Read all about gardens

Design your ideal ornamental garden

×
Back to archive
Create an ornamental garden

An ornamental garden is the way to make your garden a place you enjoy every day. It is not about functionality, but about experience, appearance and tranquility. The right combination of plants, garden tiles, garden borders and layout creates a garden that looks very beautiful. That is the goal of an ornamental garden.

What ornamental garden style suits your taste?

There are numerous styles that can shape an ornamental garden. Each style has its own character, from sleek and minimalist to natural and exuberant:

Classic style

The classic ornamental garden is characterized by symmetry, hedges and fixed lines. Here you will often find boxwood structures, rose beds and ornaments such as statues and fountains. Think of gardens you see at castles and palaces.

Sleek and modern

Modern ornamental gardens are sleekly designed. In terms of paving, large sleek tiles are often used for this. Wooden decking is also popular. They are often decorated with grasses and evergreen plantings. The simplicity of this garden makes this style popular with lovers of minimalism.

Rural and free

Country ornamental gardens feel freer. Think winding paths, a sea of flowers and maybe even a small vegetable garden or orchard. The English cottage style is a perfect fit.

An oriental style

Japanese gardens represent tranquility and symbolism. Here you will find moss, water, stones and carefully pruned plants. Everything is balanced and contributes to a serene atmosphere.

For a Mediterranean atmosphere

In a Mediterranean garden you taste the atmosphere of the south. With lavender, olive trees, terracotta pots and sun-loving plants, this garden exudes vacation spirit.

Full of local flowers and plants

A natural ornamental garden is in keeping with local flora and fauna. It is full of native plants and flowery borders. The goal is to create a garden that feels as if nature itself designed it. Straight lines and clean shapes are avoided within this type of garden.

The right plants for an ornamental garden

Each type of planting contributes to the overall design in a different way. Cleverly combining flowers, shrubs, climbers and trees will create a very attractive garden in which you will enjoy spending your free time.

Flowers bring atmosphere

Flowers provide color and life. For spring, tulips and daffodils are ideal, while hydrangeas and roses shine in summer. In the fall, asters and sedum provide warm hues. Choose a mix of perennials such as geraniums and salvia, complemented by annuals such as petunias for a colorful accent.

Climbing plants for a lively garden

Climbing plants add height and depth to the garden. Clematis and climbing roses are perfect mood creators on a pergola or wall. They provide greenery at eye level and above.

Shrubs give structure

Shrubs bring structure and volume. Think of the classic boxwood or the colorful butterfly bush. Evergreen shrubs also create an attractive garden in winter.

Trees provide character

Trees provide height and shade. Ornamental cherries and amber trees bloom beautifully in spring and turn spectacular colors in fall. Smaller fruit trees are perfect for gardens with a country feel.

A pond or no pond?

A pond adds tranquility and reflection to your ornamental garden. The gentle lapping of water, the reflection of the sky and the arrival of dragonflies and birds add life to the garden. Match the style of a pond to its design: sleek and modern, or natural and undulating? Aquatic plants such as water lilies and pondweed enrich the beauty of the pond. Do you want fish in the pond? Then keep in mind the necessary extra care and that the pond is deep enough for the fish you want to have swimming in it.

Start with your wishes and expectations

A good garden design starts with a clear picture of what you are looking for. Do you want a garden full of flowers or just a green, quiet base? Do you prefer a natural atmosphere or a clean, modern layout? Also think about how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Practical matters such as seating areas, walking routes and the need for shade or privacy also play a role. By mapping this out well in advance, you will lay a strong foundation for the design.

Analyze the existing situation

When your wishes are clear, it's time to look at the current garden. Note its location in relation to the sun, soil conditions and any differences in elevation. Existing elements such as a lawn, paving or mature plantings can possibly be incorporated into the new design. This analysis helps make realistic choices that fit the site as well as your ideas.

Structure the design

Next, get to work laying out the garden. Think about the relationship between borders, paths, terraces and open spaces. The structure of the design determines the experience and use of the garden. Establishing clear lines creates tranquility and cohesion. Match the layout to your daily use and ensure a logical connection between functions and sightlines.

Work out the design in a planting plan.

Finally, add atmosphere and color with a planting plan. Here you determine which plants and flowers will be placed where, according to location, height and flowering period. In this plan you can also choose where to place garden tiles, furniture and accessories. The planting plan ensures that your garden not only looks beautiful, but also remains balanced throughout the seasons.

From plan to reality: Lay out your ornamental garden carefully

When the design is right and all the elements come together, it's time to actually build the garden. This is the time when lines come to life, materials become visible and plants find their place. By proceeding carefully, you avoid surprises during construction and ensure that everything matches what you had in mind. A well executed design is the basis for years of garden pleasure. Do you need help with the design or construction? BURO Buiten is happy to think along with you.

Have your ornamental garden designed by Buro buiten?

Would you rather have your ornamental garden designed by experienced specialists? Then have your ornamental garden designed by Buro Buiten. We listen carefully to all your wishes and translate them into a well thought-out garden design. Our designs are not only beautiful, but also realistic. You may know Buro Buiten from the RTL4 program "Het Goede Buitenleven". Read here how we go about designing gardens. View the ornamental gardens we have designed recently. If you are interested, please contact us. Find out how we can create your dream garden.

Back to archive
Eigenaar-Buro-Buiten-Peter-Bouw

Written by: Peter Bouw

With more than 35 years of experience in landscaping and outdoor living Peter Bouw shares his knowledge, vision and love for the craft in each article. His designs are characterized by tranquility, quality and a strong connection to the natural environment, exactly as the Good Outdoors is meant to be.

We create exclusive outdoor spaces

But first, a brief introduction

Landscaped garden path

BURO BUITEN

An all-in-one company for design, construction or renovation. How convenient.

Peter Bouw

About Peter Bouw

Award-winning landscaper and developer. Known from TV.

Garden remodeling with crane

Our Partners

Selected professionals, each with their own discipline.