Types of Gardens

Styles, Characteristics and Design Principles

1. Introduction

Gardens are important components of architecture and landscape design. They connect buildings with the natural environment, organize outdoor spaces, create opportunities for recreation and support relationships between people, plants, water and land.

The design of a garden depends on its intended purpose, available space, climate, topography, cultural context, vegetation and relationship with surrounding buildings. A garden may be arranged around a symmetrical geometric axis, designed to resemble a natural landscape, developed to grow food, or planned to manage rainwater and support wildlife.

Understanding the different types of gardens helps architecture students, architects and landscape designers select appropriate layouts, planting systems and outdoor features for residential, institutional, commercial and public projects.

Garden classification is not limited to one category. For example, a residential garden may combine a formal entrance garden, an informal seating area, a kitchen garden and a rain garden. These descriptions refer to different aspects of the same landscape.

2. What are the different types of gardens?

Types of gardens are classifications of designed outdoor or indoor planted spaces based on their layout, cultural tradition, purpose, planting characteristics or physical location. Common examples include formal gardens, informal gardens, English gardens, Japanese gardens, Mughal gardens, kitchen gardens, botanical gardens, water gardens, rock gardens, vertical gardens and rooftop gardens.

For architectural planning, gardens can be organized into five broad groups:

1. By design style: formal, informal, contemporary and naturalistic gardens.
2. By cultural or historical tradition: Persian, Mughal, Japanese, Italian, French and English gardens.
3. By purpose: ornamental, kitchen, medicinal, sensory, therapeutic and wildlife gardens.
4. By location or physical form: courtyard, rooftop, terrace, vertical, indoor and sunken gardens.
5. By environmental function: rain gardens, water-efficient gardens, native-plant gardens and ecological gardens.

These categories overlap. A courtyard garden can be Japanese in style, sensory in purpose and designed with water-efficient planting. This classification is more useful for architects than treating every garden name as a mutually exclusive type.

3. Main classification of gardens

The following table provides a quick overview of commonly encountered garden types and their architectural applications.

Garden type	Main characteristics	Typical application
Formal garden	Symmetry, geometry and defined axes	Entrances, institutional forecourts, ceremonial spaces
Informal garden	Asymmetry, flowing paths and naturalistic planting	Homes, parks and leisure landscapes
English garden	Layered planting and picturesque composition	Residential estates and public landscapes
Italian garden	Terraces, clipped greenery, stonework and water features	Villas, heritage properties and sloping sites
French garden	Strong axes, geometric beds and controlled vistas	Palaces, large estates and ceremonial landscapes
Persian garden	Enclosure, water and ordered spatial divisions	Heritage landscapes and contemporary courtyards
Mughal garden	Terraces, water channels, pavilions and axial planning	Heritage gardens and formal residential landscapes
Japanese garden	Carefully composed rocks, water, plants and views	Courtyards, contemplative gardens and cultural landscapes
Cottage garden	Dense, mixed and seasonal planting	Residential gardens
Rock garden	Stone formations and plants suited to rocky conditions	Sloping sites and specialized planting areas
Water garden	Ponds, aquatic plants and water features	Parks, courtyards and residential landscapes
Kitchen garden	Vegetables, herbs and edible plants	Homes, schools and community spaces
Botanical garden	Organized plant collections for research, education or conservation	Institutions and public education
Wildlife garden	Habitat features and plants that support wildlife	Homes, parks and ecological landscapes
Rain garden	Planted depression receiving runoff	Sites requiring stormwater management
Vertical garden	Plants arranged on vertical surfaces or systems	Building façades, walls and compact sites
Rooftop garden	Planted outdoor space on a roof	Apartments, offices and commercial buildings
Indoor garden	Plants integrated into interior spaces	Homes, offices, atriums and public buildings

This table is a practical overview, not an exhaustive or standardized classification.

4. Formal and informal gardens

Formal and informal gardens are two fundamental approaches to landscape composition. They describe how space, planting, paths and other elements are organized rather than what the garden is used for.

4.1 Formal garden

A formal garden uses a clearly organized layout, often based on symmetry, geometric shapes, straight paths and a central axis. Trees, hedges, flower beds, fountains and other features are arranged to establish visual order.

Key characteristics

• Geometric planning and clear spatial boundaries.
• Symmetrical or deliberately balanced compositions.
• Straight paths and axial views.
• Clipped hedges and controlled planting forms.
• Focal features such as fountains, sculptures or pavilions.
• Repetition of materials, forms and planting patterns.

Architectural applications

Formal gardens work well where a strong visual relationship is required between a building and its landscape. They can reinforce an entrance axis, frame a façade, organize an institutional forecourt or create an orderly transition between outdoor rooms.

For a residential project, a compact formal garden might include a central paved path, two balanced planting beds and a focal tree or water feature. Large lawns are not essential.

Advantages

• Creates a clear spatial hierarchy.
• Establishes visual order and strong sightlines.
• Can complement symmetrical or monumental architecture.
• Makes circulation and the location of focal points easy to understand.

