GARDEN PLANNING III. WHAT DEFINES THE LOOK OF A GARDEN? ECOLOGY, ARCHITECTURE, AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

A garden’s character is shaped by a combination of factors—its environment, human intention, and the rhythm of nature. However, we want to highlight three key aspects that, in our view, most strongly influence the unique atmosphere and identity of any garden.

ECOLOGY

Light conditions—sun or shade, moisture levels—from seasonally standing water to particularly dry and hot areas, soil composition—sandy, clay, transitional, or peaty forest soil, existing large trees, and other natural factors—all of these significantly influence garden design.The more carefully and accurately you assess the existing ecological conditions and adapt your garden ideas accordingly, the more sustainable, low-maintenance, and enjoyable your garden will be.

ARCHITECTURE

The character of a building plays a crucial role in shaping the garden that surrounds it. Minimalist, cubist, or glass-and-concrete architecture naturally pairs well with a minimalist garden design—geometric lines, structured layouts, block-style plantings, and large, uniform masses.

A historic wooden or brick building fits beautifully within a lush, flowering garden, whether in the style of a traditional country garden or a curated plant collection garden—either formally organized or free-flowing and natural.

The contemporary aesthetic of grey and black, often used in modern architecture, provides an excellent backdrop for plants and flowers, allowing them to stand out as striking highlights against a dark facade.

Decorative buildings go hand in hand with romantic French-style gardens or eclectic compositions that combine different garden rooms. Meanwhile, the garden of a countryside home can aim for authenticity, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape while still incorporating modern solutions that meet the practical needs of its users.

Today, everything is permitted—as long as there is a clear concept, a creative approach, and high-quality execution down to the finest details.

SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

A garden is not an isolated island—it is a part of its surrounding environment. Whether it’s in a city, the countryside, a new residential area, along a street, near a forest or meadow, or adjacent to neighboring properties, buildings, and fences—even the lifestyle of your neighbors—these all play a role in garden planning and design. It's always worth considering how to screen unwanted views and highlight beautiful ones, as well as how to create a sense of space within the broader context, so that the garden integrates harmoniously into its surroundings.

Just as people live in families, communities, and society, every property exists within a larger spatial network. Of course, it’s possible to create a fully enclosed, private world—and sometimes that’s exactly what’s desired. But it’s always valuable to take a step back and look at your garden from a wider perspective—both literally and figuratively, like seeing it from a bird’s-eye view.

"Every garden is unique—a living tapestry shaped by the imprint of the person, the place, and the era."

— Ansis Birznieks, founder of GALANTUS

This is one of five articles in the series—we recommend reading the others as well.