INDEPENDENT LANDSCAPE REFERENCE · 01 / 05
A practical guide to European formal gardens, private courtyards, terraces, planting structure and landscape design.
THE REFERENCE INDEX / 01—05
Five focused guides. Each addresses a different landscape-design problem.
FORMAL LANDSCAPE · DESIGN PRINCIPLES
For gardens organised by axis, proportion and framed views.
Set out movement, enclosure and focal points. Compare formal, semi-formal and naturalistic structures before selecting materials and planting.
URBAN LANDSCAPE · SITE PLANNING
For enclosed gardens shaped by surrounding buildings.
Balance daylight, privacy, access and planting within a compact footprint. Review the site before choosing a layout.
TERRAIN · MOVEMENT
For sloped sites, level changes and stepped outdoor rooms.
Compare simpler transitions, multiple terraces and integrated retaining landscapes. Include circulation and water management from the outset.
PLANTING STRUCTURE · SURFACES
For coordinated decisions about surfaces, plants and maintenance.
Assess how stone, brick, timber, metal and planting affect appearance, drainage, seasonal change and care.
PRIVATE LANDSCAPE · PLANNING
For turning a garden brief into a usable design process.
Set priorities, divide the site into zones and plan decisions across design phases, budget categories and future maintenance.
A WORKING FRAMEWORK / 07 STAGES
Order decisions before detailing. Review each stage against the site and intended use.
Measure boundaries, access, exposure and existing conditions.
Establish movement, views and focal relationships.
Define privacy with walls, hedges, screens and planting.
Structure the garden with trees, shrubs and lower planting.
Define movement and usable outdoor rooms.
Add controlled evening illumination.
Connect the garden to daily activities.
PLAN DIAGRAM / NOT TO SCALE
SITE-SPECIFIC BY NATURE
Orientation, climate, regulations, access and maintenance capacity change what is practical.