Limitations

• Precisely clipped planting may require regular maintenance.
• Poorly chosen plant species may need substantial irrigation.
• Strict geometry can feel rigid when it conflicts with the site or building.

Formal design does not automatically mean high water consumption or excessive maintenance. These depend on the planting palette, materials, irrigation strategy and level of upkeep.

4.2 Informal garden

An informal garden uses an asymmetrical or naturalistic composition. Curved paths, irregular planting groups, varied textures and less rigid boundaries create a more relaxed spatial experience.

The design should still be planned carefully. Naturalistic planting does not mean that circulation, drainage, views or maintenance can be left unconsidered.

Key characteristics

• Asymmetrical arrangements.
• Curved or irregular paths where appropriate.
• Layered planting with varied heights and textures.
• Integration with existing landforms and vegetation.
• Less emphasis on clipped geometric shapes.
• Transitions between planted and open areas.

Architectural applications

Informal gardens can complement buildings with irregular plans, respond to existing trees or create a gradual transition between private gardens and larger landscapes. They can also help integrate a building into its surroundings.

Advantages

• Can respond flexibly to irregular sites.
• Supports varied planting compositions.
• May incorporate existing vegetation and habitat features.
• Can create a more exploratory outdoor experience.

Limitations

• Poorly planned paths can become confusing.
• Dense planting may obstruct entrances or surveillance.
• Naturalistic layouts still need defined maintenance boundaries.
• Plant growth can obscure views or interfere with circulation if not managed.

4.3 Formal garden vs informal garden

Design factor	Formal garden	Informal garden
Composition	Geometric and ordered	Asymmetrical or naturalistic
Circulation	Often straight and axial	May be curved or exploratory
Planting	Frequently clipped or repeated	Often layered and varied
Focal points	Clearly defined and aligned	May be distributed through the landscape
Spatial character	Structured and ceremonial	Relaxed and exploratory
Maintenance	Often includes regular shaping	Depends on planting and ecological goals
Suitable sites	Axial layouts and ordered forecourts	Irregular sites and naturalistic settings

Neither approach is universally superior. The choice should follow the site’s character, architectural concept, intended activities and maintenance resources.

5. Traditional and cultural garden styles

Garden traditions developed in different climates, cultures and historical settings. Their characteristic layouts can inform contemporary landscape design, but they should not be reduced to decorative motifs alone.

5.1 English garden

The English landscape garden is associated with picturesque scenery, sweeping lawns, carefully composed views and the integration of designed landscapes with their broader surroundings. English cottage gardens represent a different but related tradition, known for dense mixed planting and seasonal flowers.

Main features

• Naturalistic groupings of trees and shrubs.
• Broad lawns and carefully framed views.
• Mixed borders and seasonal planting.
• Curved routes or transitions between garden spaces.
• A composition that can appear informal while remaining carefully planned.

Design application: Suitable for estates, large residential gardens and parks where space allows layered planting and long views. Smaller versions can use mixed borders, a modest lawn and a carefully placed focal tree.

Important distinction: The English landscape garden and the English cottage garden are not identical styles. The former emphasizes landscape composition and scenery; the latter generally emphasizes dense and diverse planting at a more intimate scale.

5.2 Italian garden

Traditional Italian Renaissance gardens frequently use geometric organization, terraces, stone stairs, balustrades, sculptures, clipped vegetation and water features. The architecture and landscape are composed as connected parts of a larger spatial arrangement.

Main features

• Terraces responding to changes in ground level.
• Stone retaining walls and staircases.
• Geometric planting beds.
• Clipped evergreen hedges and topiary.
• Fountains, sculptures and framed views.

Design application: Italian-inspired layouts can be useful for sloping sites, formal courtyards and buildings with strong architectural axes. On steep terrain, retaining structures, drainage and accessible routes require particular attention.

5.3 French garden

The French formal garden, particularly associated with the grand garden tradition of the seventeenth century, emphasizes geometric order, long axes, extensive vistas and controlled vegetation.

The gardens at Versailles are a well-known reference for this approach.

Main features

• Strong central axes and cross-axes.
• Symmetrical parterres and geometric beds.
• Carefully clipped hedges and trees.
• Long visual perspectives.
• Fountains, sculptures and expansive compositions.

Design application: This style is most effective where there is sufficient space to establish long sightlines and a coherent hierarchy. In a small plot, a simplified axial arrangement may be more appropriate than attempting to reproduce a palace garden.

5.4 Persian garden

Persian garden traditions are associated with enclosed spaces, ordered planting areas, water channels and a carefully composed relationship between shade, vegetation and architecture.

A well-known concept is the chahar bagh, commonly translated as a four-part garden. In its recognizable form, paths or water channels divide the garden into four principal sections. Historical examples vary, and the concept should not be treated as a single rigid template for every Persian garden.

Main features

• Enclosure and a defined garden boundary.
• Geometric organization.
• Water channels, pools or fountains where resources permit.
• Trees and shaded spaces.
• Integration of pavilions, paths and planting.

