⛲️Garden Styles, Landscaping and Garden Features
Complete guide to formal, informal, and freestyle garden styles, Mughal garden symbolism, Japanese Zen gardens, English gardens, lawn management, bonsai, topiary, edges, and hedges for competitive exams.
Stand at the lowest terrace of the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir, and water channels stretch symmetrically toward a grand terminal building at the summit — every tree, fountain, and pathway following a precise geometric plan. Now step into the Buddha Jayanti Park in New Delhi, and the scene is entirely different: winding paths, natural rock arrangements, and sand patterns that mimic flowing water without a drop being used. These two gardens represent the two fundamental approaches to garden design — formal and informal — and understanding their differences is a cornerstone of landscape horticulture exams.
IMPORTANT
The three garden styles — Formal, Informal, and Freestyle — are frequently tested. Focus on their distinguishing features: symmetry type, land treatment, and hedge maintenance. Also remember: Mughal gardens have 7, 8, or 12 terraces with deep symbolic meaning.
Three Styles of Garden Design
Comparison Table
| Feature | Formal | Informal | Freestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design approach | Plan first, then select land | Land first, adapt plan | Combination of both |
| Symmetry | Symmetrical (mirror-balanced) | Asymmetrical | Mixed |
| Land | Leveled | Natural contours preserved | Varies |
| Beds and borders | Geometric (square, rectangular, circular) | Non-geometric, free-flowing | Mixed |
| Paths | Right angles (90 degrees) | Curved, irregular | Mixed |
| Hedges and topiary | Trimmed | Untrimmed, natural growth | Varies |
| Individual trees | Used as focal points | Not highlighted (whole landscape) | Varies |
| Examples | Mughal, Persian, Pinjore, Italian, French, American | Japanese, Chinese, English | Rose Garden of Chandigarh |
TIP
Quick contrast: Formal = symmetrical, leveled, geometric, trimmed, plan-first. Informal = asymmetrical, natural terrain, free-flowing, untrimmed, land-first.
Formal Style
The formal style is defined by precision, order, and geometric symmetry. Every element is deliberately planned before execution — the design comes first, and the site is chosen to fit the plan.
Key characteristics:
- Mirror-balanced layout along a central axis
- Strict geometric shapes for planting beds
- Paths cut at right angles (90 degrees)
- Hedges, edges, and topiary are regularly trimmed
- Specimen trees placed as focal points
Informal Style
The informal style works with the existing natural landscape rather than imposing a rigid design.
Key characteristics:
- Plan adapts to the natural terrain
- Land not leveled — contours and slopes preserved
- Asymmetrical layout mimicking natural randomness
- Free-flowing, curved borders
- Plants allowed to grow naturally without strict pruning
Freestyle
A modern, flexible approach that blends the best of both traditions. The Rose Garden of Chandigarh beautifully combines structured rose beds with naturalistic landscaping.
Famous Garden Types — Detailed Features
Mughal Gardens (Formal)
Among the most iconic examples of formal garden design in India, inspired by Persian garden traditions and built during the Mughal era.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Terraces | 7, 8, or 12 terraces symbolizing 7 planets, 8 paradise, and 12 zodiacal signs. Entrance at the lowest terrace. |
| Running water | Life and soul of Mughal garden. Channels, fountains, cascades (Chahar Bagh = four-part layout). |
| Baradari | Canopied building with 12 open doors (3 in each direction). Literally means “twelve doors.” |
| High protecting wall | Privacy, security, and sense of enclosed paradise. (“Paradise” = from Persian pairidaeza = “walled garden”.) |
| Terminal building | Grand structure at the highest point — visual culmination of the design. |
| Scented flowers | Roses, jasmine, narcissus — selected for multisensory experience. |
Symbolism in Mughal Gardens
| Element | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Water | Source of life |
| Cross of water channels | Meeting of humanity with God |
| Eight divisions | Eight divisions of the Quran (spiritual completeness) |
| Cypress + flowering trees | Immortality (cypress = eternity) and renewal of life (flowering trees = life cycle) |
| Bauhinia alba | Youth and life |
Japanese Gardens (Informal)
Celebrated for serene beauty and philosophical depth. Embody principles of harmony (wa), simplicity (kanso), and contemplation.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Also called | Zen garden (influence of Zen Buddhism) |
