The Formal Garden is a classic English-style garden featuring manicured hedges & terraced limestone walls that create a sense of enclosure & privacy. Everybody should know about Sunken Garden. The garden is anchored by an 80-foot long reflecting pool that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Throughout the year, the garden is adorned with a variety of flowering plants, including spring bulbs, annuals, perennials, & shrubs, in cool color tones.
This garden is one of the oldest & most cherished at the park, having been transformed from a rose mall in the early 1950s into the present-day formal garden. Its symmetrical design & rectangular shape are accentuated by a two-foot drop from the edges of the garden, giving it the distinct name of the Formal Garden.
![](https://gardenclient.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-1-1024x486.jpg)
Table of Contents
Sunken Garden:
What is sunkens garden?
A sunkens garden is a type of garden that is designed to be located below the level of the surrounding l&. Typically, a sunkens garden is created by excavating a depression in the ground & then building up the soil around the edges to create a raised border. This creates a kind of bowl-shaped space that can be filled with plants, flowers, & other garden features.
Sunkens gardens were popularized in the early 20th century as a way to create private, enclosed outdoor spaces that were protected from the wind & noise of the surrounding environment. They are often used as a decorative feature in formal gardens, but can also be designed to serve functional purposes such as rainwater retention or to create microclimates for specific types of plants.
![](https://gardenclient.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-3-1024x486.jpg)
How to make a sunken garden
Creating a sunken garden involves several steps, & the specific process will depend on the location, size, & desired features of the garden. A typical process is outlined here:
Choose a location
Sunken Garden. Select a site that has good drainage & is not prone to flooding. It’s also important to consider the surrounding landscape & the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Design the layout
Sketch out a rough plan of the garden, including the shape & size of the depression, the height of the surrounding border, & any features you want to include such as pathways, seating areas, or water features.
Excavate the depression
Use a backhoe or other heavy equipment to dig out the depression to the desired depth. The depth will depend on the height of the surrounding border & any drainage requirements.
Build the border
Use retaining walls or other materials to build up the border around the depression. This can be done using natural stone, bricks, concrete, or other materials. Make sure the border is sturdy & level.
Install drainage
If needed, install drainage pipes or gravel to ensure good drainage in the sunken garden.
Add soil & compost
Fill the depression with high-quality soil & compost, creating planting beds for your desired plants.
Plant & landscape
Choose plants & other features that fit with your desired aesthetic & functional goals. Consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, & water requirements.
Maintain & care for the garden
Regularly water, weed, & fertilize the garden as needed to keep it healthy & thriving.
Keep in mind that creating a sunken garden can be a complex & time-consuming process, so it may be helpful to consult with a professional landscaper or gardener to ensure that you achieve the best results.
How to care for a sunken garden
Caring for a sunken garden involves regular maintenance to ensure that the plants & other features remain healthy & thriving. Here are some tips for caring for a sunken garden:
Watering
Depending on the plants you have chosen & the climate in your area, your sunken garden may require regular watering to stay healthy. Make sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth, & water early in the day to avoid evaporation & disease.
![](https://pd.w.org/2022/01/26061d763eca13bb6.11341561.jpg)
Best Embarking on an Ethereal Odyssey
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to provide the necessary nutrients for your plants. Apply fertilizer according to the instructions on the package, or consult with a gardening professional for advice.
Weeding
Keep your sunken garden free from weeds by pulling them regularly by h& or using a hoe or other weeding tool. Weeds can compete with your plants for nutrients & water, & can also harbor pests & disease.
Pruning
Regular pruning of your plants will help to maintain their shape & encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches, & prune back overgrown or leggy growth.
Pest & disease control
Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease in your sunken garden, & take action quickly to prevent further damage. Use natural methods or low-toxicity pest control products to minimize harm to beneficial insects & wildlife.
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, to help retain moisture & suppress weeds in your sunken garden.
Pathway maintenance
If your sunken garden includes pathways or other hardscaping features, keep them clean & well-maintained to prevent tripping hazards & maintain the overall aesthetic of the garden.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your sunken garden remains healthy, beautiful, & thriving for years to come.
In conclusion, a sunken garden can be a stunning & unique addition to any landscape. With its lower elevation & surrounding borders, a sunken garden can create a sense of intimacy & privacy while still providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you choose a formal English-style garden or a more naturalistic design, a sunken garden requires careful planning, excavation, & planting to achieve the desired effect. With regular maintenance & care, a sunken garden can provide years of enjoyment & beauty for you & your visitors to enjoy.
Read our other article