Throughout our lifetime the importance of lines has always been a part of our vocabulary. Remember when your teacher said, "Form a straight line"? The horizontal line of students represented order. In miniature garden designs not only are horizontal lines important, but so are curved, vertical, and diagonal lines. They produce structure and movement, while forming an emotional response to the design.

Our eyes automatically follow lines in the garden, whether it is the sharpness of diagonal lines on a picket fence, the curved edge of stepping stones, or the outline of plants in the garden bed. Let's start by looking at the types of lines in the mini garden.

Curved Lines:
The look of curved lines on the Ivy Cottage makes it a charming addition to the miniature garden. Beginning with the entrance to the cottage, the arched front door is bordered with reddish and gray colored stones form a curved doorframe. The details continue with the shuttered four-paned windows that are accented by curved panes of glass. Curved planters hang under the windows. Bricks are peeking through the stucco siding, while vines of green ivy crawl up the sides of the cottage. Notice how the graceful lines provide a relaxed feeling to the garden setting.

Straight Lines:
Strong lines can draw your eye into the landscape, directing both where people look and where they go. These structural lines create a formal character that enhances the focal point. Notice how the horizontal and vertical lines lead the eye up the ladder to the Fairy Resort? When planning a miniature garden, consider using lines to control what your guests are viewing.

Welcome fairies, trolls, and gnomes into your miniature garden by creating an inviting entrance. All it takes is a gate supported by stately columns and the vertical lines of the fence. The straight horizontal lines in the columns are not only structural, but they lead you directly to the doorway. Notice how the horizontal lines create a sense of stability, while the vertical lines project a sense of strength. In addition, the curved lines of the gate offer an informal welcome to the wee guests who have come to stroll through the miniature garden.

Vertical lines can also be used in the miniature landscape by moving the focus up and making the space feel larger. Tall, narrow plant materials, such as tree and tall structures provide this upward line. Observe the effect of positioning two potted Lemon Cypress Miniature Trees on each side of the entrance pathway. The straight lines of an arbor or bird house pick can also provide this structural vertical element.

Looking for a formal impression while planning a mini patio? Straight lines and hard angles will create the look you desire. In addition, the lines in this patio will make the space look bigger. Garden walks, pathways, patio pads, or small hedges can be used to add horizontal lines to a miniature garden and define the space.

Diagonal Lines:
Diagonal lines can be busy, active, or dynamic, since they suggest a feeling of movement or direction. Whenever diagonal lines are used in the miniature garden, they are powerful and may overtake any other elements of design. Effectively use these lines to make a space more visually interesting. Notice how the opposing diagonal lines in the Chip and Dale Bridge appear to be balanced, while adding a focal point to the landscape. Isn't it interesting how this one item in the garden can add excitement and contrast to the curved lines of the water flowing over the rocks?

Where do I go from here?
How should the elements of line be used together in a miniature garden? The answer is harmony. If only one type of line is used throughout the garden, there will be something visually missing in the design. Either vertical or horizontal lines should dominate and then use the remaining line in a supporting role. Incorporate curved lines to add interest. Finally, remember the power of diagonal lines and use them effectively to make a space seem interesting.

Take note of the lines on the Mansard Roof Lantern, the hardscape, and the plants. The vertical lines are dominant, while a few horizontal lines add stability. To add some interest, the Mansard Roof's diagonal lines show an interesting movement. In contrast, the curved outline of the plants and stepping stones form an emotional calming effect to this setting. The design elements of line fit together.