| Garden lanterns (toro) | Stone lanterns — originally lit paths to tea ceremonies |
| Garden pagoda | Buddhist symbolism — five elements of nature |
| Dry landscape (karesansui) | Sand, gravel, and rocks represent water and mountains without actual water |
| Wells | Symbolize depth and purity |
| Indian example | Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi |
English Gardens (Informal)
Known for a romantic, naturalistic approach blending structure with wild beauty.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Herbaceous border | Long mixed plantings of perennials arranged by height, colour, and bloom time |
| Rockery | Rock garden with alpine plants — miniature mountain landscape |
| Lawn | Well-maintained green grass — central open space |
| Cottage garden | Dense, informal mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables |
| Indian example | Rashtrapati Garden |
Garden Features
Lawn
- Regarded as the heart of the garden
- No garden is complete without a lawn
- Best planting method: Turf method (quickest — pre-grown grass mats laid on prepared soil)
Bonsai
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japanese art of extreme dwarfing |
| Meaning | ”Planted in a container” |
| Optimum size | 30-60 cm |
| Best wire | Aluminium wire (soft, flexible, easy to apply) |
| Techniques | Pruning, wiring, root restriction |
Topiary
- Art of training plants into shapes — animals, birds, geometric forms
- Key feature of formal gardens
- Plants must be evergreen (foliage year-round)
- Examples: Duranta, Murraya paniculata
Edge
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Definition | Low-growing plants on the border of plots |
| Height | 30 cm |
| Examples | Alternanthera, Sunrose |
Hedges
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Definition | Shrubs planted on boundaries for fencing (living fences) |
| Types | Ornamental (beauty) or Protective (thorny, deters intruders) |
| Height | 1-2 metres |
| Examples | Karonda, Bougainvillea, Mehndi, Hibiscus, Clerodendron, Lantana |
| Group of shrubs | Called a shrubbery |
Famous Gardens of India
Summary Table — Quick Exam Revision
Garden Styles & Features Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Formal garden symmetry | Symmetrical (mirror-balanced) |
| Informal garden symmetry | Asymmetrical |
| Formal examples | Mughal, Persian, Pinjore, Italian, French |
| Informal examples | Japanese, Chinese, English |
| Freestyle example | Rose Garden of Chandigarh |
| Mughal garden terraces | 7 (planets), 8 (paradise), 12 (zodiac) |
| Baradari | 12 open doors (3 each direction) |
| Water in Mughal garden | Life and soul |
| Paradise origin | Persian pairidaeza = walled garden |
| Japanese garden also called | Zen garden |
| Dry landscape technique | Karesansui |
| Indian Zen garden | Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi |
| English garden example (India) | Rashtrapati Garden |
| Lawn = | Heart of the garden |
| Lawn planting method | Turf method (quickest) |
| Bonsai origin | Japan |
| Bonsai size | 30-60 cm |
| Bonsai wire | Aluminium |
| Topiary plants | Duranta, Murraya paniculata |
| Edge height | 30 cm |
| Edge plants | Alternanthera, Sunrose |
| Hedge height | 1-2 metres |
| Hedge plants | Karonda, Bougainvillea, Mehndi, Hibiscus |
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Formal garden symmetry type | Symmetrical (mirror-balanced) |
| Informal garden symmetry type | Asymmetrical |
| Formal garden examples | Mughal, Persian, Pinjore, Italian, French |
| Informal garden examples | Japanese, Chinese, English |
| Freestyle garden example | Rose Garden of Chandigarh |
| Mughal garden terraces symbolism | 7 (planets), 8 (paradise), 12 (zodiac) |
| Baradari has how many doors | 12 open doors (3 in each direction) |
| Life and soul of Mughal garden | Running water |
| Japanese garden also called | Zen garden |
| Dry landscape technique (Japanese) | Karesansui |
| Indian example of Japanese garden | Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi |
| Indian example of English garden | Rashtrapati Garden |
| Lawn is considered the | Heart of the garden |
| Best lawn planting method | Turf method |
| Bonsai origin and optimum size | Japan; 30-60 cm |
| Best wire for bonsai | Aluminium wire |
| Topiary plant examples | Duranta, Murraya paniculata |
| Edge plant height and examples | 30 cm; Alternanthera, Sunrose |
| Hedge height and examples | 1-2 metres; Karonda, Bougainvillea, Mehndi |
TIP
Mnemonic for formal vs informal gardens: “SLG-TUFT” for Formal = Symmetrical, Leveled, Geometric, Trimmed, plan-first. “ANF-UL” for Informal = Asymmetrical, Natural terrain, Free-flowing, Untrimmed, Land-first.
Pro Content Locked
Upgrade to Pro to access this lesson and all other premium content.
