What is a minimalist garden plot? Such a garden, first of all, should be distinguished by an organic combination of expressiveness of simplicity and conciseness. The style of minimalism, as the name implies, involves a minimum amount of decorations, details and objects. However, at the same time, real beauty and expressiveness are characteristic of him.
If we talk about the level of complexity of decorating a garden plot in a minimalist style ... Yes, this is not such an easy task. However, having learned the main features and nuances of the implementation of projects of this kind, you have the opportunity to become the author of a small masterpiece of landscape art.
Features, specifics and nuances of the design of the site in the style of minimalism
What you need to know
It is possible to equip a garden in a minimalist style in almost any area. Here the main principle will not be “what” to fill your possessions, but “how” to do it.
To achieve the desired result, we recommend taking into account a few key nuances
- On the features of zoning. Garden areas, decorated in the style of minimalism, are distinguished by a number of characteristic features. One of them is the lack of a clear visual division into different sectors according to functionality. It is difficult to find any kind of fences here; a hedge is a very rare sight for this style. The division of the site into "zones" is carried out by organizing differences in levels.
- On the specifics of geometry. In this case, we are not talking about the arrangement of ideal geometric compositions, which are based on symmetry and constancy. In minimalism, on the contrary, each element “speaks” that everything in nature is impermanent, that is, beauty is expressed through asymmetry.
- About the restrained color palette. The splendor and colorfulness of flowers, shrubs and trees, which immediately catches the eye, is not about a garden made in a minimalist style. Here the main emphasis is on the shape of objects, their original appearance and size.
- About combinations. To create and design site compositions, a variety of types of materials are used, not only traditional, but also modern. In some cases, we can talk about brick, concrete and various metals. In the process of performing the composition, techniques are often used to combine dissimilar paving methods and relief drops.
- About reservoirs. No doubt, the presence of a small beautiful reservoir can decorate any garden. However, in this case, the construction of classical fountains and, moreover, intricate waterfalls, would be completely inappropriate. The pond or pool should be small, "strict" and have a rectangular or round shape.
In order to complete a garden composition, with complete harmony of all the elements included in it, it is important to pay attention to every little thing.
Arranged within the framework of the minimalist style, gardens play, first of all, an aesthetic role. Therefore, one of the main distinguishing features of such a garden is the absence of household structures.
On the choice of plants
Within the framework of this style, there are no pronounced preferences when choosing plants. The main thing, in this case, is to take into account, when creating a composition, the general style and have a sense of proportion. One of the main postulates of the minimalist style is “form should dominate over color”. The style of minimalism is determined not even by a small number of elements (in this case, plants), but by their original shape and color palette.
Various types of ground covers (form dense "carpets") and undersized plants with small leaves are combined with decorative stones no worse than moss. For example, against the background of a layer of gravel, the Thunberg barberry will look great, with its red-purple foliage. Gray stones surrounded by plantain, juveniles, thyme and moss saxifrage will also present an interesting and pleasant picture.
You can effectively and beautifully hide or soften the corners of the flooring or paving by planting nasturtiums, primroses, irises or marigolds.
Landscape differences (both natural and artificial) can be supplemented in an original way with the help of various ornamental shrubs. In this case, we recommend giving preference to snowberries, spireas and rhododendrons.
Do not forget also about solitary landings, as well as elements that will play the role of "background".
- weeping willow;
- apple tree
- maple;
- birch;
- thuja;
- spruce or pine.
On the territory of the garden, it is necessary to plant at least a small amount of cereals and ferns. At the same time, it is recommended to plant these crops not “in discord”, but in groups.
In practice, it has been proven that some types of dwarf conifers with an unusual color of needles look great in a minimalist garden. We are talking about dwarf thujas, cypresses, as well as silver and blue spruces.
In order to prevent possible trampling of the lawn, it can be covered with a special dressing. By the way, do not lay lawns throughout the site. Choose a small area for this, which will be perfectly visible from anywhere in the garden.
About additional decorations
Even within the framework of the minimalist style, it is difficult to do without the use of small architectural forms. Steps and flooring on the site can be given a non-standard shape of asymmetric polyhedra or rhombuses.
Excessive diversity in this case is useless, so you should remember about the compatibility of building materials. The execution of each composite element from the same material is the best solution when arranging a minimalist garden. For example, if wooden parts were used for decking, then the design elements of paths and reservoirs should also be wooden.
When choosing containers for flowers, keep in mind that the best option would be products that are approximately the same size and shape. In our case, we recommend making a choice in favor of cylindrical or cubic products made of ceramics or concrete.