Design application: These principles can inform enclosed courtyards and gardens in hot climates, where shade, controlled movement and carefully managed water contribute to outdoor comfort.

5.5 Mughal garden

Mughal gardens developed through interactions among Persianate garden traditions, regional landscapes and the architectural culture of the Mughal courts. They often feature enclosure, axial planning, water channels, terraces, pavilions and geometric planting areas.

An important example is Shalimar Gardens, Lahore. UNESCO describes the gardens, constructed under Shah Jahan in 1641–42, as a terraced composition with water basins, pavilions, trees and a rectilinear layout.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Main features

• Strong axial organization.
• Terraced levels in relevant site conditions.
• Water channels, pools and fountains.
• Pavilions and shaded resting places.
• Geometric beds and structured tree planting.
• Enclosure that establishes a defined garden environment.

Architectural lesson: Water, circulation, topography and architecture work together to organize the landscape. A contemporary interpretation should respond to local climate and water availability rather than reproduce ornamental fountains without considering their operational needs.

5.6 Japanese garden

Japanese gardens include several distinct traditions rather than one universal design. Examples include pond gardens, dry landscape gardens, tea gardens and stroll gardens. Their design can emphasize carefully composed views, rocks, water, vegetation, pathways and transitions between spaces.

Main features

• Deliberate placement of rocks and plants.
• Carefully composed views and visual depth.
• Water or symbolic representations of water, depending on the garden type.
• Stepping stones, bridges or controlled pathways in some traditions.
• Attention to seasonal change and the relationship between near and distant elements.

Architectural application: Japanese garden principles can inform contemplative courtyards, compact gardens and landscape sequences around cultural or residential buildings.

Design caution: A Japanese garden is not simply a collection of bamboo, lanterns and gravel. Its spatial composition and cultural context matter more than the use of a few recognizable objects.

5.7 Chinese garden

Traditional Chinese gardens, including classical scholar gardens, often compose rocks, water, pavilions, planting and architectural boundaries into a sequence of views and experiences.

Main features

• Pavilions and covered passages.
• Garden walls, gateways and framed views.
• Carefully arranged rocks and water.
• Layered spatial sequences.
• Integration of architecture, planting and landscape features.

Architectural application: The use of framed views, transitions and enclosed garden rooms can inform courtyard housing, cultural buildings and small urban landscapes.

Chinese and Japanese garden traditions share some materials and ideas, but their histories and design conventions are distinct.

5.8 Contemporary and minimalist gardens

Contemporary gardens may use restrained planting palettes, simple geometric layouts, sculptural vegetation, carefully selected paving and strong relationships with modern buildings.

Minimalism is a design approach rather than a separate historical tradition with one fixed formula.

Main features

• Limited material and plant palettes.
• Clear geometry or simple spatial organization.
• Strong relationships between landscape and building form.
• Deliberate use of texture, shadow and negative space.
• Integrated lighting, seating and circulation.

Design application: These gardens can work well around contemporary residences, offices and hospitality buildings. Simplicity does not necessarily mean low maintenance: precise paving, clean edges and carefully maintained planting may require ongoing work.

5.9 Other traditional and regional gardens

Other traditions worth studying include:

• Islamic gardens: A broad family of traditions with different regional expressions, often involving enclosure, water, shade and ordered planting.
• Spanish and Moorish gardens: Often associated with enclosed courtyards, water features, tiled surfaces and shaded outdoor rooms.
• Indian traditional gardens: A diverse group that includes Mughal, temple, palace, courtyard and regional garden traditions.
• Vernacular gardens: Landscapes shaped by local materials, climate, customary practices and available plant species.

These categories overlap historically. They should be understood through their specific regional and historical contexts rather than treated as interchangeable styles.

6. Gardens classified by purpose

6.1 Ornamental garden

An ornamental garden is primarily designed for visual interest. It may use flowers, foliage, trees, shrubs, grasses, sculptures and water features to establish colour, texture, form and seasonal variation.

Ornamental planting can be formal, informal, contemporary or naturalistic.

Applications: Residential front gardens, hotel entrances, institutional campuses, office landscapes and public spaces.

6.2 Kitchen garden

A kitchen garden is intended for growing edible plants such as vegetables, herbs and selected fruits.

Planning considerations

• Adequate sunlight for the selected crops.
• Convenient access from the kitchen or service area.
• Suitable soil and reliable water supply.
• Drainage and practical maintenance access.
• Protection from pests and contamination.
• Safe storage of tools and compost.

Raised beds can help organize planting and access, but they are not essential. The layout should reflect local growing conditions and the needs of the users.

6.3 Herb and medicinal plant garden

Herb gardens focus on aromatic, culinary or traditionally medicinal plants. They can be designed for domestic use, educational display or research.

Plant identification, appropriate growing conditions and responsible labeling are important. Traditional medicinal use should not be presented as proof of clinical effectiveness.