₹2388 billed yearly
- All Agriculture & Banking Courses
- AI Lesson Questions (100/day)
- AI Doubt Solver (50/day)
- Glows & Grows Feedback (30/day)
- AI Section Quiz (20/day)
- 22-Language Translation (30/day)
- Recall Questions (20/day)
- AI Quiz (15/day)
- AI Quiz Paper Analysis
- AI Step-by-Step Explanations
- Spaced Repetition Recall (FSRS)
- AI Tutor
- Immersive Text Questions
- Audio Lessons — Hindi & English
- Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
- Summary & Mind Maps
- XP, Levels, Leaderboard & Badges
- Generate New Classrooms
- Voice AI Teacher (AgriDots Live)
- AI Revision Assistant
- Knowledge Gap Analysis
- Interactive Revision (LangGraph)
🔒 Secure via Razorpay · Cancel anytime · No hidden fees
Stand at the lowest terrace of the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir, and water channels stretch symmetrically toward a grand terminal building at the summit — every tree, fountain, and pathway following a precise geometric plan. Now step into the Buddha Jayanti Park in New Delhi, and the scene is entirely different: winding paths, natural rock arrangements, and sand patterns that mimic flowing water without a drop being used. These two gardens represent the two fundamental approaches to garden design — formal and informal — and understanding their differences is a cornerstone of landscape horticulture exams.
IMPORTANT
The three garden styles — Formal, Informal, and Freestyle — are frequently tested. Focus on their distinguishing features: symmetry type, land treatment, and hedge maintenance. Also remember: Mughal gardens have 7, 8, or 12 terraces with deep symbolic meaning.
Three Styles of Garden Design
Comparison Table
| Feature | Formal | Informal | Freestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design approach | Plan first, then select land | Land first, adapt plan | Combination of both |
| Symmetry | Symmetrical (mirror-balanced) | Asymmetrical | Mixed |
| Land | Leveled | Natural contours preserved | Varies |
| Beds and borders | Geometric (square, rectangular, circular) | Non-geometric, free-flowing | Mixed |
| Paths | Right angles (90 degrees) | Curved, irregular | Mixed |
| Hedges and topiary | Trimmed | Untrimmed, natural growth | Varies |
| Individual trees | Used as focal points | Not highlighted (whole landscape) | Varies |
| Examples | Mughal, Persian, Pinjore, Italian, French, American | Japanese, Chinese, English | Rose Garden of Chandigarh |
TIP
Quick contrast: Formal = symmetrical, leveled, geometric, trimmed, plan-first. Informal = asymmetrical, natural terrain, free-flowing, untrimmed, land-first.
Formal Style
The formal style is defined by precision, order, and geometric symmetry. Every element is deliberately planned before execution — the design comes first, and the site is chosen to fit the plan.
Key characteristics:
- Mirror-balanced layout along a central axis
- Strict geometric shapes for planting beds
- Paths cut at right angles (90 degrees)
- Hedges, edges, and topiary are regularly trimmed
- Specimen trees placed as focal points
Informal Style
The informal style works with the existing natural landscape rather than imposing a rigid design.
Key characteristics:
- Plan adapts to the natural terrain
- Land not leveled — contours and slopes preserved
- Asymmetrical layout mimicking natural randomness
- Free-flowing, curved borders
- Plants allowed to grow naturally without strict pruning
Freestyle
A modern, flexible approach that blends the best of both traditions. The Rose Garden of Chandigarh beautifully combines structured rose beds with naturalistic landscaping.
Famous Garden Types — Detailed Features
Mughal Gardens (Formal)
Among the most iconic examples of formal garden design in India, inspired by Persian garden traditions and built during the Mughal era.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Terraces | 7, 8, or 12 terraces symbolizing 7 planets, 8 paradise, and 12 zodiacal signs. Entrance at the lowest terrace. |
| Running water | Life and soul of Mughal garden. Channels, fountains, cascades (Chahar Bagh = four-part layout). |
| Baradari | Canopied building with 12 open doors (3 in each direction). Literally means “twelve doors.” |
| High protecting wall | Privacy, security, and sense of enclosed paradise. (“Paradise” = from Persian pairidaeza = “walled garden”.) |
| Terminal building | Grand structure at the highest point — visual culmination of the design. |
| Scented flowers | Roses, jasmine, narcissus — selected for multisensory experience. |
Symbolism in Mughal Gardens
| Element | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Water | Source of life |
| Cross of water channels | Meeting of humanity with God |
| Eight divisions | Eight divisions of the Quran (spiritual completeness) |
| Cypress + flowering trees | Immortality (cypress = eternity) and renewal of life (flowering trees = life cycle) |
| Bauhinia alba | Youth and life |
Japanese Gardens (Informal)
