definition
strict definition
formal garden
A garden arranged in a deliberate geometric pattern for decorative effect or practical organization.
A formal garden is an outdoor landscape arranged in a very formal geometric pattern, either in accordance with a highly decorative and artificial aesthetic, or for practical reasons (such as ease of maintenance). These include Renaissance and Baroque gardens, as well as many flower gardens and decorative gardens.
Geometric order governs the landscape arrangement. The pattern can serve maintenance and other practical needs as well as a decorative intention.
An English garden instead presents an asymmetrical naturalistic landscape. Both are deliberate compositions, but their plans use different organizing principles.
