Are You A Symmetrical Person?
Report From An Opinionated Gardener – May 26
Without thinking, answer this: If you don’t see the same shrub planted on either side of the front door, would this drive you crazy every time you pull into the driveway? Symmetrical people would always answer, “Yes.”
When I do a design consultation, one of my first questions is, “So, are you a symmetrical person or an asymmetrical person?” I always hasten to add that there isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question. People are one way or the other, and I’m convinced it’s a matter of how the brain is hard-wired. You’re either a symmetrical person or you’re not. Note to neurology students: there’s a PHD thesis in this.
Symmetrical people might not need mirror image foundation plantings on each side of the house but they definitely want to see matching shrubs flank the doorstep. Asymmetrical people just want an attractive entry, no matter which plants are used.
When we design gardens, balance is important. There shouldn’t be several huge, heavy shrubs on one side of the house and a few small, wispy plants on the other. For some people, however, balance means “the same” while others would define it as an overall sense of equilibrium that is not identical but is compatible.
In garden design and in life, it’s most important to first know our own minds.
This gardener opted for balance not symmetry. There is no right or wrong here, just personal preference.
May 26th, 2011 at 11:21 PM
I agree that there should be balance in any garden you design. And as you say, people define this balance differently.
And to have a satisfied client it is important to determine what their definition of balance is and then work from there.
Thanks for your informative post about this issue.
May 27th, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Hmmm, definitely symmetrical here, but I fight it, as I really do like the kind of plantings you show in the picture. My first instinct is to buy two and balance them…. but my better result is to mix things up, repeat elements and create some complexity. It’s not a natural skill for me though!
May 27th, 2011 at 1:34 PM
I suppose I am more of an asymmetrical gardener. In this and other endeavors I like a little surprise and variation. Symmetry is fine for a knot garden (something I hope one day to create) but even then I would want to surround it with variation.
May 27th, 2011 at 6:31 PM
Definitely asymmetrical here. I perceive symmetrical as boring and predictable…”not that there is anything wrong with that” — to quote Seinfeld