How to Design a Woodland Garden

A Woodland Landscape

There are a lot of elements that go into designing any garden. To create a woodland garden, you may want to use a few of these guidelines to get the effects you want.

Instructions

1. 

   If you live in or near a wooded area, a woodland garden will not only blend in nicely with your surroundings, but it will be easy to design, establish and maintain. This is because you will be working with a natural environment that is already in harmony with your design. You can even work a lot of native plants into your design creating beauty with low maintenance and habitats for local wildlife. If you live in another kind of area, you can still achieve a woodland feel, but your will need to work a little harder. The first step in building a woodland garden is to find woodsy materials and plants that will do well in your climate.

2. 

   The primary element of a woodland garden is that of shade. And shade means trees. Most woodland trees grow where there is plenty of rich, acid soil and lots of rain or a high water table. You will want to create that feeling of shade and moisture. Be realistic. If you live in the desert, unless you are located on an unusually moist area, you will be battling uphill all the way and it may not be the best selection for you or for the ecology.

3. 

   Some elements you will want in your woodland garden are old stone, water and lots of green. Some gardens shout with a riot of colors. A good woodsy feel is achieved with lots of green instead. Use lush green trees and shrubs. In nature the acid soil of the woods supports azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and other shade-loving denizens. Ferns and fir trees grow in abundance. Mimic these plants and you are likely to get the feel you want.

4. 

   Build walls and stairways with rustic, hewn rock. You can stack it with or without cement or trail it as an edging. Use fallen tree limbs and trunks to create natural looking benches or fences.

5. 

   Plant closely. Woodland gardens are filled with growing things. Any spaces between can be filled with bark chips or lawns to keep the area looking clean yet stay within the woodland theme.

6. 

   Bulbs look natural and many of them grow well under trees and popping up in open areas like little meadows.

7. 

   Use benches to add comfort. A bench invites visitors to stop and watch the beauty around them, listen to the sounds, and enjoy a sense of retreat.

8. 

   Water is another major element that accents a woodland garden. If you can build in a little waterfall or a meandering stream, you will add the attraction of sound and the glitter of liquid. A woodland is home to so many of nature's creatures and they, too, will enjoy a bath or drink from your water feature.

9. 

   Design a woodland garden to sooth your soul and create beauty in your landscape. With trees, shade plants, rocks and stone, some splashing water and a few pieces of wooden furniture you can create a delightful living space that extends out into your landscape.

Resources

• Gates & Croft Horticultural Design Ides and Info.