Modern Gardens

The modern garden stems from the modernist movement to move away from the restrictions of Classicism. Classicism represented geometry and symmetry as seen in ancient Rome and later in its revival as seen in the formal gardens of the Renaissance period. Modernist thinking is that although the classic proportions are pleasing, symmetry leads to a static design. The modern movement have adopted asymmetry in an attempt to create movement within the design.

The popular request for low maintenance gardens has led in part to the misconception that a garden designed with lashings of concrete and a space void of plants, is a modern garden. Admittedly modern gardens can appear to have concrete walls and rendered block walls, but in a modern design each is executed with craftsmanship precision and has a sense of purpose within the overall design.

Many beautiful modern gardens have been created using the principles of modern design translated with the judicious use of plant material; such gardens can be seen by the Dutch Landscape architect Mein Ruys (1904-1999) and the Belgian designer Jacques Wirtz. The skill of the designer is paramount when selecting plant material for use in modern design as this ensures that the plant material adheres to the lines of the modern design and that the perfect plant is sought for that place.

Modern gardens have been steadily gaining momentum but it is only recently that they have gained popular acceptance. Design Outside is enthusiastic to be invited to design for clients requiring gardens using modern design principles.