The main characteristics of the minimalism style are three main epithets: conciseness, simplicity, expressiveness.
Everything ingenious is simple. However, simplicity does not mean genius. So landscape design in the style of minimalism, with apparent simplicity, is one of the most complex styles.
We free the garden from everything superfluous
A landscape designer, having a minimum set of details, must create a perfectly harmonious composition. If the designer succeeds in this work, the maintenance of such a site will also be minimal. Therefore, we can definitely say that this design style is ideal for busy people.
Any area can be decorated in a minimalist style, but most often small areas benefit from it, since the absence of unnecessary details does not clutter up the space, but only corrects it, visually enlarging it with the help of individual accents.
Minimalism is ideal for lovers of restraint, conciseness, fans of modern style. If you compare minimalism with other styles of landscape design, then it is closest to the Japanese style.
The expressiveness of the style is accentuated by geometric shapes. But geometry does not imply symmetry and regularity, it implies compositionality.
Key elements of landscape style minimalism
- compositionality
Composition can be traced in the layout of the site. When planning a site, it is not divided into separate expressive zones, they are organized rather conditionally: the site is presented in the form of a studio. If there are level differences on the site, they can be used as conditional lines separating zones.
- Clear straightness
The shape and line of each element of the site is very clear and emphasized as much as possible. Any sinuosity and intricacy in this style is completely absent. Therefore, the lines of the tracks must be expressive. They are organically combined with paved areas, which in the garden can be 2 - 3.
- Simple materials without excessive texture
The material for paving can be concrete or large slabs. If the basis of the sites are wooden flooring, then wood can also be used for paving the paths.
- garden stairs
Stairs connecting level differences are also a very important decorative element. Their shape can be very diverse - from traditional rectangular steps to triangular ones, and they can be arranged helically or with a shift to the side.
- Restrained colors
And again it is important to emphasize - the emphasis is on the form and material, and the color of the material plays a secondary role, it is rather restrained. The most commonly used colors are terracotta, white, beige and silver. Bright accents are allowed, but their number is strictly limited to 1-2, maximum 3. But these bright accents should not be flashy.
- artificial reservoir
An artificial pond will complement the garden well. The size of the reservoir will depend on the size of the site, but its shape should be clear - round, rectangular or oval.
Plants in the style of minimalism
The selection of plants for a garden in the style of minimalism is a real design art. A sense of style and proportion is what a designer needs to be guided by. Plants should not just be combined with each other, they should unite the entire garden into a single holistic composition. Brightness and variegation are excluded, priority is given to the shape and size of plants. Therefore, the use of conifers, both trees and shrubs, is ideal for this style. Silvery, blue and pyramidal spruce, columnar juniper and cypress, thuja, maple - ideal for minimalism.
For vertical gardening, girlish grapes, ivy, actinidia are used. If the lawn is provided, then it is an independent part of the garden, without any additions and decorations.
Cereals, sedges, various kinds of mosses and ferns are ideal for creating flower beds. Flower beds should be expressive, but small.
For a small area, you can create a flower garden from plants in containers. The shape of the container is clear, geometric. Material - ceramics, concrete.
Laconic decorations for the garden
It is necessary to decorate the garden, but without frills: abstract sculpture, unusually shaped boulders, balls, mirrors, lamps will add zest to a minimalist garden, make it more interesting.
Garden furniture in a minimalist spirit
Finally, a few words about garden furniture. Furniture is chosen light, without any pretentiousness. Preference is usually given to plastic or aluminum.
Every new day, professional landscape designers come up with original ideas for decorating the garden, courtyard and summer cottage area as a whole. In this regard, new styles of landscape design are born. Today we want to talk about minimalism, which came to the landscape not so long ago, but has already taken a fairly stable position.
Garden design in the style of minimalism is as similar as possible to minimalism in the interior - everything is quite simple, restrained, concise, but expressive. But, it is only at first glance that everything seems so simple, in fact, it is quite difficult to create “real minimalism” in the garden. The most important thing is that with a minimum of details, objects and their location, it is necessary to ensure that the site presented to the designer sounds. If a professional designer works with your site and he manages to recreate the garden project in the minimalist style as much as possible, then it will be very easy to take care of such a garden.
Minimalism is applied to a plot of any size, but it is much more interesting to work with small plots of 3-8 acres, from which, due to knowledge and their implementation, you can create a real miracle.
The style of minimalism, first of all, is intended for people who prefer conciseness and restraint, which are surrounded by modern elements of landscape design.
