The “new look” in building architecture started in Europe, and on this continent in California, early in the 20th century. It did not come to Canada until after the Second World War.
photo credit: artefatica

Basically, modern architecture is functional rather than decorative. It emphasizes the structural mass in buildings and calls for ordered surroundings.

Garden planning has not developed a modern style to such a clear extent as architecture, since traditional materials and practices have not changed as much in gardening as in building.

Gardens cannot be purely practical as their function is largely decorative. Their reasons for existence are to provide beauty, relaxation and a natural setting for the buildings. When we work with complex natural forms, it is difficult to adhere to the plain surfaces characteristic of modern architecture.

Today we arrange plants in new forms to suit the scale and proportions of the new buildings; and we arrange the space in our gardens to suit our changing social habits.

The key idea in modern garden planning has been to consider the garden as an outdoor extension of the house for the comfort of the family, rather than as a plant museum.

This idea has also led to using more outdoor furniture, lighting, BBQ, screens, shelters, swimming pools and other things for decoration.

The average homeowner wants pleasing surroundings and a place to relax, with little labor and expense. Most of us look after our own gardens with perhaps a little unskilled labor for grass cutting and other regular chores. Unless gardening becomes our hobby, we will have less variety of plants than in the past. Also, there will be more careful planning of space as we become more appreciative of good design.

Because we need privacy, where there is little space we now use screens of closely woven lattice, opaque plastic or broad louvers of plywood to separate our garden from the neighbor’s. The more expensive walls of masonry or boundary plantings of trees and shrubs take up too much room to be used in a small garden.

Plants of rather unusual form are used in front of these flat surfaces to cast interesting and changing shadows not artificial lights.

The effect of moving light and shadow is given by the lattice or louvers themselves, or by “egg-crate” beams in the roof overhangs on garden shelters. The interest of this movement is a substitute for variety in planting and artificial light for plants.

Concrete paving blocks and three-dimensional cast figures are taking the place of more expensive stonework and statues. The outdoor barbeque grill, with dad cooking has replaced tray-carrying servants for entertaining.

Because we like to sit and enjoy the garden from one spot, raised masonry planters, decorative pottery or flower beds are used to connect the inside of the house with the garden, when viewed from inside.

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Many people have limited garden space or want their garden as near to the house as possible. The perfect solution is to create a garden porch.
photo credit: hortulus

Your produce will be within walking distance, watering will be easy and you will have the added benefit of creating a garden oasis on your porch that will be enjoyed by family and friends.

The first step to a successful porch garden is to check the sunlight that your plants will receive. For a vegetable garden you will need 6 to 8 hours or sunlight. Flowers and herbs can live with less light but really prefer sunlight.

If sunlight is a problem and you really want the garden you can add fluorescent lighting to help your plants out.

Next it’s time to select containers. A mix of hanging baskets, window boxes, and larger containers for the floor will add a layering of plants which creates a full lush feeling in your garden area. You can choose plastic wood or ceramic containers. For retaining moisture, ceramic and terra cotta are the best.

My porch garden has two upside down hanging tomato plants, two hanging strawberry plants, two window boxes that have been placed on the porch railing, and 4 floor containers for the porch corner that will add height in planting to the garden.

It’s best to keep your plant containers about 16 inches or more in diameter so that the plants will not dry out as fast. It’s also beneficial to have mulch on the soil to keep the soil cool so it will not need as much water.
photo credit: Hotash

A trellis will work well for vining flowers and vegetables. Mixing a flowering vine with a vegetable will add color and interest to your porch garden.

It’s amazing what you can grow in a small space garden area. With proper planning you can grow enough produce on your porch to save $500 to $1000 on your grocery bill.

And by adding herbs and flowers you will also be able to grow you own spices for the kitchen and flower bouquets for the house and garden oasis area.

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