Aformal garden is a garden with a clear structure, geometric shapes and in most cases a symmetrical layout. Its origin goes back to the gardens which are located in the desert areas ofWestern Asia[1] and are protected by walls. The style of a formal garden is reflected in thePersian gardens of Iran, and themonastic gardens from theLate Middle Ages. It has found its continuation in theItalian Renaissance gardens and has culminated in theFrench formal gardens from theBaroque period. Through its design, the garden conveys a sense of established order and transparency to the observer.[2]
Ingarden design, the formal garden is said to be the opposite to thelandscape garden, which follows nature and which came into fashion in the 18th century.
A typical feature of formal gardens is the axial and symmetrical arrangement of pathways and beds. Both of these elements are typically enclosed, for example with low box hedges or flower borders. The garden itself is usually surrounded by "green walls", for instance walls covered in climbing plants, fences or clippedhedges. The area that has been created by this procedure is again divided by hedges,espaliers, andtrellises. The enclosed areas of the different parts are structured by means of low elements. This creates an atmosphere of clarity and straightness and thus also a certain degree of simplicity. The center of the garden is often accentuated by a round, oval or square structural element, which is usually made ofdimension stone.[3]
The footpaths are covered with materials likebrick,bluestone orpaving stone.[4] Alternatively, the paths can be covered with scatteredgravel or colored glass chippings.[5] Their straight lines create visual axes. At the end of these axes,eye-catching elements, such as sculptures, ornamental ponds, fountains, planters or seating accommodation can be found.[6]
Other eyecatchers that can be found in formal gardens are ornamental structural elements such as beds that are arranged to form intertwined patterns, or beds with complex geometrical arrangements of the plants. However, formal gardens that contain these elements lose their simplistic design in part and are no longer easy to care for. Most of the plants in a formal garden need pruning once a year.[4] This is mostly necessary fortopiary, which is a practice whereevergreenwoody plants, for examplebox trees,yew trees,hollies orpine trees are cut into geometric shapes, such asspheres,pyramids, orcones, but also into animal shapes or other more fanciful shapes. In larger formal gardens, usually there arehedge mazes, which are constructed by means of topiary. These mazes include archways, hidden resting places andcul-de-sacs.
Usually, lowperennial plants and flowers harmonize well are planted inherbaceous borders. However, the main criterion is not the bloom but rather the shape and effect produced by the color of the leaves. Therefore, ornamentalfoliage plants are often selected for the beds.[5] The type oflawn that can be found in a formal garden, if used, is usually closely cut ornamental lawn.[6][7]
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