MINIMAL IS GREAT

1. IT'S WONDERFUL TO WATCH MY KIDS IN THE KID POOL IN OUR SMALL GARDEN IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE....

2. THIS KIND OF ACTIVITY NEED TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN PLANNING YOUR GARDEN.

3. THE SUCCESS OF ANY GARDEN DEPENDS ON HOW GOOD WE DO THE SPACE ARRANGEMENT ..ALWAYS LEAVE SOME FOR INTERACTION.

RAZIN AND ZUYYIN HAVING FUN

OPEN LAWN IS A MUST WHEN PLANNING YOUR OWN GARDEN

SATISFYING

Explore Garden Styles

From formal to informal or somewhere in between, let us give you a better understanding of which garden style you prefer. Below are a few unique garden styles you may enjoy creating in your own landscape.

Formal Garden
Long axial views, usually with a symmetrical layout, clipped hedges are common sights, these are the earmarks of a formal garden style. This garden type conveys power and control over the environment as well as its visitors. Early French Gardens were constructed with control and manipulation of nature in mind. Many were very large gardens the had a strong geometry instilled into the plans. Nature was subdued into submission and water played an important role in expressing the freedom in the garden and in nature. Later formal axial views gave way to long winding paths surrounded by gardens of natural land which people used to great extent in the pastime of escaping into the countryside and spending the day strolling through the gardens. It wasn't until the 19th century that the idea of a flowering trees and shrubs or the addition of flowerbeds entered French garden design. There were still thoughtfully layed out walks and paths to enjoy, with plantings of seemingly free formed plantings surrounding there walks and paths

Woodland Garden
Usually with an existing canopy, this style has a soft delicate pallet of under story, shade and partial sun loving plants, dispersed randomly in groupings that mimic nature's distribution in colonies with subtle meandering paths that blanket the forest floor. Typical materials used in the woodland garden are natural like wood and natural stone. The design of a woodland garden should be almost undetectable as it's design is to mimic nature's way of placing plant materials and the use of hardscaping elements such as the foot bridge shown above. The use of a natural appearing water feature or stream, complete with rocks and boulders, can enhance the feeling of nature and add to the authentic feel of the woodland garden space.

English Garden
English landscape gardening in it's early form was mainly utility in function. Vast deer parks surrounded large estate homes and small knot gardens filled with lilies and tulips may be near the house itself. Orchards and kitchen gardens would be planted further away from the home and paths with walls or hedges flanking them. Later, as the middle class implemented their English garden influence, the style became a more relaxed form of garden design the removal of some of the boundaries and hedges and working the garden into the natural landscape became the foundation of the English Garden we know today. Other influences in the English Style are the of the Palladian architectural style, the Italian use of Sculptures in the garden setting as well as the formal French garden style the uses long lawn vistas. Long lawn views bordered by natural plantings of trees and lush border plantings along natural appearing, but planted trees and shrubs.

Container Garden
When space is limited or there is no available free soil or ground, container gardens are an attractive and successful substitute for beds. This style usually implies a small space or courtyard limited by the denseness of an urban setting. Containers can be easily moved around for a change and take up very little space. Vary the sizes and shapes of pots, try to group them in different positions and size., plant contrasting textured plants together or complementing colors for exciting plant and container arrangements even in the smallest spaces

Wildflower Garden
The random pattern of a meadow of wildflowers can be one of the most breathtaking sites created by mother nature. It is also very attractive to birds and butterfly alike. Planting flowers that attract butterflies and birds is a challenging and rewarding garden type to be enjoyed by the young and young at hear

Oriental Garden
An oriental garden includes what would appear to be elements of an informal garden, but in reality is a very purposeful spatial arrangement, with its clipped shrubs and trees, meticulously placed rocks and garden elements. Incorporating constantly changing views as one walks from space to space, coupled with thoughtfully placed water, plants and rocks to convey visual serenity. Oriental gardens are full of deep meanings and symbolism. There are many different types of Japanese or Oriental gardens, but most use similar elements. Instead of colorful flowers and shrubs, like you might see in a Western garden, most Asian gardeners concentrate on the use of rocks, stones, trees, plants, bridges, water and waterfalls. You’ll often see rocks that surround a pond or stream that are then encased with plants or shrubs. In Japanese ponds or streams, you’ll often find koi – a common fish. The gardens purpose is to capture nature and become a quiet place for refection or meditation

