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Planting in sections makes for easy access to plants and herbs. Photo: Domino (sniff, sniff)
What's the hottest trend in gardening? Going modular. Take note, modern garden lovers and small yard owners -- this one's for you!
Modern garden design has been greatly influenced by modern art. Abstract, cubist, and Japanese art all have had a hand in creating the "modular" garden design as we know it today.
Modular gardens have a sculpture-like appearance, with the grass, concrete, wood, stone and moss each placed in square or rectangular sections. The combination of hard and soft, dark and light is an Eastern philosophy of balance and harmony, and all of these components are essential considerations in modern garden design.
The form and function of a modern garden is clear: Everything is exposed and there are no overgrown branches or buried blossoms. Air can easily circulate through the space, creating a feeling of openness.
Want to learn how to create a modular garden in your back yard? Keep reading.
From a practicality standpoint, the "less is more" mentality certainly carries through the modular garden. Let's face it: We've got less space and less time than we had 50 to 100 years ago. Therefore, many people can't afford the time or cost to take care of a high-maintenance garden. Easy to care for plants like succulents and perennials are much more independent plants. Also, most people want additional living space, so a garden needs to be functional. Everyone wants an outdoor living space where the kids can play while the parents barbecue.
Selecting highly contrasting elements with clear definition is a key element of this look. Photos: Modular
Get the look
- Divide your space into "zones" using contrasting elements.
- Define the space with natural elements in grids with hard lines.
- Evenly plant your foliage on a grid or in a line.
- Remember to balance light and dark, hard and soft elements to create harmony
For more inspirational modular gardeny goodness, try checking out Modular, an urban landscape design firm in the UK that makes their living dividing and conquering landscapes. Also, keep an eye on Anna's modern garden progress over on Door Sixteen.
