Design School: Breaking Down Borders in Your Garden

Design School: Breaking Down Borders in Your Garden
The thing about a border in a garden is that it's usually a statement-making element. Driven by the style of the nearby buildings and by your own personal aesthetic. Most of us create our garden's borders by digging out a patch of dirt. Then just filling it it with what appeals to us at a garden center. Which is pretty much what gardening is all about–creating a space that works for you and one that you love.

That said, it pays to know a bit about basic garden border styles. To give you some clues and a place to begin. As you will see here. When it comes to border styles, it's not always about what's in it as much as how it's built.

Oh, the difference between a border and a bed? A border is usually backed by a structure–a house, hedge, fence, etc.—and can be viewed from only one side. A bed can be anywhere in the yard–such as an island in the lawn–and can be viewed from all sides.

Design Math:

Here is how to keep things in proportion. The depth of a bed should be roughly one foot deep for every three feet of length:

  • A bed that’s 8 ft. long should be about 3 ft. deep.
  • A bed that’s 20 ft. long should be about 6 ft. deep.
  • A bed that’s 50 ft. long should be about 12 ft. deep.

FORMAL OR CLASSIC

A formal or classic garden border is laid out with complete regularity on formal lines. In accord with the methods of classic design, the plantings are in symmetrically arranged rows or geometrical figures. You know it when you see it. If this speaks to you, chances are you love balance and clean lines in general.

Unlike their more rambunctious cousin, the cottage or informal border, these types of gardens don't just happen. They begin with a plan, typically laid out on graph paper, with plenty of measuring during installation.

Formal garden borders bring a precision to a space which allows each plant to shine and be admired. They’re also an ideal solution for smaller spaces such as courtyards or tight spaces often found between buildings and walls. Here are a few examples of formal gardens scaled for a residential backyard.

Formal borders work well:

  • In a smaller space such as a courtyard.
  • In a expansive space where the geometry can be admired.
  • In a long, narrow space such as between a house and a wall.
  • In a formal setting, but also in a modern setting.
Hedged by a perfectly spaced row of boxwood globes and filled with peonies
lean lines and simple plantings set on an axis
The combination of blue stone edging set in crisp right angles and carefully manicured flower borders

You might think of a formal border as a grand boxwood affair you see in articles about gardens in France. However, each of these are also examples of formal borders.

(Left) The combination of blue stone edging set in crisp right angles. Carefully manicured flower borders create a formal sensibility that's easy to replicate.

(Upper left) Hedged by a perfectly spaced row of boxwood globes and filled with peonies. This is an example of how romantic a formal border can be.

(Upper right) Clean lines and simple plantings set on an axis. This illustrates how a formal garden can work in a modern setting even when filled with billowing grasses.

INFORMAL

An informal garden border is laid out with curvy lines. Plus, free-flowing forms with plantings that are more relaxed, more ambitious in their color combinations. They typically feature lots of heights and textures mingled together. It seems like the majority of home gardens feature this kind of border. It’s easy to see why–they’re just so much fun to look at and to create.

Informal gardens are not usually about focusing on a particular plant. They're more about exuberance and a painterly eye for color and movement. While they seem to be a bit of this and a bit of that. Most informal gardens, done well, adhere to one of the most golden of golden rules of design. Borders look best with groupings of at least 3 of the same plant together. Even better with 5 or 7 depending on the proportions of the border.

Here are a few examples of informal gardens.

Informal border work well:

  •  Against tall walls or other structures where layers can be appreciated.
  • Where a deep, curvy border can be accommodated without feeling squished.
  • As a juxtaposition in a formal setting.
  • Where a sequence of bloom can be maintained.
The formal hedge creates the backdrop that defines this as a border

It is true that a "cottage" garden border is the most likely example of an informal garden. The style is not just limited to particular plants. In these three examples, there’s not a rose or delphinium in sight, but each is totally informal.

(Left) The formal hedge creates the backdrop that defines this as a border. However, it's the staggered plantings of lavender and grasses tumbling onto the pavement that define it as informal.

(Lower left) Boxwood orbs are so much a part of a formal border. But, used here in small groups softened with perennials against a wall, they're so at ease.

(Lower right) This border proves any kind of planting scheme, even one that's solidly drought-tolerant, can be defined as informal. (If you just keep it soft and have no fear of color.)