Cottage Garden The cottage garden can be one of the most charming of all the styles because of the unassuming nature and humble origin. It is marked by informal plantings and style. Low picket fences or walls and small walks to the porch setting are some of the elements that the cottage garden employs. A Cottage Garden is just as it sounds, a smaller cozy garden. Because of the limited space, gardeners play up patches of plants, instead of grass or trees. Since these areas are the focus of the yard, gardeners use colorful plants and ground cover. This is the area to be creative; pick a wide variety of plants you like, that compliment one another in the space. Gardeners often surround these colorful spaces with borders of brick or stone walkways. These borders can be in any geometric design; if you have the space try some patterns to accentuate the area

Romantic Garden
Who doesn’t love to have fresh flowers on display in your home? It’s one of the benefits of a cutting garden, when you fill it with flowers you love. Roses are a favorite, but you might consider planting other types of flowers, so you’ll have a longer blossoming season. Roses also need special care and space, so make sure you know roses before you choose them. While the garden will be absolutely stunning during the peak season, it won’t last too long, so pick an area of the yard that isn’t the focal point year-round. The results will be well worth it when you have beautiful flowers to display and share with friends. Nurture love in a romantic garden. Scented plants, love seats for two or create privacy in a secluded part of the garden. Create a romantic paradise for entertaining your lover. Put plants that have significant meanings to you and your love.

Sculpture Garden
Just as the name implies, this garden uses the outdoor garden setting as a platform to appreciate sculpture. A sculpture garden can take on either formal or informal style by including traditional or abstract sculptures. Sometimes hiding a sculpture in a garden setting can add interest and mystery to a garden setting.

Ten Ways to Save Money When Installing Your New Garden Landscape

1.) Use a Design Professional to Create a Garden that is in your Budget

By using a landscape design professional to design your garden you will ultimately save money from second guessing yourself and avoid the risk of not making the best and highest quality decisions for your new garden. By hiring a qualified design professional, he or she will save you money when installing a garden by completely exploring all the possibilities within your budget and making the most of your budget. By taking this extra step to fully think about and detail each aspect of your garden, you can maximize your savings as you begin to install the garden. Having each section spelled out to exact specifications can make the job of installing your own garden much more efficient and saves time and money.

2.) Phased Install vs. All At Once

In addition to investing the well spent time of carefully planning your garden, it may be beneficial to think about garden construction in terms of phasing the installation of a garden over time. Often time clients don't have the funds immediately to bite off the entire investment of a garden at once, but with a compete plan, the garden can be installed in a logical sequence over several months or years. This way you can achieve the garden always you've wanted at the pace of your pocketbook. Make sure that the garden designer understands your needs in regard to phasing in the landscape so that he or she can build into the plan logical construction sequences for areas where you can stop and where the current garden portion still makes sense.

3.) Smaller Plants vs. Large

When installing the planting portion of your garden consider saving money by reducing the gallon size of the plant materials. Although it may take more time, the plants will eventually grow to the sizes anticipated (sometimes faster that we think) without the heavy up front costs, give you a great way of saving on landscaping costs.

Another variation on saving money on planting installations is to select certain plants perhaps larger accent plants as the plants you are willing to spend more money on (larger gallon container sizes) and the majority of your budget at the smaller gallon size. Use this method as a creative way to economize the planting costs, while producing the landscape impact through providing some larger planting accents initially.

4.) Limit Expensive Plants That Have Special Upkeep Requirements

By eliminating high maintenance plant materials such as rose’s or large areas of annual plantings, you can considerably reduce not only the costs associated with purchasing these types of garden plants, but reduce the maintenance associated with adding such high-maintenance plantings. One of the benefits of having a design professional put together your plan is the added benefit of his or her knowledge in plants growth habits and qualities. For example, if the designer knew that you had very little time to maintain a new garden landscape he or she should take that information into consideration as they select plants for your garden. Selecting plant materials that require low maintenance would be first on the list of plant materials to be used in your garden.

