Bring Whimsy & Wonder Into Your Garden With Circles
Bring graceful curves and soften the edges of your garden with the help of circles
The circle is a symbol of unity and perfection. Since all points of a circle are equidistant from the centre, the circle also symbolises equality. Your garden space can exude a tranquil and meditative quality, with the introduction of a simple circle. They soften spaces, they are considered graceful, refined. Read on to know how to put this shape to good use in your garden.
1. Frame a special feature
Here a circular frame creates a sense of emphasis by framing a simple bubbling water fountain. The background fence being a low one, the height of the circular frame works well to provide a sense of importance to the water feature, without which it would not have drawn the eye towards it so beautifully.
Here a circular frame creates a sense of emphasis by framing a simple bubbling water fountain. The background fence being a low one, the height of the circular frame works well to provide a sense of importance to the water feature, without which it would not have drawn the eye towards it so beautifully.
2. Make a circular arcade
In formal designs like the straight garden path pictured here, a repetition of circular frames creates an avenue-like feel, while at the same time, lending complexity to the design by juxtaposing curves with the rigid straight lines. The circles repeated in a straight line also add to the depth of the pathway by heightening the sense of perspective. Each pair of circles forms a trellis, over which a climbing plant can grow and, in time, create a leafy arbour leading to the house.
In formal designs like the straight garden path pictured here, a repetition of circular frames creates an avenue-like feel, while at the same time, lending complexity to the design by juxtaposing curves with the rigid straight lines. The circles repeated in a straight line also add to the depth of the pathway by heightening the sense of perspective. Each pair of circles forms a trellis, over which a climbing plant can grow and, in time, create a leafy arbour leading to the house.
3. Create a stepped circular lawn
Using a circle in the plan, like the one pictured here, is a different approach. Curving inwards, the circle for the seating is inclusive and provides for a cosy, intimate setting, something that a square or rectangle would not do, considering the rigidity that stems from its linear form. This kind of addition is a great way to introduce curves in a linear garden’s layout. The yin-yang shape adds a little more character and movement to the design.
Using a circle in the plan, like the one pictured here, is a different approach. Curving inwards, the circle for the seating is inclusive and provides for a cosy, intimate setting, something that a square or rectangle would not do, considering the rigidity that stems from its linear form. This kind of addition is a great way to introduce curves in a linear garden’s layout. The yin-yang shape adds a little more character and movement to the design.
4. Positive and negative circles
If you have a favourite corner in the garden, or a beautiful plant you want to showcase, you can use the void created by a circular cut-out in a solid wall or partition, to frame your favourite view – a negative space that highlights what is beyond it. Make sure to use complementary materials that harmonise well with the view you want to frame. For example, pictured here is a lovely wooden partition with a circular window cut out in it. It has been used to frame the view of a beautiful flowering shrub. The character of the wood works well with the visual softness of the shrub.
If you have a favourite corner in the garden, or a beautiful plant you want to showcase, you can use the void created by a circular cut-out in a solid wall or partition, to frame your favourite view – a negative space that highlights what is beyond it. Make sure to use complementary materials that harmonise well with the view you want to frame. For example, pictured here is a lovely wooden partition with a circular window cut out in it. It has been used to frame the view of a beautiful flowering shrub. The character of the wood works well with the visual softness of the shrub.
5. Make a point-of-entry or gateway feature
If you are on the lookout for an out-of-the-box option instead of a regular gate for your garden, the versatile circle can be put to good use here too. Just a humble fabricated circular frame, fixed in the paving or pathway, makes a gorgeous gateway or entry point. Not only is it easy on your pocket, but it also works wonders in adding oomph to your garden.
If you are on the lookout for an out-of-the-box option instead of a regular gate for your garden, the versatile circle can be put to good use here too. Just a humble fabricated circular frame, fixed in the paving or pathway, makes a gorgeous gateway or entry point. Not only is it easy on your pocket, but it also works wonders in adding oomph to your garden.
6. Focal point in a landscape scene
If you have a spot in your garden where the shrubs and vegetation are allowed to grow a bit freely, consider bringing in a circular focal point. The contrasting nature of precisely shaped metal against the freeform planting, as pictured here, makes for a great landscape aesthetic.
If you have a spot in your garden where the shrubs and vegetation are allowed to grow a bit freely, consider bringing in a circular focal point. The contrasting nature of precisely shaped metal against the freeform planting, as pictured here, makes for a great landscape aesthetic.
7. Make a circular pond or water feature
Another approach is to use the circle in the plan, but as a water feature instead of seating. This is sure to create a rather different effect, with the reflective quality of water adding a new dimension. Whether it has the added element of soothing sound effects (in case it incorporates a fountain) or not, it is sure to instil calmness and tranquility in the garden’s ambience. This is also a great choice for introducing some water-loving plants in the planting scheme.
Another approach is to use the circle in the plan, but as a water feature instead of seating. This is sure to create a rather different effect, with the reflective quality of water adding a new dimension. Whether it has the added element of soothing sound effects (in case it incorporates a fountain) or not, it is sure to instil calmness and tranquility in the garden’s ambience. This is also a great choice for introducing some water-loving plants in the planting scheme.
Read more:
8 Climbing Plants Great for Indian Balconies & Gardens Garden Designs From 9 Indian Homes
Tell us:
Do you have any more interesting ways in which to use the charming circle in your garden? Let us know in the Comments section below. Join the conversation!
8 Climbing Plants Great for Indian Balconies & Gardens Garden Designs From 9 Indian Homes
Tell us:
Do you have any more interesting ways in which to use the charming circle in your garden? Let us know in the Comments section below. Join the conversation!
The great thing about circles is that they can work in any setting. When juxtaposed with angular lines and rectangular shapes, they some bring depth and geometric balance to a space.
Interestingly, if a circle can suggest inclusion, it also suggests exclusion, since people or objects are either inside or outside it. So, when used in different ways, the circle can emphasise special features or be a focal point in itself.
Here are a few ideas on how you can use circles in the garden.