Boxwood orbs are so much a part of a formal border
exciting border

HOWEVER...

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Of course, as with all “rules” there are exceptions. Some garden borders are neither formal nor informal but a mash-up of all kinds of ideas.

Check out the top image–is this formal because of the bed lines or informal because of the layered plants? Or this one to the left with those trademark boxwood hedges yet also a feeling of informality. These combinations create a look of intention while also embracing natural aesthetics.

When it comes to landscape design, the possibilities are nearly endless! Don't be afraid to experiment and play when creating your outdoor space. The process can be just as enjoyable as the result.

Ready to get started on your garden with these design tips in mind? Below are some of our favorite plants that are great in borders, no matter your style.

Three Great Border Plants

Javelin Forte™ Deep Purple Spanish Lavender

A choice early flowering variety with a profusion of larger purple summer flowers and a mounding habit of fragrant, gray-green foliage. Great carefree, heat and drought-tolerant color and evergreen texture for sunny borders. Zones 7-9.

Luxus® Compact Japanese Holly

With its dark green foliage and naturally dense, rounded form, this disease-tolerant evergreen shrub is the perfect replacement for boxwoods. Takes well to trimming as a formal hedge, or allow to grow naturally into a more informal form. Zones 6-9.

Julia Rose Itoh Peony

Gorgeous, large, double flowers stand above the green foliage on sturdy stems that require no staking. The epitome of romance with pleasantly fragrant, slightly spicy blooms. After blooming has finished, the attractive, dense foliage is the perfect backdrop for other blooming perennials. Zones 4-9.

