Pattern gardening is a method of designing gardens influenced by the concepts of design pattern and pattern language originated by Christopher Alexander. It reflects the archetypal patterns of garden making, based on proportions and how the senses react. Patterns give coherence to garden design and communicate creativity and aesthetics.
Specific elements are instinctively looked for in a garden. Working with these elements is the basis for all good garden design. Each such element, or pattern, is archetypal, and therefore any pattern can be easily adapted to any garden situation. The fourteen pattern elements are:
