Garden focal points draw in the eye
Why are some gardens so uplifting while others are simply satisfactory?
The awe-inspiring gardens are most likely based on design principles or techniques.
Design principles have many applications. These principles are used in famous paintings and floral arrangements to create interest and fascination.
An array of artwork and photographs thoughtfully displayed on the living room wall is based on design principles. There are numerous design principles, but one that is easy to apply in a garden setting is the use of focal points.
Focal points are the eye-catchers in the garden landscape. The purpose of a focal point is to draw visitors into a garden space where they can appreciate the supporting details and views.For example, a simple bird bath or sculpture sited in the center of a flower bed serves as an elegant focal point, drawing the viewer's eyes to the object with the surrounding landscape supporting the scenery.Sometimes focal points are destinations, such as a gazebo or garden shed. A water feature is certainly a focal point, but one that requires more maintenance than others.Seating can be a focal point, especially if it is artful or colorful. Plants, shrubs and trees are used as focal points, too. A specimen tree, such as a weeping cherry (Prunus pendula), is a natural focal point in the landscape.Planted containers make interesting focal points as well, with larger containers making the best focal points and statements.Overusing focal points, however, becomes too distracting for viewers. Too many focal points draws the viewer's attention in many directions, leaving them unsettled.
The distinct placement of focal points creates a serene, pleasing effect, resulting in an inspiring garden setting.To site a focal point in your garden, study the views that you are most likely to appreciate. For example, a large picture window in the front of a house may offer a panoramic view of the front yard.Instead of looking out of the window to see the street and the neighbor's house, create a focal point. For a medium- to large-sized lot, a specimen tree makes a beautiful focal point.Specimen trees are usually smaller in size. Consider using a flowering species, such as redbud (Cercis canadensis), little leaf linden (Tilia cordata), ornamental crab apple (Malus), dogwood (Cornus), service berry (Amelanchier) and fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus). All of these specimens produce green foliage in the summer and brightly colored leaves in the fall.Try an evergreen, such as a weeping spruce (Picea “Pendula”) for a year-round specimen of beauty that does not require leaf raking. Around the specimen tree, place a supporting bed of small shrubs, ground covers, and flowers.Perhaps you would like to create a destination from your back door to your property. Install a larger garden feature, such as a shed, gazebo, fire pit, seating or water feature. These larger garden features become destinations in landscape and serve as focal points. Once the focal point is established, garden around it with supporting shrubs and plants.Get started with using focal points by observing gardens in your neighborhood or visiting established venues, such as conservatories, botanic gardens or arboretums. Browse through gardening magazines or conduct online searches for garden designs that include your choice of a focal point.
With this inspiration, create a vision for your own garden. Write down the specifics, such as the size of the space, desired plants and other considerations. Consult with a garden designer if needed.Spring is an excellent time to begin planning your garden, and using a focal point gets you started in the right direction.If you have questions about garden designing with focal points, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.<i>Jill Barger is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.</i>
