlife. Creating one involves preparing the soil, choosing the right seeds, and managing the space for optimal growth. It's a low-maintenance option that can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while also providing a visually appealing area in your garden. Remember, many wild flowers enjoy sunny positions.
Wild flowers are available as both annuals and perennials, so choose a suitable mix that suits your soil. UK nurseries sell pre-mixed packets which contain an abundance of native varieties. Sow seeds 2-5 grams per square metre with a sand mix if possible, and rake or tread the seeds into the soil, watering well. Also, make sure your flowers are kept watered during dry spells, and use protective measures to protect seedlings from birds. Regular weeding of your wild flower garden is also important, especially during warmer spells.
Garden furniture
An important aspect of the garden is the choice of furniture. Furniture needs to be both functional, stylish and long lasting.
The first thing to consider when choosing garden furniture is functionality. Consider who will be using the garden and their demographic, such as age and mobility. For example, you may have a mixture of young adults, children and elderly relatives, all with varying needs. So you may need higher seating for persons with mobility issues, mixed with lower seating areas for younger users, or when relaxing and entertaining. Also think about durability and furniture maintenance, wood furniture will need more care than their plastic counterparts, whereas metal furniture may need periodic rust protection. Quality of materials is also an important factor, hardwood furniture for example, will last longer than pine, and the same applies to metal furniture and coatings.
Also consider how adaptable furniture is; do you need it to be light enough to move around, or will it be fixed, such as banquet seating on a patio. Also make sure furniture is not too big and can be easily folded or dismantled if it needs to be stored over the winter. Remember, there are many different styles of furniture from highly contemporary and shabby chic through to traditional, and more. When selecting, use the style of your garden as the primary influence and always purchase the best quality you can afford. Try to avoid highly stylised pieces which may go out of fashion quickly and stick to more neutral designs which can fit into differing styled gardens.
Also don't be afraid to experiment with an eclectic mix of furniture styles, which can give your garden a more naturally designed feel, though try to use furniture with similar tones. Soft furnishing is another important aspect to consider, and the use of cushions and seat padding not only brings comfort when enjoying your outside space, but adds a further layer of texture and colour. When choosing soft furnishing you can specify water resistant fabric or traditional fabrics such as cotton and linen. Make sure textile accessories can be easily removed for colder and wet days and the fabric has the quality to meet your particular use. Soft furnishings are also a good way to blend existing garden furniture into a new design as they can be specified in a multitude of different styles and colour.
Garden Ornaments
Though plants can be described as ornamental, other constructed ornamentation can play an exciting role in adding further interest and dimension to your garden.
Ornaments come in many different forms and sizes, from purely decorative sculptures, statues and art work, to functional water fountains. They are also available in many materials, including steel, aluminium, copper, granite, marble, concrete, wood, and plastic. Glass is also used, with mirrors being a popular choice. As with other garden items, choose ornaments in keeping with the overall garden design, not forgetting scale and proportion.
That said, different garden designs support a diverse range of ornamental style. For example, a formal garden, with clipped hedging and defined planting, will look great with traditional period style statues, but can equally embrace modern sculpture. Inversely, the dichotomy of traditional statues used in a modern garden setting can also bring added interest and depth. Feel free to experiment with an eclectic mix of ornamentation, both in style and materials.
When mixing traditional and modern ornaments, try to maintain a level of continuity through material finishes or colour. In larger gardens where you have distinct zones hidden from each other, you can take a more relaxed approach. Ornaments can also be chosen by theme, this could be colour, material, or style, such as organic shapes or even animals. Though scale and proportion are important, ornaments can also be fun items. For example, out of scale sculptures such as giant hands, or an oversized head, can add drama to a space, especially in a larger garden. Smaller ornaments can be fun too, the garden gnome being a popular choice.
Once you have a good idea on the style of ornamentation, it's important to carefully consider various factors. When positioning ornaments, the number one rule is restraint. Too much ornamentation can be distracting, causing a garden which feels unbalanced. Use ornaments sparingly and think about the purpose of each piece when choosing a location. A popular reason for an ornament is to create a focal point. Ornaments, such as sculptures or a water fountain can draw the eye, creating depth to the garden.
Focal points work well at the end of pathways, or framed by plants. An open arbour framing your focal piece in the distance can create a dramatic vista. Ornaments can also be used to define different zones, leading the eye around the garden. Also consider using partially hidden ornaments, especially in foliage, to create another interesting aspect to the garden, this also encourages exploration of the space. And lastly, ornaments can also bring sound into the garden such as well placed chimes.​​​​​​​​​