6.4 Botanical garden

A botanical garden maintains documented plant collections for purposes such as education, scientific research, conservation and public engagement.

Unlike a purely ornamental garden, its organization may prioritize plant identification, taxonomic relationships, geographic origin or ecological themes.

Design requirements

• Organized collections and clear labeling.
• Visitor circulation and accessible routes.
• Plant nursery and maintenance facilities.
• Irrigation and water management.
• Educational displays and supporting infrastructure.
• Appropriate conditions for specialist plant collections.

6.5 Arboretum

An arboretum is a collection of trees and woody plants maintained for purposes such as study, education, conservation or display.

An arboretum may form part of a botanical garden or operate as a separate collection. Its planning often emphasizes tree spacing, mature canopy dimensions, soil conditions, long-term maintenance and the relationship between specimen trees and visitor routes.

6.6 Wildlife-friendly garden

A wildlife-friendly garden is designed to provide suitable resources and habitat for organisms such as pollinating insects, birds and other local wildlife.

Useful elements include:

• Plants that provide nectar, pollen, seeds or fruit.
• Vegetation layers that offer shelter.
• Appropriate water sources.
• Habitat features such as logs, stones or leaf litter.
• Reduced use of unnecessary chemical treatments.
• Plant selection appropriate to local ecology.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s wildlife gardening guidance discusses how water, vegetation and habitat features can support garden wildlife.

RHS Advice

6.7 Butterfly and pollinator garden

A butterfly or pollinator garden prioritizes flowering plants and habitat conditions that support pollinating insects.

Design should consider local species, flowering seasons, plant suitability, shelter and pesticide exposure. A visually attractive flower bed is not automatically a suitable habitat if it lacks the resources required by local pollinators.

6.8 Sensory garden

A sensory garden is designed to engage senses through colour, scent, texture, sound and, where appropriate, taste. It may be intended for schools, healthcare environments, community settings or private gardens.

Design features

• Fragrant plants positioned where people can experience them.
• Contrasting leaf textures and seasonal colours.
• Safe, accessible paths and seating.
• Plants that move gently in the breeze.
• Raised planting beds where they improve access.
• Clear circulation and opportunities to pause.

The RHS describes sensory planting as a way to engage multiple senses through plant selection and arrangement.

RHS Advice

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Sensory design should accommodate different abilities and sensitivities. Strong fragrances, toxic plants, uneven paving and inaccessible routes may reduce usability.

6.9 Therapeutic and healing gardens

Therapeutic or healing gardens are designed to support comfort, restoration, social interaction and access to outdoor space in settings such as healthcare facilities, rehabilitation environments and care homes.

Design considerations include:

• Safe and legible circulation.
• Comfortable shaded seating.
• Accessible routes and rest points.
• Views from indoor patient areas where possible.
• Low-risk planting and appropriate maintenance.
• Quiet areas alongside optional social spaces.

A therapeutic garden is not a substitute for medical treatment. Its design should support the needs of users and the operational requirements of the facility.

6.10 Children’s garden and educational garden

Educational gardens support learning through growing plants, observing natural processes and carrying out outdoor activities.

In schools, the layout should provide clear supervision, suitable pathways, safe tools and planting areas that children can reach. Shade, water access and storage for equipment should be planned from the beginning.

6.11 Community garden

A community garden is shared or collectively managed by a group of users. It may focus on food production, social interaction, education or neighborhood greening.

Successful planning requires more than dividing the site into plots. Shared water points, storage, accessible paths, waste management, management responsibilities and long-term access arrangements also matter.

7. Gardens classified by location and physical form

7.1 Courtyard garden

A courtyard garden occupies an open space enclosed or partially enclosed by building wings, walls or other structures.

It can bring daylight, planting, views and outdoor access into the building’s internal organization.

Architectural considerations

• Relationship with adjoining rooms and circulation.
• Sunlight, shade and wind conditions created by surrounding walls.
• Surface drainage and waterproofing where relevant.
• Privacy, acoustics and visual connections.
• Maintenance access.
• Plant selection suited to the courtyard’s microclimate.

Courtyards can be designed in formal, informal, Japanese, contemporary or other styles.

7.2 Terrace garden

A terrace garden uses a terrace or similar outdoor platform to accommodate planting, seating and other landscape elements.

It is often associated with residential buildings, apartments, hotels and offices.

Planning should consider available load capacity, waterproofing, drainage, wind exposure, safe access and the weight of planters and growing media. Structural capacity should be verified by the relevant engineer rather than assumed.

7.3 Rooftop garden

A rooftop garden incorporates planted and usable outdoor areas on a building roof.

Depending on its design, it may provide recreation, vegetation, views and environmental benefits. Not every rooftop garden is an intensive green roof, and not every green roof is designed for regular public access.

Important design considerations

• Structural loading and load distribution.
• Waterproofing and root-resistant protection where required.
• Drainage and overflow provisions.
• Irrigation and maintenance access.
• Wind exposure and plant stability.
• Guarding, access and fire-safety requirements.
• Soil or growing-medium depth appropriate to the planting.

