Garden Design Element #3: Form

Form is what gives the shape and definition of a garden when viewed in its total perspective. Every plant has a distinct growth-habit, a unique mass and volume which develops and changes as the plant matures. Each of the individual and distinct shapes whether columnar, spreading, or round, define the spaces in the garden. As plants grow and mature, and change with the seasons, most often they do affect the basic lines of a garden. Thus it is vital to select the type of plants to use and their planting arrangements because these are the foundation that give the form of the garden, its dynamic spaces and pleasing silhouettes.