What is Formal Garden Design?

Formal gardens contain many traditional elements in design, decor, and plantings. Common among formal gardens are the use of a restrained color palette and limited plant selections. The following elements can be added to create a formal garden:

• Clipped hedges and topiaries

• Parterre, knot and other symmetrical planting patterns

• Belgian walls and espaliers

• Traditional planters and statuary

• Focal points that include water features

• Classic plant choices, such as boxwood, English yew and ivy, holly, lavender, and other varieties

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