MANY would recall the old-fashioned gardens of our grandparents or other relatives and neighbours. Those were usually a hodge-podge affair of flower and foliage plants that created the impression that, rather than being planned, gardens more or less “happened”, or more likely evolved.

As the gardener fancied something new, or was given a plant by a friend, it was inserted into an available blank spot. Where yards were small and space was limited, these mixed gardens combined whatever was at hand. The end result often had an individual charm that was undeniable and delightful.

There is, of course, no reason why we can’t create a similarly informal effect in a modern garden. For those with limited garden space, a mixed garden makes especially good sense. It allows us to have some of our personal favourites, rather than limiting us to only a few kinds of plants — as is the case of massed garden designs.

Uniquely charming mixed gardens are possible.
A mixed garden is a very personal one that truly reflects the individual taste of the homeowners. Rather than being a garden for show, it’s a garden designed for the pleasure of those who own it. If others who visit it also find it enjoyable, so much the better.

Fruit trees can supply partial shade to flower beds filled with combinations of different-coloured annuals and perennials.
Clumps of favourite vegetables can also be placed among these flowering plants.

Some simple ideas
Beds and Borders: Make borders up to half as wide as the total space in a small- or medium-size yard. For example, a 40-foot-wide yard could have one border 20 feet wide or two borders 10 feet wide. Borders — traditional gardens usually set at the edge of a yard, fence, or hedge — also need enough size to be in scale and make an impact in the yard.

Wider borders can accommodate taller plants, including trees, shrubs, and large clumps of perennials and ornamental grasses, and so take on a rich diversity.

Paths and Pavings: Build garden paths anywhere showing wear and tear of grass by foot traffic. Paths make pleasing straight or curving lines through the yard, and make it easier to get where you need to go in wet weather. They also save you the trouble of having to constantly reseed barren, foot-worn areas.

If you have a large lot, make paths wide enough for two people to walk side by side. If your path is of grass, make it wide enough to accommodate a lawn mower. Give your paths turns or curves so that part of the scene comes as a surprise as you stroll.

Professionally-laid brick paving is durable and rather formal. There are several possible patterns and edgings, but simpler styles look best.
Paving bricks are flatter and broader than bricks for building. Recycled or antique bricks can be used for pavings and edgings.

An ordinary concrete sidewalk, plain and simple, is a good-looking and practical choice, and is usually less expensive than stone or brick. Be sure to make the path sufficiently broad, or it may look too cramped.

Arbors: Create a shade garden without trees by planting under a vine-covered arbor. Shade gardens can feature serene blends of ferns plus a few dazzling bloomers such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Although these plants usually grow amid trees and shrubs, they can thrive in shadows cast by other structures — walls, fences, houses, or a vine-covered arbor.

The advantage of an arbor-shade garden is that fewer roots are competing for moisture and nutrients. And unlike a planting close to a wall or building, the arbor-shade garden has plenty of fresh air circulation. In addition, an arbor looks great when clad in flowers and handsome foliage.

Reduce the volume of strong winds by planting a layered assortment of plants as a windbreak. Wind can knock down and dry out plants, generally making it harder to get the garden to grow well. Layered plants — taller trees with shade-tolerant shrubs planted under them — create an irregular barrier that gently stops wind. Solid fences, in contrast, allow wind to slip up and over and swirl back in on the other side.

Don’t forget to place a bench in the garden. You can sit and admire your handiwork, which always looks best up close. Your bench, even a rugged one, can double as garden sculpture

If you don’t want to be limited to only a few kinds and colours of flowers in your garden, consider planting a mixed garden.
Note, sunlight, soil, and water are the three big essentials when it comes to gardening. Every plant needs adequate light, moisture, and nutrients from the soil to thrive. Learn how to assess your garden conditions.
(Source: TLC : A Discovery Company)