Designers often talk of a garden having a “formal” or “informal” style. In this post I wanted to explore our Cambridge garden as an example of a formal design and offer three elements that I think lend this garden a formal feel:
1. Strong geometric form in all seasons

A view of the garden from a second story window shows the strong geometry of the vegetable garden, the two paths that run parallel to each other, and the rectangular lounge patio.

A view toward the opposite corner of the garden, from a second story window, shows the strong geometry of the circular path around the obelisk, and the chess board set at a 45 degree angle to the other garden elements.
2. Clear axes, or sight lines, throughout the garden

This view, from the driveway through a gated arbor, brings into line the obelisk, a central feature of the garden. This strong axis is clear and inviting.

A view from inside of the gate shows the intersection of a straight pathway to the circular one, and the obelisk at the center of these crossing axes.
3. Plants that can be hedged to aid in creation of geometry and form

We used different varieties of Boxwood throughout the garden to line paths and provide year round greenery and structure. Here, the gravel path is edged with low Buxus ‘Green Velvet’ and punctuated with taller Buxus ‘Fastigiata’

The vegetable garden is at the corner of the property, where we planted a hedge of Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ or Pyramidal European Hornbeam. These will eventually grow into a full privacy hedge that can be pruned into a strong form.
We are so excited that this garden has been selected for HGTV’s 2021 Ultimate Outdoor Awards contest in the Gorgeous Gardens Category. Voting is live now and runs through April 8, 2021. Click here and search for “Stately Symmetrical Garden With Fanciful English Details” and click Vote. We would love your support!