SIZE
All things equal small gardens are less expensive and take less
time to make and tend than larger gardens, but this is not
necessarily always true. A large minigarden can be quickly and
economically filled yet a small dish garden created in exquisite
detail and rare trees and plants could involve considerable expense. It depends whether you aim at connoisseur perfection or
quick results.
Mrs. Irene Hyde specialized in indoor dish and bowl gardens.
In a ceramic bowl the size of an egg-cup, she could create an
exquisite little garden which would include a hill, lake, rock,
winding path, pagoda and a growing tree and plants. She could
make one or two natural minigardens in bulb bowls to a similar
design in the time taken for the small gem.
Miss Anne Ashberry took up minigardening as a hobby and
specialized in trough and sink gardens. She became so successful
and enamoured with the work that she found she could make it a
full-time job rewarding in more senses than one, and quickly
gained royal patronage.
Small containers are cheaper, easier to obtain and handle,
more portable, can be built up indoors or in a confined space, and
have lighter transport problems. Nevertheless, the two forms
must not be considered as competitive but as complementary.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Human tastes vary so widely that it would be unwise to make
rules for design. If Irene Hyde and Anne Ashberry each made a
garden to a particular theme the results would always be original,
but in style, treatment and appearance they would be as unlike
the other as two finger-prints. That is as it should be.
The hallmarks of good design are:
1. Simplicity, knowing
exactly what to put in and where and what to leave out.
2. Proportions between all features and plants.
3. Harmony between
features, colours of foliage, flowers, etc., appropriateness of figures
and furniture.
Regard the materials as an artist regards his paints and canvas.
You have soil, rocks, dwarf trees and shrubs, plants and you can
acquire or make easily what else you need to re-create the Garden
that you can dream. Make a few rough sketches or plans before
you start. Such work is never wasted and may save time and
money.
You may be handicapped by not knowing (a) the appearance
and characteristics of plants and (b) what area should be allowed
for the growth of the plant. The information in this book and
your nurseryman, will give you a first-rate start, and your knowledge and interest in this (and perhaps gardens generally) will
probably expand at an astonishing rate.
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