 | What Is A Focal Point?
A focal point is, by definition, an item or object that draws or attracts attention. In the case of a focal point in a garden this can be an object or a specific area of planting. A tree or large shrub can make an excellent focal point and so can a water feature or a statue. In fact even a change in plating colors can be used as a highly effective focal point but generally speaking all gardens need a focal point of some description.
Using Circles In Your Garden
The human brain can quickly pinpoint circles and even creates entire circles from only small sections. The brain can also identify the center of a circle quickly and this means that good focal points should usually be placed in the center of a circle or semi circle. In gardens, circles are created by using curved paths or curved edges on planting beds and most gardens have a circular form somewhere in the garden because our eyes take easily to this shape.
Why Use A Focal Point?
In some cases it isn’t necessary for the focal point to be in your own garden. If you have a spectacular horizon at the back of your garden then you can use this as a focal point and base your garden design around it. Hills and mountains are the perfect example of a focal backdrop. Of course, not everyone is fortunate enough to live next to a mountain range or tall hill and it may be necessary to create your own focal point, however, a focal point is a necessary part of the garden. Visitors and even the gardener themselves will always be looking for a focal point because this is the position where the eyes naturally come to rest allowing vision to work outwards from that area (hence, why focal points are usually in the center). With no focal point, there is essentially no structure to the garden and you will always be left looking for one area to concentrate on.
What To Use As A Focal Point
Trees and large plants make superb focal points although you should not plant them in the way of natural focal points if possible. Trees work well because of there sheer size. If you have a long narrow garden then one or two trees can be placed at the end of the garden to create the perfect focal point. Alternatively you can use trees to frame a focal point adding to the overall effect. If you have a water feature such as a garden fountain at the foot of your garden then using two trees to frame the water feature will make it stand out even more.
Plan Your Garden Around Your Focal Point
Planning a garden around a single focal point is not a bad idea but it can sometimes be difficult selecting a focal point before you have an idea of what the garden will look like. You should at least try to decide on the type of focal point you intend to use. If you have existing trees in your garden or you have fantastic scenery then this should make your decision much easier, otherwise you should decide whether you want to use planting, objects or a feature as your focal point and then design your garden around that theme. If you intend to use the scenery then you should try to frame it and avoid placing plants that will eventually grow and cover your natural focal point. Use what you have and if you need to create something new try to make it look natural.
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