Creating a botanical garden is like creating a piece of art. There are design principles and certain plants that belong in a botanical garden, so here are some suggestions if you want one created for your Bethpage, NY, landscape design.
Two Types of Landscape Beds
There are two general types of landscape beds: the island bed and the border. The island bed can be viewed from all sides, so this is something to keep in mind when installing a botanical flower-filled island. You want to be able to see the spectacular view from every vantage point in your landscape. The island usually has an anchor such as a large tree or a special specimen of tree that is unique in appearance. A trellis or an arbor is another type of anchor that works well in an island.
The island bed needs to be proportional—the longer it is, the wider it needs to be. Islands can be almost any shape: They could be round, following the shape of the terrain, or attached to a feature such as a mailbox. If an island is particularly wide, stepping stones can be incorporated to allow access to the inner parts of the landscape.
The second type of bed is the border, which generally follows a porch, or walkway, or fence. Borders are only viewed from one side and tend to be long and narrow. The shorter the bed, the narrower it can be. But a longer bed needs more depth to look proportional.
Keep in mind that for any bed, you will need access to all of the areas for weeding and adding plants as you see fit.
Creating a Botanical Garden in a Landscape Bed
Because a botanical garden is host to some specific plants and trees, you will want to begin with a base of conifers such as juniper, pine trees, cypress trees, and Canadian hemlock. The waxy coating on the cones of these trees enables them to stay alive in a drier climate.
Magnolias are frequently found in a botanical garden because they have the large, buff-colored flowers that attract the birds and bees which pollinate the garden.
The fern family is also a central part of a botanical garden. These plants prefer a damp, mostly shady habitat, often near a water source like a pond. The Lady fern and the Sensitive fern are two types that can thrive in the New York climate.
Roses of all types are integral to a botanical garden both for their beauty and scent, as well as their ability to attract the pollinating insects and birds that are necessary for reproduction.
Flowers such as daisies and lilies, and flowering vines are also popular in botanical gardens. Consider herb varieties such as parsley, rosemary, thyme, dill, lavender, coriander, mint, and fennel. These are appropriate to consider including in your botanical garden as one of the functions of a botanical garden is to grow medicinal herbs.
A gorgeous garden can be set off by a low rock wall that supports and highlights that special part of your landscape. Many times when lighting is added for nighttime illumination, the garden can look magical.