Key elements
Like any style of landscape design, minimalism has its own special elements that distinguish it from other styles, and also like the customer. Among them:
Layout features
Features of the layout indicate the features of the style, its differences and positive characteristics, as well as some technical data:
- the use of a small number of details in the design;
- observance of clear lines and forms of each building, each landscape element;
- steps in the garden and paving of the original form - rhombuses, triangles, etc.;
- observance of unusual combinations of elements, plants, buildings in space;
- maximum selection from the general view of the clarity of lines, shapes and sizes of architectural forms;
- zoning of the site due to various differences in the departments of the site;
- obligatory division of the improved area into certain zones;
- use for the design of differences in the relief of the site, or their creation artificially and further use.
Color solution
Each style of landscape design requires an original color scheme, which cannot be said about minimalism. Everything is very simple here - the color palette is restrained, like everyone else, all colors are light, there is very little brightness. Most importantly, observe the given color scheme.
Plants in minimalism
Minimalism doesn't have a particular preference for plants, many of which overlap with other landscape design styles:
- Trees- willow, spruce, weeping birch, chestnut, columnar juniper, various pines, blue spruce, thuja, columnar apple tree and maple;
- shrubs- forsythia, spirea, snowberry, rhododendron and some other decorative and expressive shrubs;
- Flowers and perennials- for vertical gardening, actinidia, pumpkin, girlish grapes are used. To soften the flooring and paving corners - nasturtium, cuff, primrose, marigolds, chamomile, irises, and some other ground-blooded plants. Sunflowers, eland, buzulnik, ferns, mosses, sedges and grasses are also used.
Small architectural forms
Not a single one is possible without architectural forms, and the design of the site is also impossible, even without the use of any style. Accordingly, minimalism has its own requirements for landscape design:
As you can see, at first glance, everything is simple - prepare the site, plant certain plants, correctly arrange everything according to the design project, fill the territory with a certain number of small architectural forms ... yes, it’s simple only at first glance, but how can this be done in practice without the necessary knowledge and experience?
Maybe it’s better to overpay a little and call a professional landscape designer to the site so that you don’t have to redo everything in the future and pay again, but more? Everyone makes their own decision, because they have the right to do so. If there is some capital that a person is ready to invest in the landscape design of his own site and arrange real minimalism there, then, of course, you should use the services of a pro, if not, and you decide to do everything yourself, then you should heed the advice of professional landscapers:
- to create a minimalist style, it is possible to use any modern and traditional materials;
- plants can be difficult, as this is a real art. In addition to the fact that all plants are unique, they are designed to unite your entire garden into one whole, into a real composition;
- plant containers can be of different sizes and shapes, but it is better that they are closer to the same;
- An excellent move is considered to be the combination of some different buildings into a single whole, for example, a complex of gazebos and a barbecue.
These are just individual opinions of professionals who advise how best to manage the available resources and land to build the desired style on it, but if you take all the advice of landscapers into account, you can either do everything perfectly or even get a little confused.
Landscape tricks (video)
The main thing is that the construction of any style in landscape design begins with everything - it is the preparation of the site, the preparation of a clear design project, estimates for materials and work, confident planning, and only then the start of work.
Minimalism in landscape design (20 photos)
Conciseness, simplicity and expressiveness are the three key parameters of the minimalist architectural style. It is based on the principles of organic fusion of form and content. Despite the small number of elements inherent in the style of minimalism, whether in interior design or gardening, it has incredible expressiveness and beauty. As for simplicity in landscape design, it is not so easy to create a garden that, with a minimum set of components, will comfortably exist and function. But knowing the secrets and subtleties of arranging the site, even with a minimum of accessories at your disposal, you can create a real masterpiece of landscape design.
You can implement such a design in almost any area. After all, the main thing is not “what” fills the territory and space, but “how”.
The style of minimalism in landscape design is ideal for those who want to get a fairly easy-to-care garden.
To make the space sound, when creating a garden, you should focus on a number of factors.
Factor #1 - compositionality
A feature of the site, decorated in the style of minimalism, is the lack of a clear division into functional areas. In it you will not find hedges and even low fences. Zoning is carried out due to level differences.
Outwardly, the site resembles an open studio, which has several levels, equipped with low steps and spacious podiums.
Factor #2 - clear geometry
But this parameter in this case does not imply the use of only geometric shapes used on the basis of the principles of regularity and symmetry. The main thing is a harmonious combination of elements that has clear forms and pronounced boundaries. The philosophy of the direction of minimalism, the essence of which lies in the fact that nature is impermanent, over time everything changes and renews in it, manifests itself through asymmetry.
