Harmony In SIMPLICITY

Minimalism and gardening make a surprisingly harmonious pairing with the right design and a return to the basics

- MADISON MOULTON

Minimalism is commonly discussed in the design realm yet often misconstrued or oversimplified. It is far more than the phrase 'less is more', although that does encompass a mantra many choose to follow. In design terms, it's an exploration into the essence of objects, a reduction to raw form and function, and a statement that asserts the power of space, negative and positive, where silence can be as impactful as a loud crescendo. The core philosophy of minimalism stems from a desire to strip away excess and celebrate the beauty of simplicity.

In an age of overabundance, where consumerism threatens to overrun our homes, minds and, indeed, our gardens, minimalism is more than just a design aesthetic. It's a quiet rebellion.

MINIMALISM AND GARDENING: A PERFECT PAIRING

Considering the established gardening practices and the tenets of minimalism, you may wonder how the two can coexist. It's an interesting question, as gardens have long been spaces of abundance-riotous colour, overgrown foliage and as many plants as you can possibly pack in. But in this abundance, we risk losing sight of individual elements such as the subtle texture of a leaf, the delicate curve of a stem or the striking form of a flower.

Herein lies the true beauty of minimalist gardening. It's a design ethos that marries the tenets of minimalism with the natural world creating gardens that are tranquil, aesthetically pleasing and deeply attuned to the environment. In a minimalist garden, every plant, stone and water feature serves a purpose. There is no room for meaningless decoration, only mindful design. This union of minimalism and gardening brings about serenity and a connection to nature that is so often lacking in our fast-paced, chaotic world.

THE TENETS OF MINIMALIST DESIGN