5.) Micro Irrigation vs. Standard Popup

If your desire is to step up from dragging the hose across the yard, but can't afford dropping the big bucks for an in ground automatic watering system, there is hope. It's called micro-irrigation and is a great 'do-it-yourself' inexpensive irrigation system that connects directly on any standard hose spicket. You can even add I timer to the system which can fully automate your garden's watering needs. In addition, there is little digging necessary except to cover the small inconspicuous black tubing. While this system may not last as long as it's more expensive in ground pop up irrigation system, it's a great way to step into an automated irrigation system with the heavy price.

6.) Seed Lawn or Plug vs. Sod

While having an instant lawn may be the dream for most, if you have the time, perhaps a year, then you may want to consider seeding your yard as an alternative to complete sod. Purchasing bags of seed for broadcast across your yard may not be the fastest way to achieve a green lawn but is the most cost effective. Prepare the yard by first grading, clearing debris and carefully broadcast seed across the yard.

Then by maintaining optimum watering needs you can havea complete grass filled yard within a couple of years, for a fraction of the price. Planting sod plugs evenly across your yard at regular intervals can also be a cost effective way to achieve a complete long within a year or two depending on the growth habit of the grass and the local climate where it’s planted.

7.) Concrete Scoring, Staining or Stamping vs. Natural Stone/Masonry Finish

By having large varieties of colors and patterns available in this popular patio or walk material, it is quickly becoming the way to achieve that rich material look without the heavy price tag of a natural stone finish. By combining an attractive scoring pattern that mimics your favorite natural material, combined with adding several layers of stains that model the color variations seen in natural stone, one can produce a very attractive pattern that looks authentic as a natural stone finish while costing much less. This is especially true for people who do not live near rock quarries where the shipping costs make installation of a natural stone product cost prohibitive.

8.) Buy Garden Accessories During Off Season Instead of Spring

Retail garden centers, like car dealerships, like to turn over there inventory for next years new line. Shopping for your garden statue or pottery in the fall or 'off season' can bring home the bargains and save you dollars. You will find that you will always be looking for that perfect something to put in your garden even in the off-season!

9.) Prefabricated Fountain vs. a Custom Fountain

Custom fountains that are constructed from scratch tend to be rather expensive to install in your garden. A more economical way to add the wonderful amenity of a fountain can be to source out a pre-fabricated garden fountains at your local retail outlet or through an internet search. Much of the look and feel of a custom fountain can be achieved through the many options and styles available in today’s market place.

Advancements in polymer molding materials have given manufacturers more advantages in the types of fountain products that they can sell to consumers. Light weight polymers that have a natural stone appearance are a common sight nowadays in retail nursery outlets. This means that is possible for homeowners to pick up and move these light weight fountains from the store to your own home making is easy to install and maneuver around your yard, whereas heavier authentic stone fountain basins that require much more equipment and manpower to install.

10.) Fiberglass Pool Vs. Gunite/Plaster Pool

There are more options than ever before for in ground pools. Solutions like pre-fabricated fiberglass pool systems offer cost savings and many various shapes sizes and styles of pools as an alternative to the conventional gunite and plaster pool building method. Usually delivered as one pre-molded piece, the fiberglass pool system can cost less much than a custom pool installation. Another trend in whole building would be the advent of what is call a plunge pool, which is simply a smaller pool and less expensive to build.

Consider our list as a starting point to creatively think of more ways to save money and stretch your dollars while creating that paradise you have always wanted. Take a look closer at the garden installation process and you may be able to find even more creative ways to save while achieving the quality, richness and beauty that you know you want in your garden. Creating a garden can be one of the most delightful experiences provided that you give some foresight to the details before you begin and eliminate the stress of overspending during the installation of your garden.

http://www.gardendesigner.com

Kuala Lumpur City Center Park in Malaysia - The Late Roberto Burle Mark Design

Razin and Klcc Park

Petronas Twin Tower Scenery

KLCC Park ( KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTER PARK)

The beautifully landscaped park at KLCC is the last inspired masterpiece
by the versatile and talented Brazilian master of gardens, the late
Roberto Burle Marx.

Spread over 50-acres [20-hectares], the lush tropical garden provides a
haven of tranquility for those seeking a respite from the stress of city life.

