Which do you prefer: Symmetry or Asymmetry?

Who knows why we like the things we do! What is it that makes a certain color our favourite? And what is it about a shape or texture that attracts or repels us? Preferences are a mystery, but we definitely seemed wired to be more attracted to some things and than others.

Though you may not have given it much thought, when it comes to symmetry or asymmetry, I bet you have a natural tendency to choose one over the other. 

In the entry way above, a pair of black urns filled with ivy and pink hydrangeas flank either side of the door. The symmetry continues in the plantings along the pathway. Clumps of Japanese Forest Grass and the pink impatiens are repeated on either side of the walkway. Even the boxwood hedges are meticulously clipped to the same height.

Here is how the dictionary defines symmetry:

Symmetry: the quality of something that has two sides or halves that are the same or very close in size, shape, and position: the quality of having symmetrical parts.

The human body is symmetrical: two eyes, two ears, two arms and two legs. Perhaps that is why symmetry feels so comfortable.

Symmetrical container plantings seems like a popular choice for the front of a house. I think it's because there is something soothing about the perfect balance of like things.

White Alyssum, pansies and white daffodils fill the two urns.

In this garden the symmetry continues all the way to the front door, where a pair of urns are filled with white pansies, daffodils, ruffled ranunculus and branches of pussy willow.

Here is another example of classic symmetry, this time in a back garden. Everything is perfectly balanced on either side of the bench: the lattice work, the evergreen shrubs and the two urns filled with peach flowers.

So here's a little test. 

When you look at this front porch, do you feel like something is amiss? If this were your house, would you feel the urge to plant up a matching pot of pink geraniums and place it somewhere on the opposite side of the door?

If so, chances are you are a person who loves symmetry.

Before you decide which you like best, lets take a quick look at asymmetry. If symmetry is classic, asymmetry feels modern. There is something more sophisticated and edgy in the makeup of this form of balance. Here is how the dictionary defines asymmetry:

Asymmetry: lack of equality or equivalence between parts or aspects of something; lack of symmetry.

In my opening example, there are still two similar urns, but they aren't directly opposite one another. One is at the top of the staircase, and the other is at some distance at the bottom.

Here's a second more traditional example, where the containers are similar, 

but they aren't the same size. 

One is dramatically larger and taller than the other.

The balance of symmetry tends to feel formal and restrained. 

Asymmetry seems to a better job of transcending styles. My first example was contemporary arts & crafts, the second was quite traditional, and the look here may best be described as casual country.

As well as containers, plantings can employ asymmetry. The box balls are symmetrical, but the dominant evergreen tree has no mirror on either side of the gate, so the balance of the whole feels asymmetrical.

At the bottom of this stone staircase, the planting is completely different on either side.

So what do you think? Which pleases you the most? 

Symmetry or asymmetry?

Adding Fireworks to your Garden's Design using Shape and Repetition

Plant and flower shapes can have an inherent energy that can add a dramatic presence to a garden. This is one of the many lessons that I learned from visiting other gardens this summer. 

Take the photo above. On its own a single heuchera bloom is rather unspectacular, but a spray of blooms rockets up from plant like a burst of fireworks. The fine flowers may be delicate, yet they can add subtle drama to the garden.

A floral plume can have remarkable impact especially on a tall, large scale perennial. This is Giant Fleece Flower or Persicaria Polymorpha growing at Lost Horizons Nursery. (I have it in my own garden as well and find that it prefers full or half day sun and does best in moist soil.)

Bears Breeches (Acanthus mollis), Lost Horizons Nursery, Acton Ontario

Best in part shade, plants like large scale Bear's Breeches can add an eye-catching structural element to the garden.  Three foot tall spires of white flowers, which are clasped by purple bracts, tower above large clumps of shiny green leaves. (Bear's breeches do best in deep, rich soil in part shade.They especially do not like afternoon sun).

Mountain Fleeceflower or Persicaria is another interesting perennial that I spotted at Lost Horizons. The narrow pink bottlebrush-like flowers shoot skyward from a base of deep shiny green leaves. (It has a long bloom time and makes an interesting ground cover when planted in drifts.) 

A fountain of leaves is flamboyant plant shape that you can also use to add a dramatic punch to your garden's design. Consider the Miscanthus below. It has a spectacular presence.

Lost Horizons Nursery, Acton Ontario

Doesn't our eye goes right to it? And nothing lights up a garden like a leaf variegated with white.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton

Applying the principals of repetition is another important design principal I observed in other gardens this summer. For example, you can make a bolder statement by repeating an plant. Instead of a single clump of grass, plant a row of the same plant.

Repetition in a private garden in Eramosa Township Ontario

Lost Horizons Nursery, Acton Ontario. 

Repetition not only creates a cohesive design, it can also be used here to create a stunning vista. Just look at this path flanked with rows of globe cedar at Lost Horizons to see this design principal in perfect execution. 

How about you? What is something you have learned from visiting other gardens this summer?