A rooftop landscape should be coordinated with architecture, structural engineering, waterproofing and building services from the early design stage.

7.4 Vertical garden

A vertical garden uses a wall, freestanding structure or purpose-designed system to support vegetation in a vertical arrangement.

Common approaches include climbing plants supported by trellises, modular planted panels and engineered living-wall systems.

Design considerations

• Sunlight and wind exposure.
• Plant selection and mature growth.
• Irrigation and drainage.
• Waterproofing and protection of the building envelope.
• Maintenance access.
• Weight and support requirements.
• Water quality and system reliability.

A trellis supporting climbing plants is often simpler than a modular living wall. The appropriate system depends on the building, climate, budget and maintenance capability.

7.5 Indoor garden

An indoor garden integrates plants into interior spaces such as atriums, entrance lobbies, offices and residential interiors.

Plant health depends on light, temperature, humidity, ventilation and irrigation. Natural daylight may be insufficient in deep interior spaces, making suitable supplementary lighting necessary.

Indoor planting should also be coordinated with waterproofing, drainage, cleaning, pest management and access for maintenance.

7.6 Hanging garden

A hanging garden uses suspended planters or elevated supports to position vegetation above floor level. It can be useful in balconies, covered terraces, compact courtyards and interior spaces.

Secure fixing, structural capacity, irrigation, water collection and maintenance access are essential. Suspended planters should not obstruct circulation or create hazards for people below.

7.7 Sunken garden

A sunken garden is positioned below the surrounding ground or adjacent floor level. It may create a sheltered courtyard, a distinct outdoor room or a transition between different levels.

Important considerations

• Surface and subsurface drainage.
• Waterproofing against adjoining structures.
• Retaining walls and soil pressure.
• Safe stairs, ramps and edge protection.
• Daylight and ventilation.
• Accessibility and emergency escape routes where applicable.

Sunken gardens can be visually distinctive, but their drainage and structural design require careful coordination.

7.8 Balcony garden

A balcony garden makes use of limited outdoor space through planters, compact vegetation, trellises and appropriately sized furniture.

Plant selection should account for direct sunlight, wind, available depth, irrigation and the balcony’s structural capacity. Water should be managed so that it does not damage the building façade or affect neighboring properties.

7.9 Container garden

Container gardening involves growing plants in pots, troughs or other suitable containers rather than directly in the ground.

It is especially useful where soil conditions are poor, space is limited or planting needs to be flexible.

Design considerations

• Container drainage and growing-medium volume.
• Plant size and root requirements.
• Sunlight and wind exposure.
• Watering frequency.
• Safe positioning and structural loads.
• Consistency of containers and their relationship with the architecture.

7.10 Hanging and vertical gardens compared

Factor	Hanging garden	Vertical garden
Main arrangement	Suspended containers	Wall-mounted or freestanding vertical planting
Typical scale	Individual planters or groups	A wall or larger vertical surface
Key requirement	Secure suspension and load capacity	Suitable support system, irrigation and drainage
Typical use	Balconies, pergolas and interiors	Building walls, courtyards and compact urban sites

These terms are sometimes used loosely, but they describe different ways of supporting plants.

8. Gardens classified by planting and landscape features

8.1 Rock garden

A rock garden combines stones or rock formations with plants selected for the site’s growing conditions and the intended composition. It may represent a rocky landscape or simply use stone as a major design element.

Design considerations

• Scale and placement of rocks.
• Stable foundations for large stones.
• Drainage and soil characteristics.
• Plant suitability and mature growth.
• Safe circulation and maintenance access.

Rock gardens are not automatically low-water landscapes. Their water needs depend on the plants, soil, climate and irrigation strategy.

8.2 Water garden

A water garden uses water as a primary landscape element through ponds, pools, streams, fountains or aquatic planting.

Water features can establish focal points, reflections and sound. However, their design should address water circulation, filtration where necessary, evaporation, maintenance, mosquito management and safety.

Where ecological value is a goal, planted margins and appropriately designed pond edges can create habitat opportunities. The RHS discusses ponds, bog gardens and other water habitats as potential resources for wildlife.

RHS Advice

8.3 Bog garden

A bog garden is designed for moisture-loving plants and consistently damp growing conditions. It may occupy a naturally wet area or be created with suitable soil and water management.

Its design should account for drainage, the water source, overflow and the suitability of selected species. A bog garden should not be created by allowing water to collect against building foundations.

8.4 Tropical garden

Tropical gardens use plants and compositions associated with tropical or subtropical landscapes. They often feature broad foliage, layered planting and strong contrasts in leaf form.

In climates outside their natural range, plant survival may require additional irrigation, protection from cold or other inputs. Species should be selected according to the actual local climate and ecological constraints.

8.5 Desert and xeriscape garden

A desert-style garden uses a composition associated with arid landscapes. Xeriscaping is a broader water-conscious approach that reduces unnecessary irrigation through appropriate plant selection, soil management, mulching and efficient water delivery.