The KLCC Park is unique in its theme and concept. Designed to showcase a
heritage of tropical greenery by integrating man's creation with nature,
the beautifully landscaped KLCC Park offers a calm and harmonious
environment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy and dynamic
city.

The late Roberto Burle Marx uses a combination of trees, shrubs, structures
of cement, stones and wood as well as various water features in his creations.
Elements of shapes, texture and topography are merged to create attractive
and breathtaking masterpieces while at the same time imposing an illusion
of space. Colour and form are achieved by using various combination of trees,
shrubs and sculptures, thus dispelling the notion of a garden as a static
creation.

The conservation factor was another key consideration in the planning of the
park. About 23 of the mature and rarer specimens were saved from the former
Selangor Turf Club, and eventually transplanted on to the park grounds.



About 1900 indigenous trees and 66 species of palms have been planted at
the park. Much thought proceeded the selection of these plants, with the
objective of encouraging bio-diversity. Among other attractions at the park
are the magnificent lake symphony fountains, programmed to provide
numerous different dramatic animations following a Symphony Overture
sequence, the ornamental water features, the children's pool and the children's
playground.

The park is well interspersed with various amenities such as shelters, benches,
rest areas, drinking fountains and public toilets. For health enthusiasts, there
is also a 1.3 km jogging track encircling the park.

Another interesting element of the park is the 43 meter elevated bridge. The
centrally located bridge provides visitors with a vantage view of the park and
the majestic PETRONAS Twin Towers.

Part of the park is also designed as a haven for birds and other local fauna.
Much research and thought went into the selection of indigenous tree species
whose fruits attract local and migratory birds. Through such careful effort,
it is expected that the KLCC Park in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur will
become an important link in the 'bird corridors' of the region.

Lake Symphony
The Symphony Lake with an approximate area of 10,000 square metres
features mesmerising fountain displays. The displays consist of 5 programmes
with over 380 individually sequenced effects shooting up to a maximum
height of 42 metres. These effects are displayed along the arc and the two
rings totalling 80 metres in length. The Lake Symphony fountains are on from
12 noon till 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. till 11.00 p.m. on weekdays. Especially
for weekands and public holidays, the fountains are on from 10.00 a.m. till
midnight.

Jogging Track
A 1.3 km. long jogging track is laid with EPDM, a special rubberised material
to ensure comfort and safety for fitness enthusiasts.

Rest Areas
Rest areas are located on various nodes of the interconnecting footpaths. They
are numbered as shown on the maps found on the Park's entry and feature
identification signs. The numbering system can be used as points of reference
for wayfinding and setting a rendezvous.

Ornamental Water Features
Waterfalls, Cascades, Reflecting Pools and Bird's Pool add to both the excitement
and tranquility of the respective zones in the park.

Children's Pool
The Children's Pool is a safe and fun place for children 12 years and below.
The opening hours are as follows :

Weekdays (Tuesdays to Fridays)
10.00 a.m. - 7.30 p.m.

(Pool will be closed for maintenance on Mondays when it is not a public holiday).

The Pool is open throughout the week during school holidays.
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
10.00 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
Parents and guardians are advised to refer to the rules and regulations listed on
the usage of the pool to ensure children's safety and enjoyment.

Other Amenities
The KLCC Park has been provided with various amenities such as

-	Toilets complete with modern fittings and facilities for the disabled and baby change.
-	Children's changing room (next to pool).
-	Drinking fountains with filtered water.
-	Shelters and benches.

Children's Playground
The Children's Playground is all 2 acres of unbridled fun meant for children
12 years old and below. Not only are the play equipment varied and exciting,
the whole playground has been laid with Ethylene Propylene Deine Modified
(EPDM) rubber, a child-safe material. Due to the nature of this material,
eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited in this area.

Parents and guardians are advised to refer to the rules and regulations for
safety and proper use of the equipment.

Rules And Regulations
Like all other public parks in Kuala Lumpur, the KLCC Park is subject to the
Park By-Law (Federal Territory) 1981. There are also additional house rules
that apply to the Children's Playground and Pool.

Opening Hours
The KLCC Park is open from 7.00 a.m. till 10.00 p.m. daily

(except for the Children's Pool - please refer to information on Children's Pool)