The incorporation of manmade elements into your garden room is a great way to add charm and beauty in addition to the plant elements. Ideas include pools, arches, gates, and small shelters. They offer a permanent architectural character makes them unique from furnishings that are moveable. These permanent features become a part if the overall design, much like a window or fireplace does in a home.
Although it is always best to plan for these permanent features when creating your plan, they do not need to be added right away if you do not have the time or money. You primary goal after creating a plan, is to get the planting done. You do not need to incorporate the special features right away, because it is not until you have lived in a space that you truly understand the types of features that bring you the most pleasure.
From a design point of view, it is best to have a feature as a focal point for your outdoor living space. You should choose a feature that not only draws the eye, but has an importance in you scheme, making it interesting to your family and guests. In a formal room, this could be accomplished by a pool or shelter. An informal room may make use of plant materials and not incorporating architectural lines. In an informal setting, the chosen feature is less important, but its placement and charm factor still remains an important decision.
The character of your outdoor room should influence the feature that you choose. A formal square pool will look out of place in an informal garden setting with informal planting. You should seek to create a harmonious blending of plant, room, and feature.
The feature you choose should reflect your personal taste and the needs of the space. There are no rules for how to make this decision, but you may want to ponder these questions before you choose a feature:
• Will the space permit it?
• How will it look?
• Will it add the charm and interest it is supposed to add?
