A typical feature of formal gardens is the axial and symmetrical arrangement of pathways and beds. Both of these elements are typically enclosed, for example with low box hedges or flower borders. The garden itself is usually surrounded by "green walls", for instance walls covered in climbing plants, fences or clipped
hedges. The area that has been created by this procedure is again divided by hedges,
espaliers, and
trellises. The enclosed areas of the different parts are structured by means of low elements. This creates an atmosphere of clarity and straightness and thus also a certain degree of simplicity. The center of the garden is often accentuated by a round, oval or square structural element, which is usually made of
dimension stone. This is mostly necessary for
topiary, which is a practice where
evergreen woody plants, for example
box trees,
yew trees,
hollies or
pine trees are cut into geometric shapes, such as
spheres,
pyramids, or
cones, but also into animal shapes or other more fanciful shapes. In larger formal gardens, usually there are
hedge mazes, which are constructed by means of topiary. These mazes include archways, hidden resting places and
cul-de-sacs. Usually, low
perennial plants and flowers harmonize well are planted in
herbaceous borders. However, the main criterion is not the bloom but rather the shape and effect produced by the color of the leaves. Therefore, ornamental
foliage plants are often selected for the beds. The type of
lawn that can be found in a formal garden, if used, is usually closely cut ornamental lawn. Formal garden Tryon Palace, North Carolina.jpg|Typical formal garden Jardines de Sabatini (Madrid) 01.jpg|
Sabatini Gardens at the
Palacio Real in Madrid SchlossVillandryGarten10.jpg|Formal gardens in
Château de Villandry Formal Garden, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey (geograph 2510706).jpg|Formal garden in
Hampton Court Palace Modern formal garden, Dallas, Texas.jpg|Modern formal garden == See also ==