Creating a Garden Focal Point

Everyone knows that one of the most basic elements of having a successful garden design is to have a focal point in the garden. Unfortunately, this can also be a bit of a problem when you don't have a natural focal point to work with. In situations like this all that you can do is create one. Creating a garden focal point is surprisingly easy to do.

• Decide on a theme. Before you can begin creating a garden focal point, you need to decide on a theme for your garden. Do you want to have a garden that has a water feel to it? Perhaps something that is a bit airy and light? Be sure that your overall theme for the garden will work with the decor of your house as well. The garden should be an extension of the home, not in competition with it.
• Decide on a focal point. Once you have a theme for your garden, you need to decide on an item for your garden focal point. In order to do this though, you may need to consider what can be used as focal point. The best things to use are items that evoke a feeling of the natural, or at least an item which will be in harmony with your garden. For example, if you want a garden which has a feeling of water, then you may wish to use a fountain. Something a little more airy? Why not use a gazing ball. The possibilities are endless.
• Locate the area. Before you can install your garden focal point, take time to consider where you will put it. Remember that the goal of a focal point is to enhance the beauty of your garden, not distract from it. Think about where the item may go "naturally," and then place it there. It may help to try a few different locations before you finally install it.
• Install the focal item. Once you have located the area where your focal point will be placed, it is time to install it. By installing the focal point formally, it will give a sense of permanence to the item, and also help keep it from getting knocked over or damaged in some way. You may wish to have the item professionally installed, or at least seek some professional guidance when installing any water feature into your garden.
• Expand on the item. Over time you may wish to expand upon the focal point. This is ok, and perfectly natural. You should keep in mind though, that whatever method you use to expand on a focal point should work in harmony with what already exists. Simply put, keep in mind the primary rule of a focal point: enhance the garden, not detract from it.