These concepts overlap, but they are not identical: xeriscaping does not require a desert appearance or the exclusive use of succulents.

Practical strategies

• Select plants adapted to local rainfall and temperatures.
• Group plants with similar water requirements.
• Improve soil and drainage according to plant needs.
• Use mulch where appropriate to limit evaporation.
• Reduce excessive lawn area where it is poorly suited to the climate.
• Design irrigation to deliver water efficiently.

In hot, dry regions of India, locally suitable trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers can be combined with shaded seating and permeable surfaces to create usable landscapes without relying on water-intensive planting throughout the site.

8.6 Native-plant garden

A native-plant garden emphasizes species indigenous to the relevant geographic area. Such planting can support local ecological relationships when the selected species and habitat conditions suit the site.

Native planting is not a guarantee of low maintenance or low water use in every situation. The origin, growing conditions, maintenance regime and behavior of each species should be considered.

8.7 Rain garden

A rain garden is a shallow, planted depression designed to receive runoff from surfaces such as roofs and paved areas. It temporarily holds water and allows it to infiltrate into the ground where soil and site conditions permit.

The Royal Horticultural Society explains that rain gardens can use moisture-tolerant plants near the base and more drought-tolerant plants toward the edges.

RHS Advice

Design considerations

• Runoff source and catchment area.
• Soil infiltration and groundwater conditions.
• Safe overflow during heavy rainfall.
• Suitable plant tolerance for wet and dry periods.
• Protection against erosion at the inlet.
• Separation from building foundations where required.
• Maintenance of sediment and debris.

A rain garden is a landscape-based stormwater measure, not simply an ornamental pond. Its design must be based on site-specific hydrology and soil conditions.

9. Gardens classified by environment and sustainability

The following categories emphasize the relationship between landscape design and environmental performance.

9.1 Ecological garden

An ecological garden is planned with attention to habitat, soil processes, water use and the relationships among plants and other organisms.

It may combine native vegetation, flowering plants, leaf-litter areas, ponds, permeable surfaces and other habitat features. Its performance depends on how these elements function together rather than on the presence of any single feature.

9.2 Water-efficient garden

A water-efficient garden minimizes unnecessary water use while maintaining healthy vegetation and appropriate outdoor functions.

It can incorporate locally adapted plants, water-wise planting zones, efficient irrigation, mulching and rainwater collection where suitable.

Water efficiency should be evaluated against local rainfall, seasonal demand, irrigation sources and plant requirements.

9.3 Edible landscape

An edible landscape combines food-producing plants with ornamental or functional landscape design. Fruit trees, herbs, vegetables and edible groundcovers can be integrated into residential gardens, educational settings or community spaces.

Plant placement should account for sunlight, harvesting access, food safety, irrigation and maintenance. The design can be productive without resembling a conventional vegetable plot.

9.4 Forest garden

A forest garden is a designed planting system that uses multiple vegetation layers, often including trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, climbers and groundcovers. Some are designed primarily for food production, while others focus on ecological or educational objectives.

Species selection, mature size, light competition and long-term access are particularly important because the planting structure changes as trees and shrubs grow.

9.5 Demonstration and research garden

Demonstration gardens communicate specific principles, techniques or plant collections. They may be located at universities, research institutions, botanical gardens or public facilities.

Examples include water-wise planting demonstrations, native-plant collections, experimental planting beds and educational gardens.

Their layout should make comparisons easy to understand through clear labels, routes, interpretation panels and well-defined planting areas.

10. How to choose a garden type for an architectural project

The right garden is the one that responds to the site and the people who will use it. Selecting a style based only on appearance can create problems with drainage, maintenance, plant health and usability.

10.1 Begin with site analysis

Before preparing the landscape plan, record:

• Site boundaries, dimensions and levels.
• Building entrances and circulation routes.
• Existing trees and vegetation worth retaining.
• Sunlight and shade patterns.
• Prevailing winds and exposure.
• Soil conditions and infiltration.
• Sources of water and drainage outfalls.
• Adjacent buildings, views and privacy conditions.
• Utilities and maintenance access.

These factors influence both the type of garden and the layout.

10.2 Define the intended use

Ask what the space needs to provide.

• Visual character: ornamental or formal garden.
• Relaxation: courtyard, sensory or contemplative garden.
• Food production: kitchen garden or edible landscape.
• Education: botanical, demonstration or school garden.
• Ecological function: wildlife-friendly or native-plant garden.
• Stormwater management: rain garden or integrated drainage landscape.
• Limited footprint: container, balcony, vertical or rooftop garden.

Multiple functions can be combined, provided they are compatible.

10.3 Match the garden to the building

A landscape should respond to the architectural concept, not compete with it.

For example, a building with a strong central entrance may benefit from a clear axial approach. A building organized around a courtyard may need shaded planting, visual privacy and comfortable seating. An office campus may need legible pedestrian routes, shaded outdoor areas and planting that does not obstruct security or wayfinding.

