Decorative composition: 10 criteria for the selection of plants

The choice of flowers for the flower garden. Photo. Today there are a huge number of species and varieties of flowers. Any gardener actually has a runaway in search of that very unique style of flowers for the garden and, accordingly, suitable varieties of flowers. Of course, a real designer could easily cope with this selection process, but what about an ordinary summer resident. How to choose the right flowers for a decorative arrangement and not regret this choice? We will tell you.

Decorative composition: general excursion

The appearance of flower beds, compositions of trees and bush plants, giving charm to curbs and terraces, creating charming islands on the lawn - all this requires special attention. And, of course, meticulous planning. Of course, establishing the style of the garden plot, the location of the plants, the size of the composition, their relationship with the external forms are difficult tasks. But it is much more difficult to accurately select plants for the garden. Despite the fact that different cultures are uncommon and unique in their own way, any variety has its own imperfections and its own specificity. Therefore, when forming large compositions, you definitely need to take into account the interaction of cultures with each other. And, of course, it is necessary to take into account completely technical characteristics: the ratio of plants to the same type of soil, lighting, humidity. First, you need to think about the style of decoration, the nature of the decorative composition - this is what any gardening craft begins with. Once you have decided on the base, you can start picking up the plants. It is very difficult to connect the choice of partner cultures, the total concept of the composition and, at the same time, the bright individuality of each flower. But in practice, this is not all that difficult, and without special knowledge it is quite possible to achieve success. In order to choose plants for garden ensembles, immediately assess the nature of plant development, flowering, leaf shape, etc. (there are about 10 criteria-indicators in total). You also need to think about the seasonality of flowering. However, the designer also has his own secrets, which we will be happy to share with you. General concept. As we mentioned earlier, you first need to think about the overall composition. By type, decorative ensembles are divided into groups, built on a contrasting principle, and nuanced compositions. What does this mean, you ask? Contrasting compositions are based on the selection of plants with antagonistic characteristics. The contract is created using one or several characteristics: plant color, flowering period, type of inflorescences, size of leaves, etc. Contrasts with more colorful and spectacular signs of flowering are especially successfully used. Choose the craziest colors and combinations, and then your floral arrangement will definitely not be boring. And ensembles-nuances are such plant “structures” in which the cultures are mostly similar, however, a certain nuance-dissimilarity creates that very zest, forming expressiveness and interestingness in the composition. The contrast in this case should be soft and very delicate, but don't let the composition merge into one completely dreary spot.

Decorative composition: soloists and partners

Conventionally, cultures in a decorative ensemble are divided into three types. The first type is soloists, visual beacons that catch the eye and create the right mood.Their role in the composition is dominant, usually large plants with spectacular shapes and noticeable foliage and flowers. They define the style, set the tone and color of the ensemble. Very often, among the soloists, shrubs, as well as large bright perennials, are added to flower beds. Also, there may be several soloists on your lawn, namely roses, peonies, etc. The second type of plant is companion plants. They are selected depending on which cultures you have chosen as soloists. The task of the partners is to emphasize the important compositional points of your site. Companions give the floral ensembles volume and mass, and also fill it with a beautiful colorful color, set the character and style of the ensemble. The main characteristics of such crops are dense foliage and volume. Typical companions: lavender, mint, fern, etc. The last type of crop for a flower garden is aggregates. It is they who connect the landings and drive those very transitional moments in the ensemble. Well, of course, they fill the void, make up for the imperfections of the soloists and companions. It is the placeholders that form the very textured background that gives your composition integrity and harmony.

Plant height and volume

Remember that these plant characteristics are the main criteria that establish the sheer structure of the ensemble, expressiveness and interest. It is these two criteria that are guided by in order to determine the place for a particular plant in the ensemble. On the contrast of height and volume, it is often possible to play up a special individuality, as well as to tie the plants into a single ensemble. Usually, very large plants are planted in the background, and small plants in the foreground. It is they who determine the semantic aspiration of your ensemble, create the main motives and reveal the main meaning. You can play with geometry or give the composition the natural softness of a natural style. You can also use stricter forms.

Flowering form. It is no secret that the type and form of flowering are the most catchy accents in your flower bed. It is they who create the very nuanced or contrasting type of building the ensemble. And according to these two criteria, the place of cultures in the composition is also assigned. Today, the range of flowers includes many crops with similar blooms, which differ only in palette or trifles. Choosing such cultures, you can play on the rhythm, style. Moreover, you can not only form nuances, but also select opposites.

Flowering relay

Remember that different cultures have different flowering periods, so when creating a flower arrangement, do not forget: your flower bed should bloom continuously, but not the only day of the year. It's just illogical. It is desirable that the Color Show starts in early spring and ends in August. Choose your plants so that the flowering wave travels through the flower bed throughout the season. Remember our recommendations and create unique flower arrangements the right way!