While there are almost no limits to the potential variety of garden styles, several natural and classical styles have provided inspiration for gardeners for centuries. Before travel between countries became widespread, these styles were insular, developing slowly over thousands of years. Countries across the world evolved quite different kinds of garden design, with the styles driven by factors such as climate, local materials, general land form, social factors and even religion.

As people began to travel, garden styles inevitably started to blend together. This has led to many interesting designs, such as the development of the Japanese garden style from its earlier roots in China.

Combining a number of these different styles can be very effective, and can be achieved by dividing the garden into smaller 'rooms' with hedges or trellis. Even in small areas, stylistic contrasts may provide an interesting change of key: the strong, clean lines of a modern, formal pond may be effectively counterbalanced by a background border overflowing with old-fashioned rambling roses and striking annuals. However, you should plan the linking of areas with great care, to avoid creating a discordant effect.

The most important principle to understand is why these different garden styles were created, and then to draw inspiration from them. You will then be able to appreciate the purpose of a particular style of garden, and why it works so well, allowing you to create your own design that will suit your requirements.