The relationship should be assessed in plan, section and elevation. A tree that looks suitable in plan may obstruct an important window, interfere with a façade or require more soil volume than is available.

10.4 Consider climate and plant selection

Climate affects plant survival, irrigation demand, shading and the usability of outdoor spaces.

In hot climates, designers may prioritize appropriate shade, heat-tolerant planting, soil moisture management and comfortable routes. In cold climates, frost tolerance and seasonal exposure may be more important. In wet climates, drainage and species tolerance for saturated soil may govern the design.

Plant selection should use reliable horticultural information and consider mature dimensions, root behavior, maintenance, potential invasiveness and ecological suitability.

10.5 Coordinate landscape and building services

Landscape design should be coordinated with:

• Stormwater drainage.
• Irrigation and water storage.
• Electrical and outdoor lighting.
• Underground utilities.
• Waterproofing and roof drainage.
• Fire access and emergency routes.
• Maintenance and service circulation.

For rooftop and podium landscapes, structural capacity and waterproofing are especially important. The landscape design should not be finalized independently of the building’s engineering systems.

10.6 Design for accessibility and safety

Paths should provide clear routes between entrances, seating areas and garden destinations. Changes in level, paving materials, gradients, handrails and edge protection should be considered in accordance with applicable accessibility and building requirements.

Avoid placing thorny plants, unstable objects or intrusive vegetation where they could create hazards. Ponds and water features need appropriate safety measures for their users and setting.

10.7 Plan for long-term maintenance

A landscape drawing should communicate more than the initial appearance. It should account for how the garden will grow and how it will be maintained.

Consider:

• Mature plant size and spacing.
• Pruning and replacement requirements.
• Irrigation access and maintenance.
• Seasonal leaf litter and debris.
• Replacement of failed plants.
• Access for equipment and maintenance staff.
• Long-term costs and management responsibility.

A garden that cannot be maintained appropriately may lose its intended design quality within a few years.

11. Garden elements and their architectural functions

Element	Primary function	Design consideration
Trees	Shade, canopy, spatial structure and visual focus	Mature size, roots, soil volume and overhead clearance
Shrubs and hedges	Screening, enclosure and spatial division	Height, density, maintenance and sightlines
Groundcovers	Surface planting and visual continuity	Spread, maintenance and suitability to shade or sun
Paths	Circulation and spatial connection	Accessibility, drainage, materials and route clarity
Lawns	Recreation and open space	Water demand, use intensity and maintenance
Water features	Visual focus, sound and habitat opportunities	Water supply, filtration, safety and maintenance
Pergolas	Shade and outdoor spatial definition	Structure, drainage, orientation and climbing plants
Walls and fences	Enclosure, privacy and level retention	Structural performance, visibility and material context
Seating	Rest and social interaction	Shade, accessibility, comfort and views
Lighting	Night-time visibility and atmosphere	Glare, energy use, safety and ecological impact
Planters	Contained planting where ground soil is unavailable	Drainage, growing volume, loading and irrigation

These elements should be selected according to the function of the garden rather than included as a standard checklist for every project.

12. Real architectural and landscape examples

The following examples provide useful references for studying how garden traditions connect geometry, topography, water and architecture.

1. Shalimar Gardens, Lahore

Designer: Developed under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan · Location: Lahore, Pakistan · 1641–42

A major example of Mughal garden planning, with terraces, axial organization, water basins, pavilions and structured planting. Its historical significance and layout are documented by UNESCO.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Design lesson:

Coordinate water, movement, levels and architecture as one composition.

2. Gardens of Versailles

Landscape designer: André Le Nôtre · Location: Versailles, France · Major development in the seventeenth century

A major reference for French formal garden design, noted for geometric parterres, long axes, fountains and carefully controlled views.

Design lesson:

Axial planning can establish hierarchy and connect a building to a large landscape.

3. Ryōan-ji dry landscape garden

Designer: No securely established individual designer · Location: Kyoto, Japan · Historical dating is debated

A notable Japanese dry landscape garden, using carefully composed stones, gravel and a restrained setting.

Design lesson:

Composition, spacing and the viewer’s position can create a powerful spatial experience without extensive planting or water.

4. Villa d’Este

Patron: Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este · Location: Tivoli, Italy · Sixteenth century

A significant Renaissance garden with terraces, fountains, water engineering and strong spatial relationships with the villa.

Design lesson:

Topography and water systems can become major components of landscape architecture.

These examples represent different traditions and should not be treated as identical design models. Their value lies in understanding the specific spatial principles behind each landscape.

13. Advantages of gardens in architecture

Well-planned gardens can contribute to building performance, outdoor comfort and user experience.

Environmental contributions

• Provide shade where tree placement and canopy growth are appropriate.
• Support vegetation and habitat.
• Help manage runoff when designed for that purpose.
• Improve the quality and usability of outdoor spaces.
• Support soil protection and planting diversity.

Spatial and architectural contributions

• Create transitions between buildings and their surroundings.
• Organize entrances, paths and outdoor rooms.
• Frame views and establish visual hierarchy.
• Provide areas for recreation, rest and social interaction.
• Connect interior spaces with the outdoors.