The predominance of asymmetry in the design of the site allows you to favorably emphasize the style and amazing beauty of the landscape
Factor #3 - Restrained colors
Gardens, decorated in the style of minimalism, cannot boast of a special brilliance and splendor of flowering plants. After all, the main thing is the shape of the plant, its size and type of leaves.
The color palette of the garden is dominated by light shades of green, beige, white, silver and terracotta. If there are bright accents, then in an amount of no more than 2-3 pieces
Factor #4 - Material Combination
When creating a garden, both traditional and modern materials that do not differ in special texture can be involved: concrete and brick, wood and metal. When designing a garden, relief differences and various types of paving are used.
Successfully combined straight paths, laid out of large concrete paving slabs, with wooden flooring
Factor # 5 - reservoirs, as an almost mandatory component
A small pond is the decoration of any site. But intricate waterfalls and classic fountains are out of place here. When designing a garden in a minimalist style, ponds are given geometric shapes with round, oval and rectangular contours.
Slightly elevated picturesque ponds are often complemented by spectacular wide jets of water and natural "cascades"
Create a minimalist garden
To create a composition in which all elements are harmoniously combined with each other, it is necessary to pay attention to every little thing. At the same time, each shape and line should be highlighted as much as possible, trying to avoid blurry outlines when making out.
Small plots are ideal, the total area of \u200b\u200bwhich does not exceed 6-8 acres. The absence of unnecessary details allows you to visually expand the space
The garden in the style of minimalism is designed to perform primarily a decorative function. One of the features of the style is the absence of outbuildings.
We select ornamental plants
The direction has no special preferences in plants. To create multi-level compositions, deciduous and coniferous trees, spectacular annuals and discreet perennials are used. The only thing a designer should be guided by is a sense of style and proportion. After all, one of the principles of minimalism is the superiority of form over color.
A rather rich selection of tree-like and herbaceous plants reveals ample opportunities for creativity and imagination when arranging the site.
Minimalism is manifested not in the number of plants, but rather in their colors and assortment. , collected from only 2-3 varieties of plants and decorated in the same color palette, always look stylish and competent.
In combination with stones, in addition to moss, undersized plants with small leaves and ground covers forming a dense carpet are used. For example: Multicolor or Atropurpurea tenacity, decorated with bronze and bright purple leaves, looks spectacular on gravel dumping. A successful combination with gray stones is given by: mossy saxifrage and Variegata, thyme Aureus, young Ruby and Chameleon, Rubra plantain.
To soften the corners of paving and flooring, low-growing marigolds, irises, as well as cuff, nasturtium, are ideal. Ornamental shrubs will be a good addition to the relief differences: rhododendron, spirea, snowberry, forsythia.
For vertical gardening, girlish grapes, decorative pumpkin, ivy, actinidia are perfect. Plants are placed on existing structures without the use of additional supports
As solitary plantings or background compositions, it is best to use decorative varieties of weeping willow and birch, columnar maple and apple trees, as well as a variety of spruce, arborvitae, junipers.
Ferns and must certainly be present in the garden. It is desirable to plant plants not mixed up, but in groups, selecting them according to their external similarity and species.
As practice shows, conifers of dwarf varieties with an unusual color of needles will look especially interesting. Blue and silver spruces, pyramidal arborvitae and cypresses are ideal for minimalism.
As an alternative to a lawn that requires attention, landscape design masters recommend using inert materials: coniferous litter, tree bark, gravel
With the help of a special backfill, it is easy to solve. And it is not at all necessary to cover the entire territory with them. It is enough to allocate a small area, having issued a place in the garden that is clearly visible from all corners.
Choosing laconic decorations
It is difficult to imagine a site that would not be decorated with small architectural forms. The minimalist style is no exception.
Brick, concrete and stone elements, original installations, as well as raised beds and containers for plants can act as decorations for the site.
Paving and steps in the garden can have unusual shapes: triangles, rhombuses, asymmetric polyhedra. To avoid excessive variegation, it is important to focus on the compatibility of materials. The use of one material for all elements of the composition is ideal for garden decoration. For example: if the basis of the recreation area is wooden flooring, then it is also desirable to use wood to frame the pond and paving garden paths.
Container planting is a popular landscaping technique that is widely used in the design of a garden in a minimalist style.
