| What started out of a basic need, many ages ago, | | | | particular variety overshadow the neighbouring |
| developed into what was possibly the first | | | | plants? Will the eventual size be a problem to |
| recreational activity known to man, gardening. Today | | | | buildings, power lines or telephone lines? If you are |
| it has many forms, such as a hobby in the form of | | | | planting trees or large shrubs, you will need to take |
| recreational gardening; science, in the form of botany | | | | into account the spread of the root system, so as |
| and horticulture; and the commercial enterprises of | | | | not to cause problems with water and sewerage |
| farming. These various forms have in turn resulted in | | | | pipes and building foundations.Some other things to |
| the many industries necessary to maintain the | | | | be taken into consideration when planning your |
| 'garden'. Industries such as factories to manufacture | | | | garden is the position of the plants and trees which |
| everything from the most basic garden trowel, to | | | | are already on the land, as well as paths, driveways, |
| the mammoth harvesting and processing machines | | | | a swimming pool, walls or fences. Consider also the |
| used in commercial farming. So, although this article | | | | direction of prevailing winds. Will they have adverse |
| could try and cover all of those aspects, I will limit it | | | | effects on particular varieties of plant? If you live in a |
| to the most generally recognized aspect of gardening | | | | built up area, you should also consider the |
| as a hobby. Here too, I will only cover the basic | | | | neighbouring properties, to see if your plans will blend |
| introductory aspects and in later articles, broaden out | | | | with them.The planning of a garden is obviously |
| into more specific areas.Probably, the most common | | | | affected by one's personal taste. Some may prefer a |
| goal of the hobbyist gardener is to create something | | | | more formal style of garden, using plants that are |
| of beauty that will bring pleasure to themselves and | | | | not indigenous to the area, as well as elaborate |
| to others. Although it is not absolutely necessary to | | | | features such as statues, fountains, seats etc. These |
| be an expert, some basic knowledge must be | | | | gardens are usually 'geometric' in their design, with |
| acquired to produce a good end result. You will for | | | | obvious straight lines, regular curves and symmetrical |
| instance need to know what plants are suitable for | | | | balance. Others may prefer a more natural look and |
| your particular climatic conditions, as well as the type | | | | feel for their garden, using a lot more indigenous |
| of soil and the terrain that is found in your garden | | | | plants and materials such as the rocks and stone |
| area. You will need to know as well which plants are | | | | naturally found in the area. Depending on the size of |
| suitable for shady areas, partially shaded, or full sun | | | | your property, you could even combine the two |
| areas. This knowledge is easily found in the many | | | | styles. This could be achieved by incorporating the |
| books and magazines that are available today from | | | | formal style close to the house and gradually |
| your local bookstores or library. The Internet too is a | | | | transitioning to the informal style further away. It all |
| valuable source of knowledge for the home | | | | boils down to personal taste. Just remember though, |
| gardener.Although it might seem like a lot of extra | | | | that 'nature' had the first say. The famous English |
| work, it is always best to prepare a basic plan before | | | | poet from the 18th century, Alexander Pope, who at |
| actually commencing planting. The objective in | | | | one time studied horticulture and landscape gardening, |
| drawing up your plan is to have an end result that is | | | | penned the following words in his poem 'On Garden |
| both attractive and functional. The functionality will | | | | Design'. "To swell the terrace, or to sink the grot; In |
| determine how easy it is to maintain your garden | | | | all, let nature never be forgot".Well then, get out |
| once it is completed. It's necessary too, in your | | | | your graph paper and pencil and start drawing up |
| planning to try and visualize the end result. Will the | | | | your basic plan. In later articles we can look more at |
| chosen colors blend? Will the eventual size of a | | | | the specific aspects to incorporate into your garden. |