Educational and productive contributions

• Support plant study and environmental learning.
• Provide space for growing edible plants.
• Demonstrate water-wise and ecological landscape strategies.
• Create settings for community participation.

These benefits are design-dependent. A garden does not automatically reduce building energy consumption, manage all stormwater or support biodiversity simply because it contains vegetation.

14. Limitations and common challenges

Garden design must address several practical constraints.

• Water demand: Poor plant selection can create unnecessary irrigation requirements.
• Maintenance: Hedges, lawns, ponds and specialized living-wall systems can require ongoing care.
• Plant growth: Mature trees and shrubs may obstruct views, paths or services if incorrectly located.
• Drainage: Poorly planned grading can cause standing water or damage adjoining buildings.
• Structural loading: Rooftop and elevated gardens need appropriate engineering.
• Safety: Water features, level changes and unsuitable plants can create hazards.
• Ecological mismatch: Invasive or unsuitable species may damage local ecosystems.
• Accessibility: Narrow paths, steep gradients and inaccessible seating can exclude users.
• Cost: Complex irrigation, water features and specialized planting systems may increase installation and operating costs.

A good landscape design anticipates these constraints at the planning stage rather than relying on later maintenance to solve them.

15. Common mistakes in garden planning

1. Choosing a garden style before understanding the site.
2. Selecting plants based only on appearance.
3. Ignoring mature plant dimensions.
4. Using excessive lawn or water features without considering the local climate.
5. Failing to coordinate planting with underground services.
6. Overlooking rooftop loading, waterproofing or drainage.
7. Designing paths without considering accessibility.
8. Using decorative features that obstruct circulation.
9. Treating a naturalistic garden as an unplanned landscape.
10. Failing to provide maintenance access and a realistic maintenance strategy.

The most effective gardens combine a clear concept with practical planning, suitable plant selection and long-term management.

16. Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of gardens?

The main types include formal, informal, traditional, ornamental, kitchen, botanical, wildlife, water, rock, courtyard, rooftop, vertical, indoor and rain gardens. These categories overlap because they describe different aspects of garden design.

How many types of gardens are there?

There is no universally accepted total. Gardens can be classified by style, cultural tradition, purpose, planting system and location. A single garden may belong to several categories at the same time.

What is the difference between formal and informal gardens?

Formal gardens generally emphasize geometry, symmetry, defined axes and controlled planting. Informal gardens use more asymmetrical compositions, flowing routes and naturalistic planting arrangements. Both require careful planning and maintenance.

Which garden types are suitable for small spaces?

Container, vertical, balcony, courtyard and compact indoor gardens can work well in limited spaces. The best option depends on sunlight, drainage, structural capacity, available maintenance and intended use.

Which gardens are suitable for hot and dry climates?

Water-efficient gardens, appropriately designed native-plant gardens and xeriscape approaches can be suitable for hot and dry climates. Plant choice, shade, soil conditions, irrigation and local ecological suitability should guide the design.

What is the difference between a botanical garden and an arboretum?

A botanical garden generally maintains a broad range of documented plant collections for education, research, conservation or display. An arboretum focuses primarily on trees and other woody plants, although it may form part of a botanical garden.

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a shallow planted depression designed to receive runoff from surfaces such as roofs and paving. Where conditions permit, it temporarily stores runoff and allows infiltration while supporting suitable vegetation.

RHS Advice

Are rooftop gardens and green roofs the same?

Not necessarily. A rooftop garden usually refers to a planted outdoor area on a roof, often designed for use by people. A green roof refers to a roof system designed to support vegetation and may be extensive or intensive, accessible or inaccessible.

What should architects consider before designing a garden?

Architects should consider site levels, climate, soil, sunlight, water availability, circulation, accessibility, plant growth, drainage, structural requirements, building services and maintenance. These factors should be coordinated with the architectural design from the early stages.

Which garden type is best for sustainable landscape design?

There is no single best type. Sustainable performance depends on appropriate plant selection, water management, soil protection, habitat value, suitable materials, maintenance requirements and the site’s climate. A well-planned garden may combine several approaches.

17. Conclusion

The different types of gardens demonstrate how landscape design can respond to cultural traditions, architectural form, environmental conditions and human needs.

Formal and informal gardens provide two broad approaches to spatial organization. Traditional styles such as Persian, Mughal, Japanese, Italian and French gardens offer distinct historical and compositional references. Functional gardens, including kitchen, botanical, wildlife, sensory and rain gardens, address specific activities and environmental objectives. Courtyard, rooftop, vertical and indoor gardens respond to the physical relationship between vegetation and buildings.

For architects and landscape designers, the key is not to select a garden type based on appearance alone. The garden should respond to the site, climate, intended users, building design, available resources and long-term maintenance requirements.

The most successful landscape is one in which planting, circulation, water, materials and architecture work together to create a useful, coherent and environmentally appropriate outdoor space.