When choosing containers for plants, it is desirable to give preference to products of approximately the same shape and size. Concrete or ceramic containers of spherical, cubic or cylindrical shape are the best option for decorating a flower garden.
The connecting element of the level differences are all kinds of stairs. When designing a site, you can use structures of any shape: smooth spiral and arched stairs, classic rectangular ones with an offset to the side, with original triangular steps ...
On any site there are always buildings: gazebos, sheds, verandas. To create a harmonious architectural ensemble of buildings on the site, it is desirable to combine them into a single whole or in groups, for example: a veranda with a covered recreation area, a gazebo with a barbecue.
Pavilions, pergolas, garden benches are decorated in discreet shades and strict forms that emphasize the overall composition.
All kinds of mirrors, metal balls, lamps and futuristic installations bring some kind of “zest” to the garden, making it more interesting and attractive.
Furniture for such a garden
Garden furniture is one of the key elements of the minimalist style. It should not be particularly pretentious in design.
Light and comfortable pieces of furniture with a pronounced geometric shape - the best option for a minimalist garden
As for the materials of manufacture, preference is given to plain bases with an even texture - polished stone, wood, aluminum and plastic. The main difficulty in designing a garden is to combine the elements into a single composition, while maintaining the "isolation" of each of them.
Minimalism is one of the most effective types of landscape design. Creating a garden in this style is easy and simple, since it does not require a lot of investment, care and expense.
All that is needed to decorate the garden under minimalism is conciseness, simplicity of features and expressiveness. On these basic characteristics, the design of the garden is built.
Photo example:
Characteristics of minimalism that must be observed
All the most ingenious structures are very easy to do in work. This rule also applies to the creation of style in the garden. Luckily, minimalism doesn't cost a lot, it involves a few decorative elements and small decorative pieces, but in fact, this style is considered one of the most difficult types of design.
Having at hand a minimum set of tools and the territory of the site, everything will turn out pretty quickly and simply. This design is definitely suitable for busy people, since it does not take much time for this.
Minimalism is suitable for any kind of site. Small areas are perfect, because this is a style of restraint, conciseness. There is no need to use decorative figurines and a large number of plantings. It uses the minimum number of decorative elements.
Symmetry is used in planting bushes, the regularity of planting a variety of a particular plant, as well as geometric shapes that can be formed from plant bushes, are used in laying out paths in the garden.
Composition and restraint of colors
Each style has its own special decor elements that help to decorate the garden in the right kind of design.
- The first basic element of minimalism is considered compositionality. This feature can be traced at the time of site planning. The selected territory is divided into separate sections, which will be organized for a certain type of planting or laying out paths. For compositionality, it is important to create clear straight lines, simple and uncomplicated material. No twisty shapes, no long curves on the stairs.
- The second element is the restraint of colors. In a minimalist style, it is important to emphasize the shape and color, but it should not be conspicuous. Therefore, restrained shades are most often used. Often you can find terracotta, white, beige and silver colors. You can add one or two bright accents. Another element is an artificial reservoir. The size and shape of the reservoir will depend on the size of the site. It can be round or rectangular.
What plants are minimalist?
To pick up the necessary plants in harmony with minimalism is the art of the designer. When choosing a plant for planting, it is important to use a sense of style. If different varieties and types of plants are chosen, then they should not only find a combination with each other, but be combined into one whole style.
You can use vertical gardening. Suitable for landing juniper, cypress, thuja and maple. These four plants are considered the most ideal species for minimalism. Used in vertical gardening grapes, ivy.
If you are planning to make flower beds, then there is no point in planting flowers. Instead of these juicy colors, cereal plants are needed, with the help of which clear geometric lines and rectangular shapes can be observed.
This style provides for the use of a container for planting plants in them. This option is more suitable for a small plot of land. Flower beds can be made of concrete or cement. It is even possible not to paint it, because in combination with green plants and black soil, it will look strict and without unnecessary features.
What furniture to choose for the garden?
In any garden, you want to put furniture that will serve as a great place to relax. The most popular furniture suitable for the minimalist style is metal.
The most commonly used wrought iron furniture. For convenience, soft pillows or special outdoor fabrics lie on the chairs. Such furniture can last a long time. It is easy to care for, does not deteriorate in the sun and will not be damaged by rain and snow.
But it is better to clean it in bad weather conditions or cover it with a special material.
You can choose furniture made of cast iron, steel or aluminum material. They come as panels or rods soldered together. It is quite simple to perform. For a long service, such furniture must be treated with an anti-corrosion agent so that it is not affected by rain, snow and wind.
