Gardening tips: Ever heard of contemporary gardening?

May 30, 2008

CONTEMPORARY gardening is one the most misunderstood gardening styles. Ask someone what it means and the answer will be along the lines of less clutter, more exotic planting, more straight lines and minimalism will find some space too. But the true meaning of a contemporary design is one that reflec

By Winifred Rukidi

CONTEMPORARY gardening is one the most misunderstood gardening styles. Ask someone what it means and the answer will be along the lines of less clutter, more exotic planting, more straight lines and minimalism will find some space too. But the true meaning of a contemporary design is one that reflects the times we live in.

You just need to look at your surroundings; look at the new buildings in the city and note the materials used in finishing. Stainless steel will stand out, so will stone and tiles, lots of marble and granite too. You may incorporate some of these features in the garden to create a contemporary style. By doing so you connect the interior to the exterior.

To be contemporary is to be influenced by what surrounds us now.

Lately, the use of colour has taken a far higher stand than ever before. Strong colours such as purple, orange, red wine, turquoise and even pink have been used widely. This is very much part of the contemporary design in architecture and so may be equally used in garden design.

Raised flower beds may be painted in some of these colours and the same may be applied on pots.

Mosaic patterns are influenced by ceramic, granite or marble tiles. These patterns may be created on pots or small areas around a swimming pool.

When it comes to plants, there are those plants that are more widely used these days than ever before.

Grasses have become a novelty. Loose informal grasses planted in large gardens rustle in the breeze, injecting borders with sound and movement.

Grasses can be planted in stainless steel pots and lined along hotel walkways or in the lobbies and by doing so they create a style so unique that it cannot go unnoticed.

If you are inspired look for a grass known as fountain grass pennisetum alopecu-roides and plant it in an area that is clear with heavy water falling, say from the roof. Do not restrict or direct its growth with ropes. You will be amazed with the result! Good gardening!

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