Circles in Garden Design

In the world of garden design, shapes play a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance and functionality of outdoor spaces. While squares and rectangles have long been staples, there's an elegance and practicality found in the circle. Let's explore why circles are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve as great elements in crafting garden landscapes.

• Naturalistic Charm: Circles effortlessly blend with the organic flow of nature, making them ideal for creating more naturalistic garden designs. Unlike rigid angles, circles mimic the curves and contours found in the environment, evoking a sense of harmony and tranquility. Incorporating circular pathways or borders can seamlessly integrate your garden with its surroundings, creating a calmer atmosphere that invites relaxation and contemplation.

• Soft Curves, Seamless Transitions: One of the key benefits of incorporating circles into garden designs is their ability to encourage softer, more fluid transitions between different areas. By linking various sections of your garden with gently curved lines, you create a sense of continuity and cohesion, guiding visitors on a journey of discovery. Whether it's a winding pathway leading to a secluded seating area or a circular flower bed nestled within a lush green lawn, these subtle curves add visual interest and charm to the landscape.

• Practicality Meets Elegance: From a practical standpoint, circular features offer distinct advantages, especially when it comes to maintenance. Circular lawns, for example, are not only visually appealing but also easier to mow without the hassle of navigating around sharp corners. This simplicity in upkeep ensures that your garden remains tidy and well-kept with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying its beauty rather than tending to it.

• Immersive Experience: There's something inherently inviting about being surrounded by circular elements in a garden. Whether it's a cozy seating area encircled by pollinator freindly planting or a tranquil pond bordered by curved pathways, these circular features create a sense of enclosure that fosters intimacy and connection with nature. As you wander through the garden, enveloped by curved lines and gentle arcs, you're enveloped in a calm space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In conclusion, embracing circles in garden designs opens up a world of possibilities, from enhancing the natural beauty of your surroundings to creating functional and visually striking landscapes. Whether you're aiming for a more naturalistic aesthetic or seeking practical solutions for maintenance, circles offer a versatile and timeless approach to garden design that is sure to delight.

This was a design for full garden transformation that I created during a previous employment. The garden features a large circular lawn surrounded by wildflower mounds, as well as many curved arcing lines and elements linking spaces together. 

All this has a feel of the natural as this is within a rural Chew Valley setting.

I am now personally helping to craft this garden towards this vision, however we are moving towards a revision focussed on more sustainability and wildlife friendly elements. Less hard landscaping and more planting!