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A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. The most common form is known as a residential garden. Western gardens are almost universally based around plants. Zoos, which display wild animals in simulated natural habitats, were formerly called zoological gardens. Some traditional
types of eastern gardens, such as Zen gardens, use plants sparsely or not at all. Food-producing gardens are distinguished from farms by their smaller scale, more labor-intensive methods, and their purpose (enjoyment of a hobby rather than produce for sale). The gardening article discusses the differences and similarities between gardens and farms in greater detail.

Gardening is the activity of growing and maintaining the garden. This work is done by an amateur or professional gardener. A gardener might also work in a non-garden setting, such as a park, a roadside embankment, or other public space. Landscape architecture is a related professional activity with landscape architects tending to specialise in design for public and corporate clients.

Garden planning and design

Garden planning and garden design may be undertaken by a professional. A landscape architect is a professional who can plan and realise outdoor spaces. A garden designer is usually trained to plan and realise residential gardens.

The planner must give consideration to many factors:

• Purpose
• Existing conditions
• Financial constraints
• Maintenance implication
  
  

The elements of a garden consist of natural conditions and materials, as well as man-made elements:

Natural conditions and materials:

• Soil
• Rocks
• Light conditions
• Wind
• Precipitation
• Air quality
  • Pollution
  • Proximity to ocean (salinity)
• Plant materials

Man-made elements:

• Terrace, patio, deck
• Paths
• Lighting
• Raised beds
• Outdoor art/sculpture, such as Gazebos
• Pool, water garden, or other water elements
  

  Uses for the garden space

  A garden can have many purposes— aesthetic, functional, and recreational. Uses for the garden space are:

• Cooperation with nature
  • Plant cultivation
• Observance of nature
  • Bird- and insect-watching
  • Reflection on the changing seasons
• Relaxation
  • Family dinners on the terrace
  • Children playing in the yard
  • Reading and relaxing in the hammock
  • Maintaining the flowerbeds
  • Pottering in the shed
  • Basking in warm sunshine
  • Escaping oppressive sunlight and heat
• Growing useful produce
  • Flowers to cut and bring inside for indoor beauty
  • Fresh herbs and vegetables for cooking
    
    article source:http://en.wikipedia.org/