6 Garden Styles: Which one Is Right For You

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Modern Garden
• Traditional Garden
• Rock Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Native Gardens
• Cottage Garden
• Top FAQ about Gardening with Trees and Shrubs
• Conclusion

Introduction to Garden Styles

• Clean Lines and Minimalism: The hallmark of the modern garden is its clean, uncluttered look. Straight lines and geometric shapes dominate the design, creating a sense of order and neatness.
• Hardscaping: Hardscaping plays a significant role in modern gardens. Features like concrete pathways, wooden decks, and metal structures contribute to the garden’s structured appearance.
• Subdued Color Palette: Typically, modern gardens stick to a neutral color palette. Shades of green, white, black, and grey are predominant, with occasional splashes of color for visual interest.
• Low-Maintenance Plants: Plants in a modern garden are chosen for both their aesthetic and their ease of maintenance. Ornamental grasses, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants are popular choices.
• Outdoor Living Areas: Modern gardens often incorporate functional outdoor living spaces, such as patios or outdoor kitchens, blending indoor luxury with outdoor relaxation.

• Modern gardens can be particularly well-suited to Calgary’s urban settings, where outdoor space might be limited.
• The use of drought-tolerant plants aligns with Calgary’s variable climate, ensuring a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable.

• Symmetry and Structure: Traditional gardens are known for their symmetrical designs. Neatly trimmed hedges, orderly flower beds, and straight pathways contribute to a balanced and harmonious look.
• Formal Plantings: These gardens often feature well-defined planting areas with a mix of perennial borders, annual bedding plants, and neatly pruned shrubs and trees.
• Classic Elements: Elements such as fountains, statues, and gazebos are commonly found in traditional gardens, adding a touch of grandeur and history.
• Green Lawn Spaces: A well-maintained lawn often serves as the centerpiece in a traditional garden, surrounded by complementary plantings and decorative elements.

• Traditional gardens can bring a sense of tranquility and elegance to Calgary homes, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle.
• The structured design makes it easier to plan and maintain, especially in Calgary’s varied climate, ensuring year-round beauty.

• Natural Stones and Boulders: Central to rock gardens are various sizes and shapes of rocks and boulders, arranged to replicate a natural, rugged terrain.
• Drought-Tolerant Plants: Plants in rock gardens are typically drought-resistant, such as sedums, succulents, and alpine species, which thrive among the rocks and require minimal watering.
• Low Soil Fertility Requirement: Rock gardens are ideal for areas where soil fertility is low, as the plants used in these settings are adapted to thrive in less nutrient-rich conditions.
• Layered Planting: Incorporating different layers and heights of plants adds depth and interest, creating a multi-dimensional landscape.

• Rock gardens are perfect for Calgary’s fluctuating climate, as they require minimal water and can withstand harsh conditions.
• They offer an excellent solution for sloped or uneven areas, helping in soil stabilization and erosion control.
• Rock gardens provide an opportunity for creativity and personalization, as you can choose from a wide variety of rocks and plant species to suit your taste.

• Water Elements: Water, whether in the form of a pond, stream, or waterfall, is a central element in Japanese gardens, symbolizing purity and fluidity.
• Rocks and Stones: Carefully placed rocks and stones are used to represent mountains and islands, adding structural elements to the garden.
• Minimalist Planting: Plantings are typically restrained and thoughtful, with species like bonsai, bamboo, and Japanese maples adding to the garden’s Zen-like ambiance.
• Paths and Bridges: Winding paths and wooden bridges encourage slow, reflective strolls through the garden, enhancing the meditative experience.

• Japanese gardens are ideal for creating a peaceful sanctuary in your backyard, a place for relaxation and contemplation.
• The minimalist approach to planting and maintenance makes these gardens a practical choice in Calgary’s diverse climate.
• These gardens can be designed in various sizes, making them suitable for both expansive yards and smaller urban spaces.

• Indigenous Plant Species: Utilizing plants native to the Calgary area, such as wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, which are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
• Support for Local Biodiversity: Native plants provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies.
• Low Maintenance: These gardens typically require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control than gardens with non-native plants, as they are well-suited to the local environment.
• Natural Pest Resistance: Native plants have evolved to be more resistant to local pests and diseases.

• Native Gardens contribute to the preservation of the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
• They are particularly effective in conserving water, a crucial aspect in Calgary’s varying climate.
• These gardens offer a beautiful, low-maintenance option for homeowners looking to create a natural, wild look in their landscapes.

• Diverse Plantings: Cottage gardens are known for their diverse mix of flowering plants, herbs, and edible vegetation, all growing together in a seemingly haphazard yet harmonious way.
• Informal Layout: Unlike the symmetry of traditional gardens, cottage gardens have a more relaxed layout, with winding paths and plants spilling over borders.
• Climbing Plants: Vines and climbing plants, such as roses or clematis, are often used to adorn fences, arbors, and trellises, adding vertical interest and a sense of romance.
• Vintage Accents: Elements like rustic benches, antique garden tools, and decorative birdhouses enhance the garden’s old-world charm.

• Cottage gardens can turn any yard into a vibrant and inviting space, full of life and color throughout the growing season.
• They offer a habitat-rich environment for beneficial insects and birds, enhancing local biodiversity.
• This style provides an opportunity for creative expression and personalization, as almost any plant can find a home in a cottage garden setting.

• A: Consider the plant’s mature size, growth rate, and maintenance needs. Also, think about the local climate and soil conditions in Calgary. Opt for species that will thrive in your specific garden environment and complement your desired garden style.

• A: The ideal planting time is during the dormant season, either in the fall after leaf drop or in early spring before bud break. This timing allows the plants to establish roots before the stress of extreme weather.

• A: Water them deeply and regularly for the first few seasons until they are well-established. The frequency depends on the weather and soil conditions, but generally, a deep watering once a week is sufficient.

• A: Space them according to their mature size to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation. Check the specific spacing requirements for each plant variety.

• A: Yes, mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk or stems to prevent rot.

• A: Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage growth. The best time to prune depends on the plant species and the purpose of pruning.

• Modern Garden: Perfect for those who love minimalism and clean lines.
• Traditional Garden: Ideal for fans of symmetry, structure, and classic elegance.
• Rock Garden: A great choice for low-maintenance, naturalistic landscapes.
• Japanese Garden: Offers a tranquil, harmonious retreat.
• Native Gardens: Focuses on sustainability and supporting local ecosystems.
• Cottage Garden: A whimsical, free-form garden filled with a variety of plants.