Regular Gardens

Regular or formal garden differs from other common styles in strictness and order. Because of this, it is considered to be the most conservative style. It is easy to understand, that you see a formal garden - the regular style is very simple, it is completely symmetric from the paths and alleys to shrubs and flowers. The regular garden has complicated parterres and it is decorated with classical sculptures and water elements. Such garden is the complete opposite of the English garden.

The History of the Regular Garden

The origins of formal gardens commence from the time of King Louis XIV. The heyday of the style was reached in the XVII century in France, so it is sometimes called "French style". French gardens were marked by a crisp, clean design and attention to the smallest details. Because of the complexity in the creation of regular gardens they were located mostly near palaces and castles. The garden was supposed to enhance the beauty and splendor of architecture. A huge contribution to the development of regular style was made by the gardener, who served at the court of Louis XIV, André Le Nôtre, he became the author of unique landscapes in the world-famous parks of Vaux-Le-Vicomte, Chantilly, Fontainebleau, in the Park of the Versailles Palace.

Features of Regular Style

Large scale - Regular garden is associated with large scale due to the fact that they are more often used for decorating areas of castles and palaces. Formal gardens are created for long walks. Such "theatrical" compositions can't be created in a small space that will clutter up the various decorative elements. Another requirement for a regular garden is the presence of wide flat surface areas, where there are no relief differences.

Geometric forms - Regular gardens have symmetrical compositions, in which the axis is the house, and straight lines. The randomness in this style is simply unacceptable in any of its manifestations. The main element of the regular style is a parterre flower bed, which represents an open area with lawns and flower beds.  Parterre flower beds with complex patterns are typical for such style and they also require special care. In the center of the flower bed it is often possible to see a sculpture or fountain. Taking care of a regular garden is a very difficult process so the best choice is to turn to professionals for help.