Bridgehampton - When most people think of formal gardens, they tend to imagine the gardens of Versailles or some other massive estate or public building. Often they make the subliminal decision to then put any ideas of form and grandeur on the back burner of their own landscape dreams.

Shrub Roses and Boxwood.

Sometimes the simplest garden can bring the greatest pleasure. The lush and varied color values of green along with the delicate introduction of fresh vibrant colors and fragrances create a feeling of serenity with a touch of whimsy and light spiritedness.

Creating the sleek and refined beauty of a formal style garden can happen most anywhere. According to The Bard himself (Shakespeare) "Nothing wants that want itself doth seek." Therefore, one has only to study the future garden's designated area. Sunlight is essential, so you may have to do a bit of transplanting and or eliminating unwanted trees and shrubs. I have found that making way for a new and improved garden does, eventually, spiritually mend the conscience. Keep in mind that creating an extraordinary and much loved garden is an extension of one's creative self expression and taste.

Shrub Roses.

I was able, at one time, to create a Roman style circle garden in the heart of a wooded area in East Hampton. The Roman circle garden brought an alluring and serene enchantment to the existing forest landscape surround. For the focal point, I placed a three tiered fountain. The four Alberta fir conical shrubs were transplanted from another area on the property and repositioned around the circle stone path in order to create the illusion of a formal garden and also to anchor the overall visual weight of the garden.

This semi-formal Roman garden continues to be enjoyed quite thoroughly by my clients, as well as by their visiting family and guests.

Researching is most helpful and inspiring. I have found several of the most amazingly beautiful garden references in one of the best books on formal French Gardens, "Gardens of France" by Anita Pereire and Gabrielle Van Zuylen (Harmony Books). I never tire of reading about the gardens of France, and I love viewing the wonderful detailed and timeless landscape photography.

Creating French and Italian style gardens, rose gardens and tea gardens are some of my favorite inspirations and themes.

First one must take into consideration the size and available sunlight of the chosen site. Testing the soil is always a good idea too. These valuable pre-planting standards should always be your very first step when planning any garden.

After all, you will most likely be planting evergreen hearty shrubs, such as Boxwoods for the basic graphic design portion of your (informal/formal garden). Your plant and shrub materials investment must be given every possible opportunity to thrive.

The graphic shapes and designs you would like your gardens to follow should be in proportion to the area itself and the surrounding elements, such as a house, pool house or garden gazebo. Recently, I used a figure eight shape to create two separate sitting areas and to centrally focus on a neo-classical fountain.

Once you have laid out the basic design plan for your garden, you are ready to embark on a wonderful, memorable and rewarding landscape design experience.

French inspired gardens in Bridgehampton.

The siemperviren (Common) Boxwoods followed the design pattern and I made sure to allow for interior garden access on several sides of the flowing pattern. Centered in each flanking garden a speciman tree surrounded by Jump Up roses cradled into a smaller Boxwood garden. Each garden had its own seating stone bench. Each bench allowed persons to enjoy varied focal points in the surrounding gardens - all in all - a very pleasurable experience throughout the day, and on through sunset along with a special dramatic lighting plan for romantic evenings as well.

Classic roses, shrub roses (Jump Ups or Knock Outs, or Sea Foam) peaking up from behind the straight cut tailored Boxwoods, add a lighthearted addition to the more severe lines of the Boxwood design.

To open up the season, Delaware White azalea bloom profusely during late spring for about two weeks. The contrast of the soft diaphones white flowers, coupled with the varied dark rich evergreen Boxwood, Privet, and Juniper, create a refreshing and memorable visual. This early/late spring combination is sure to be an elegant statement for the coming of summer and is absolutely breathtaking.

Nikko Blue Hydrangea (our old stand-by on the East End) or Endless Summer Hydrangea continue to flower throughout the summer season and often hold their beauty right into fall. They can be strategically placed within your garden's design for a bolder statement.

A small and private rose garden can also offer a touch of formality.

Placing a classic sculptural object, an armillary or even a sundial can add a touch of old world charm and formality too. Of course, choosing the right roses and maintaining them is essential - but that is another article!).