Bush Garden Style

If you’ve been considering an update to your landscaping design, then you may have been reading up a little on the history of Australian gardens. The prevailing style that is in use these days is what is known as the Australian Garden Style, the Natural Garden Style or, simply, the bush style. Most landscape gardeners can tell you about this style, but you can educate yourself about it by reading on below.

What Is The Natural Garden Style?

Australian Style Garden The Natural Garden Style is familiar to most Australians as many homes try to incorporate at least small components of style within their landscaping. It is, essentially, a style that emphasises native plants. It is rooted in a pride in Australian heritage and revolves around regionally appropriate designs. Above all, the Natural Garden Style is about protecting the planet and not infringing on the natural order of things.

The Major Influences of the Natural Garden Style

The best way to get a feel for how the Natural Garden Style came to be is by examining its major influences. Most experts agree that three major influences come into play when it comes to the Australian Garden Style: the 18th century English Landscaping School, the work of William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll and Japanese garden culture. For instance:

The English Landscaping School – This school, which was organised by Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, transformed the more formal designs that had been so popular into less formal arrangements that included groups of trees, sweeping pastures and gently curving paths. Although the school existed during the 18th century, its influence was so profound that it can still be found today in the bush garden style.

Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson – Planting in free-form design was largely introduced to Australians through the work of Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson. Asymmetrical balance was one of the hallmarks of their influence, and it is a lot more difficult than it actually sounds. Talented and experienced landscape design professionals can create such a look, and the results are truly stunning.

Japanese Garden Culture – Rock gardening is very popular in Australia, and is an important part of the Australian Garden Style. Many Australians like to incorporate some rock formations into their overall landscaping. This includes natural rocks or artificially shaped ones. Rock gardens, of course, are a very Japanese phenomenon, which is why it is fair to say that the Japanese garden culture holds some sway over today’s bush garden style.

As you develop your own, unique landscape design, keep the preceding pieces of information in mind. If nothing else, they will inspire you and give you some new ideas about where you want to go with your landscaping style.

Landscapes for living!