If you want to decorate a garden plot, then it is not necessary to seek help from specialists in landscape design. Everything can be done on your own without much effort. The Alpine style is especially popular, which is suitable for areas with uneven terrain or a small area.
What is alpine landscape design
The creation of alpine landscape design implies that it should resemble the terrain of France and Switzerland. Given that in such regions the relief is different, most of the compositions are based on the difference in height. If you have a flat site, you will need to make enough effort to create a beautiful design. After all, the Alpine style implies the presence of slides, slopes and embankments.
The creation of such a corner is possible even in areas of 5-6 acres. However, shaded areas have to be eliminated. Thanks to the bright sun, a beautiful design is created.
Which regions are often used
Alpine landscape design is relevant for all regions of the country. The only question is whether there will be a beautiful result or all the work will go down the drain. It is not relevant to create a similar style in areas located on the plain or in the lowland.
Did you know? Emperor Claudius Caesar was independently engaged in landscaping in the garden, spending up to 5 hours a day on it.
It doesn’t matter how much time, effort and money you spend on performing compositions. Achieve the desired result will not work. The climatic characteristics of the region only affect which plants can be grown on the site.
Site Layout Details
The most basic rule in creating alpine design is to approach the natural landscape. Therefore, it is not recommended to use those items that are not found in natural conditions. In nature, paths that intersect at right angles never come across. Therefore, their presence will not allow you to create a beautiful and natural style. Do not build tall structures in the garden that may block terrain.
The alpine-style garden, which is located on several terraces, looks pretty pretty. Thanks to this relief, it is possible to create beautiful compositions using streams and waterfalls. On the terrain between the ledges you can place ladders. For this, rocky slabs are used. It will be very beautiful if they differ in style and width. Between separate zones, it is better to make a fence of pieces of stone, rather than apply solid partitions.
Video: Alpine-style garden
Alpine palette
A beautiful alpine palette is the contrast between greenery and stony shades. Buildings made in gray and brown colors look rather unusual and aesthetically pleasing.
You can also add natural stone and wood, which is a little aged. Flowering plants and shrubs complement the vibrant landscape.
Important! Place the house and outbuildings at the highest point of the garden. So all designer compositions will be better viewed.
Signs of alpine style in landscape design
If you want to make a beautiful alpine style in landscape design, you will need to study a few signs. Thanks to them, you can recreate the natural beauty of the mountains on your own site.
Try to use only high-quality materials so that they are characterized by durability. Otherwise, with heavy precipitation, the wood will lose its presentability very quickly.
Alpine slides
The most striking sign of an alpine garden is a slide. In other words, it is called a rock garden. On the Internet, you can find a huge number of options for the implementation of such slides. If you cannot recreate them yourself, then it is better to use the services of experienced designers.
You can choose the style option that suits the budget and landscape conditions. If everything is done correctly, then every idea will be an object of pride and admiration.Rockeries
Quite often, rockeries are created on the site, which they consider an indispensable element of such a design. They are a composition consisting of stones and vegetation. Externally, rockeries are similar to rock gardens.
There are also several differences between these compositions. The first is that it is not necessary for a rockery to create a hill. You can place it on flat areas or gentle slopes. Also do not forget to use stones of different sizes and structures. Even fine gravel can be used. When choosing plants, give preference to cereals and conifers.Small ponds and dry streams
To complement the alpine landscape design, you can build small ponds on the site. All water that is in the garden (waterfalls, streams and slides) must fall into them. It is recommended to fill out the coastline with boulders and pebbles. When you create an artificial landscape, try to adhere to the natural mountain design.
Did you know? The gardens of Ancient Greece began to be decorated with sculptures and columns only in the X century BC. e.
Dry streams not only make the site beautiful, but also serve as a drainage ditch. The advantage of such reservoirs is that they can be equipped in any part of the garden: hills and depressions, shade or sun. Also, you do not have to regularly change the water, install pumps, filters or compressors to prevent stagnation of water.
- Other advantages of a dry stream include:
- no complicated water supply system required;
- saving on the film, which cover the bottom;
- algae that cause a lot of trouble to gardeners do not start.
Pergolas
Pergolas perfectly complement your landscape design. Their advantage is that there are a large number of different design options. You yourself can choose the option that will fit into the design of the garden.
The arbor canopy differs from the usual design in that it lacks walls, an entrance and parapets. Their weight is so light that it can be transported to different parts of the garden. Also, for the installation of gazebos, awnings, you do not need to create the main foundation. The structure consists of pillars of a vertical type that hold a roof on themselves.
There are several main types of such arbors:
Arbor Chalet
Chalet-style gazebos for alpine landscape design are perfect. To complement the site and make it more aesthetic, you must adhere to the following rules:
- width of the roof overhang. Dimensions should be such that the gazebo is protected from heavy rainfall;
- four-pitched roof. Due to this, a sufficient amount of snow will accumulate on the surface, which will additionally insulate the structure;
- dimensions of wooden elements. The chalet should be created exclusively from wood. Previously, all elements must be coated with a protective substance that will prevent rot and pest damage;
- brevity of design. Only two colors should be used - brown (wood) and gray (from stone).
Chalet House
Quite often, in addition to alpine landscape design, chalet-style homes are equipped. The ground floor of the building must be laid out with gray stones to give great aesthetics. Tamp the soil near the house and lay the paving slabs.
In the process of creating a building in the style of a chalet, the use of plastic elements is not acceptable. Therefore, the design consists only in painting and plastering. The facade should not have metal structures. If you equipped the house with a forged staircase, then it is better to hide it from the back of the building. Prefer a gable roof that will protrude above the walls. Thanks to this design, the appearance of the flagship will be created. Such a roof is not afraid of heavy rainfall or wind.Important! If you are going to use a brick, not a small stone, then choose only gray varieties so as not to violate the alpine design.
What plants are used in alpine style
Plants should be such that the artificial alpine style is as close as possible to the natural mountainous terrain. When choosing trees, give preference to coniferous crops, both large and dwarf. Very often, spruce, arborvitae, juniper and fir are found in such areas. You can also grow beautiful shrubs, in particular: boxwood, barberry and honeysuckle.
When choosing flower-grassy compositions, give preference to cinquefoil and blue linen. Pay particular attention to plants that will inhibit weed growth.You can also beautifully complement the design with cereal crops:
- Oats are evergreen.
- Fescue.
- Ozhikoy.
Ferns and irises are planted near ponds. You can also complement the composition with heather and sedge.
Use of water
To create a special flavor, it is recommended to use different types of reservoirs on the site. If you are creating an Alpine-style garden, then the best option would be:
- Flowing streams that carry life-giving moisture.
- Ponds located at the foot of a hill.
Alpine style in landscape design is the best option to decorate a hopeless site. Thanks to the simple compositions, you can create a paradise near the house, which is not only characterized by durability, but also unpretentious in care.