Celebrated for serene beauty and philosophical depth. Embody principles of harmony (wa), simplicity (kanso), and contemplation.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Also called | Zen garden (influence of Zen Buddhism) |
| Garden lanterns (toro) | Stone lanterns — originally lit paths to tea ceremonies |
| Garden pagoda | Buddhist symbolism — five elements of nature |
| Dry landscape (karesansui) | Sand, gravel, and rocks represent water and mountains without actual water |
| Wells | Symbolize depth and purity |
| Indian example | Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi |
English Gardens (Informal)
Known for a romantic, naturalistic approach blending structure with wild beauty.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Herbaceous border | Long mixed plantings of perennials arranged by height, colour, and bloom time |
| Rockery | Rock garden with alpine plants — miniature mountain landscape |
| Lawn | Well-maintained green grass — central open space |
| Cottage garden | Dense, informal mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables |
| Indian example | Rashtrapati Garden |
Garden Features
Lawn
- Regarded as the heart of the garden
- No garden is complete without a lawn
- Best planting method: Turf method (quickest — pre-grown grass mats laid on prepared soil)
Bonsai
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japanese art of extreme dwarfing |
| Meaning | ”Planted in a container” |
| Optimum size | 30-60 cm |
| Best wire | Aluminium wire (soft, flexible, easy to apply) |
| Techniques | Pruning, wiring, root restriction |
Topiary
- Art of training plants into shapes — animals, birds, geometric forms
- Key feature of formal gardens
- Plants must be evergreen (foliage year-round)
- Examples: Duranta, Murraya paniculata
Edge
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Definition | Low-growing plants on the border of plots |
| Height | 30 cm |
| Examples | Alternanthera, Sunrose |
Hedges
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Definition | Shrubs planted on boundaries for fencing (living fences) |
| Types | Ornamental (beauty) or Protective (thorny, deters intruders) |
| Height | 1-2 metres |
| Examples | Karonda, Bougainvillea, Mehndi, Hibiscus, Clerodendron, Lantana |
| Group of shrubs | Called a shrubbery |
Famous Gardens of India
Summary Table — Quick Exam Revision
Garden Styles & Features Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Formal garden symmetry | Symmetrical (mirror-balanced) |
| Informal garden symmetry | Asymmetrical |
| Formal examples | Mughal, Persian, Pinjore, Italian, French |
| Informal examples | Japanese, Chinese, English |
| Freestyle example | Rose Garden of Chandigarh |
| Mughal garden terraces | 7 (planets), 8 (paradise), 12 (zodiac) |
| Baradari | 12 open doors (3 each direction) |
| Water in Mughal garden | Life and soul |
| Paradise origin | Persian pairidaeza = walled garden |
| Japanese garden also called | Zen garden |
| Dry landscape technique | Karesansui |
| Indian Zen garden | Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi |
| English garden example (India) | Rashtrapati Garden |
| Lawn = | Heart of the garden |
| Lawn planting method | Turf method (quickest) |
| Bonsai origin | Japan |
| Bonsai size | 30-60 cm |
| Bonsai wire | Aluminium |
| Topiary plants | Duranta, Murraya paniculata |
| Edge height | 30 cm |
| Edge plants | Alternanthera, Sunrose |
| Hedge height | 1-2 metres |
| Hedge plants | Karonda, Bougainvillea, Mehndi, Hibiscus |
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Formal garden symmetry type | Symmetrical (mirror-balanced) |
| Informal garden symmetry type | Asymmetrical |
| Formal garden examples | Mughal, Persian, Pinjore, Italian, French |
| Informal garden examples | Japanese, Chinese, English |
| Freestyle garden example | Rose Garden of Chandigarh |
| Mughal garden terraces symbolism | 7 (planets), 8 (paradise), 12 (zodiac) |
| Baradari has how many doors | 12 open doors (3 in each direction) |
| Life and soul of Mughal garden | Running water |
| Japanese garden also called | Zen garden |
| Dry landscape technique (Japanese) | Karesansui |
| Indian example of Japanese garden | Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi |
| Indian example of English garden | Rashtrapati Garden |
| Lawn is considered the | Heart of the garden |
| Best lawn planting method | Turf method |
| Bonsai origin and optimum size | Japan; 30-60 cm |
| Best wire for bonsai | Aluminium wire |
| Topiary plant examples | Duranta, Murraya paniculata |
| Edge plant height and examples | 30 cm; Alternanthera, Sunrose |
| Hedge height and examples | 1-2 metres; Karonda, Bougainvillea, Mehndi |
TIP
Mnemonic for formal vs informal gardens: “SLG-TUFT” for Formal = Symmetrical, Leveled, Geometric, Trimmed, plan-first. “ANF-UL” for Informal = Asymmetrical, Natural terrain, Free-flowing, Untrimmed, Land-first.
Knowledge Check
Take a dynamically generated quiz based on the material you just read to test your understanding and get personalized feedback.
Lesson Doubts
Ask questions, get expert answers