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2018-07-05 13:06:00
Patricia Brandel
Very interesting. I want to put a boarder along my sidewalk leading to my house. An informal boarder of perennials.
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Deborah Barboza
Thank you sincerely, as Im a avid gardener, I so appreciate any knowledge of gardening I can received from grow beautifully. However I do have areas, so as islands and a smaller area close to my home that, after many years of gardening Im still trying to find my perfect perennials here in New England ,Ma that will stand out from a distance and close up and personal that will bring many years of wonderful color and conversation for years to come. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as Im always looking for different and popping color schemes. Ive been on a mission to find the fire island hydrangea,as I fell in love with from your web site,however it just cant be found in any garden center anywhere in my area,nor did you have it for sale for me to order. Can you help me? Also is there a dwarf version of the fire island hydrangeas? Thank you,sincerely,Debbie
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Judy Melton
I have a long, narrow, slightly curved pea gravel walkway in shade in Zone 7. Waiting until fall for planting. It is situated between the walls of a tall deck on one side and woods on the other. Mahonia and Sacred Chinese Lilies have done well on the wooded side. The walk terminates at a dry creek bed. I do not like the rather chaotic feel of totally informal borders. I like ferns and boxwoods. We have a lot of deer. Major consideration. Any suggestions for plant material?
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Doreen Duncan
Do you have any pics of an east coast (Philadelphia area) border with no shrubs but perennials and annuals? I want to design one at our church between sidewalk and building so width is only 3 feet but 40 feet long. Oh yes, using hot colors only: red, orange, yellow, white? Love your newsletters!
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Lil
Question - I was at a garden center "new perennials for 2018" workshop recently where we were able to take home 10 plants. They wanted us to only take one of each. When I mentioned the "rule" of planting in groups of 3 (etc.), the owner said that was an old rule and that one of each was okay now because our gardens are smaller today. I'm not sure about his statement. It feels like it will be a random mess. Thoughts?
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Cathy O'Brien
I live in 9b-need a drought tolerant flower border that the rabbits wont devore.
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Loretta Vanderveen
This is very helpful. I like an informal garden with lots of color. I design as I go, and know it when I have it right. Thanks for the tips!
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Christy Mulligan
Monrovia thank you for all your great articles and ideas for our garden. You never disappoint an avid gardener. ??
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Philip Gardner
The best Advice about important topics, I just love it !!
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Ellen
I tend to go informal, overflowing almost wild beds. I am in an 8A zone (?) with clay soil. I have been getting the soil in better shape but what grows grows - I let nature show me what works. I have a vegetable garden - raised beds, fruit trees on a slope near the house, and use lots of Heathers, Rhodies, and similar types.
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ann clark
I lost 24 boxwood to the disease 4 yrs. ago and miss them so much, but have been reluctant to replace them. I like to look of box in planters, but I think in my zone of 5/6 they would die during our cold winters. Any suggestions. I planted daylillies where the box had been and while pretty for a few weeks, it's not the same. I like a bit of formality that box give to a garden.
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Eileen Haller
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Dolores campos
Very beautifol
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Diane
This is a great article. Im working on getting more structure In my garden. Helpful info! Thank you!
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jamiew
Thank you for this helpful article. I'd love to see one explaining tapestry borders, with a 'how-to' and examples.
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Rebecca Walton
Great info Kate. I do have a question. I keep hearing the word layer. You mentioned it it your segment. What exactly do you mean by layering.? I understand in the design world but it doesnt transfer to the garden. Or Im not getting it. Thank you. Rebecca Walton.
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Renee Mullins
Great ideas! Would be helpful to know what plants and zone your photos are in.
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Kathe McBeth
this is a terrific article. Am going to look up some more. Would love if along with the twitter, facebook etc options, there was a PRINT option. The way it displays right now, it prints off the page. I'd like to add it to my garden information folder.
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Gail+Liebeknecht
I like the English style of gardening, but I need symmetry and balance.
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Jeanette Wells
I have to move a small hydrangea because of having to remove sweet gum trees for fear of them falling on my or my neighbors house in storms that are ever increasing in strength. Is this the wrong time to move and how to should I best prepare for this move? Just a comment...I really learned a lot from your tutorial on formal and informal gardens. Thank you!
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Marie+Tracey
I live in Zone 6. What front shrubs do you suggest I plant at this time in an area where there are 2-3 hours of sunshine? I thank you in advance for your expert advice.
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Miehoen
Please show ideas for small (less than 1/4 acre) subdivision yards with HOAs for zone 9A Sonoran desert.
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sophia
I like the classic, but live on a mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The property has 2 zones Arid and tropical against the house, which is partly under roof. Roses do well, as do boxwood and several evergreen. I love Peonies and Begonias, but can't grow these and find plants of color and variety lacking.
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karen berry
Kate thanks for the article. Just one suggestion, you list bed math (width vs length) but you dont say it applies to borders as well as beds.
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lovegardening01
I have borders but a variety of plants 1 shrub and more than one elephant ears ( I love them). I also have hostas in my garden so I think I am cottage I do know that it is informal. Thanks for the information I read all of your emails they are so educational on gardening.
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Lorraine Wright
I have a row of green velvet boxwood in front of a row of white iceberg roses. Im looking for a low growing small groundcover flower in white that tolerates sun and heat all day and keeps its neat appearance. I live in the Napa Valley. Any suggestions?
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Beth
I find that I'm more of an informal border person. Although formal borders are beautiful, I enjoy the free feeling of an abundance of multiple layers and tiers of flowers and grasses. I recently bought a house with a beautiful yard after living in an apartment for almost 13 years. I'm excited to finally be able to plant some great borders and beds.
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Carol Weisman
My son and daughter-in-law are looking at adding landscape to their home, located in San Diego. When I go out to visit with them, I'm going to be helping them plant their gardens. I'm looking for planting ideas...and loved this border issue to your newsletter. We love succulents and can't wait to begin. When is the best time to landscape in San Diego; any months better than others? Thank yo.
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Debbie deTournillon
I would love to see garden designs for shady gardens.
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Heather
Thanks for the beautiful examples of formal and informal gardens. While formal gardens are impressive, I am partial to informal gardens, because they give me a peaceful, easy feeling.
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Ken Chojnacki
The picture of a formal border with rows of globe boxwoods is described filled with roses. I believe that those are peonies not roses.
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Emily
This is the first I have heard of garden border style. I always thought it was a long border along a path to your entrance to your house., that could be seen on both sides. okay learning something of style and measurements of gardens etc., I have many gardens, I usually buy in the clearance flowers that I like, and bring back to life. also because of the costs, I do order plants but this spring having problems with pests. the plants do not come up and don't see any signs of them. Any way I do like gardening and I get carry away how big I make them and keeping up with them. I do like knowing and learning new ideas and love the out doors creating difference rooms with plants and making arbors etc., got carry away yes would like more advice on borders how to put flowers together .
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