Ornamental Gardening – A Guide to Grow Ornamental Plants

admin July 26, 2024

 Gardens are the purest form of nature that provide an ambient environment to humans for meditation and soul searching. Living in the age of concrete jungle, they play a vital role in reducing the impacts of climate change and urbanization. Gardens at the workplace or at home create a scenic view that helps in relieving stress and anxiety. They do not just purify the air but also maintain humidity index. Being part of the ecosystem, gardens are habitat for birds, insects and other creatures. (Orloci & Fekete, 2023)


Ornamental gardening is a concept in which gardens are developed in a pattern and designed from an artistic point of view. Ornamental gardening is more of an aesthetic value. Such gardens are decorated with good looking plants and flowers creating pleasant views.

The layout of ornamental gardens is designed considering multiple factors including climate, choice of plants, purpose of the garden, surrounding buildings & architecture etc.

Preparations of developing an ornamental garden are:-

Plan. Make a proper plan before executing the process of ornamental gardening. In this phase, design, layout, requirements, essentials need to be set out for desired results. Keep the climate in mind as well.

Nutrient-rich soil:

 It plays a pivotal role in a garden and especially in plants' growth. Add compost and other required ingredients into the soil to make it fertile. Refresh the soil after every 12 to 18 months. Schedule periodic examinations of the soil.

Adequate sunlight:

Like other living organisms, plants too need proper sunshine. Placement of plants in the garden should be made as per their requirement with regard to sunshine; some require shade while others need adequate sunshine.

Watering the plants:

 A proper watering system should be installed in the garden to water every day. Plants in the pots require more water than the garden bed plants.

Ornamental Plants:

Let's discuss the types of ornamental flowers and plants to be grown in the garden.

Acalypha Wilkesiana – Hedge Plant. Plants with red leaves are generally known as copperleaf plants that are usually grown as a fence around the garden wall. They grow up to the height of 3 meters. They don't require extra care and adjust themselves in any environment, however they add beauty to the garden with their colorful leaves.

Alexandra Palm. A tall headed palm tree also known as solitaire palm, is a commonly grown tree in landscape gardens. A tree having feather like fronds keeps a height of 30 meters. Its inflorescence is a panicle. Its frond changes color from light green to brown.

Araucaria Plants:

 It is a beautiful shaped, high-rise plant known as “Star pine” usually grows fast in summers. It appreciates sunshine and high humidity, so plant it in a suitable place and keep the humidity level high in the surroundings. Try to do frequent watering in the dry weather. Liquid fertilizers may be used after every 4 to 6 weeks. During winters, reduce watering and fertilization as araucaria plants slow down their growth in cold weather.

Chrysanthemums:

 Elegant and multicolored plants known as “Gul-e-Daudi” are planted in home gardens, mass plantations and public parks. They are of white, cream, pink, bronze, purple, red, yellow and salmon colors. Their growing period starts from late summer through autumn. Position this plant towards sun with protection from the hot afternoon sunshine and heavy winds. Chrysanthemums are best grown in cold to mild climates.

Jasmine:

 A plant known globally for its unique tropical smell and pretty blossoms is commonly planted in gardens. It is an all-season flower mostly available in white color, however some species are of yellow and cream color as well. It requires fertile sandy loamy soil to grow, can be planted under direct sun or partial shady areas. There must be a support structure ie trellis to enable it to climb. Highly scented Spanish jasmine is usually used in perfumes.

Roses. From red to white roses, they are the most popular and beloved flowers that are used in almost every type of event. They are of hundreds of shapes, sizes, colors and varieties. However, they require high care and protection especially when they blossom. Out of dozens of varieties, some commonly grown are knock out roses, hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses; they require comparatively less care. They are all-season plants, require 4 to 6 hours of sunshine daily.

Curry Leaf Plants:

 They are the fast-growing plants that flourish in direct sunshine. They belong to the family of edible plants; curry leaves produce pure aromatic oils that give a unique taste. These leaves can be dried and converted into powder form, also widely used in herbal treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and nausea. Their height can be controlled through pruning. Harvesting on a regular basis is good for bushier growth of the plant. 

Cycas palm:

 It is a Japanese specie plant also known as “Sago plant” grows in a decent look and owes great ornamental value. It also looks like a palm tree. Sago plants' growth is initially very slow, however, they can live long for up to 200 years. They love direct sunshine, warmth and non-windy weather. They usually grow up to 9 to 10 feet height. There is a caution that all parts of Cycas plants are poisonous.

Colocasia Plants:

They are known as Elephant ears plants due to their widespread leaves, just like elephant's ears. They need full exposure to the sun with partial shades. Colocasia plants should be frequently watered as they need extra moisture and high humidity to thrive. Their height and width stay between 3 to 10 feet. They require light pruning by cutting down brown leaves.

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