Perhaps "specialized gardens" would be a better term than "formal gardens" in a discussion of landscape choices. Wild gardens, rock gardens and aquatic or water gardens can either be of informal or formal design. It all depends on the look you want. Generally, formal designs would follow more rules and historical precedents than would specialty gardens of an informal appearance and nature. Whatever style of garden you want, your odds for success improve by selecting species of plants which are suitable to your climate and geography.

In a text titled "Home Flower-Growing" by Emil C. Volz, Professor of Floriculture, Iowa State College (published by The Macmillan Company, New York. 1928), the author provides pointers on creating special purpose flower gardens.

In a description of "Wild-Gardens", Professor Volz states: "The growing of favorite native plants in situations suited to their needs is to be commended, providing the gardener does not devastate natural woodlands or meadows in securing his planting stock. The conservation of wild flowers should have the whole-hearted support of all flower lovers...An ideal source of wild flowering plants is one of the many nurseries now specializing in just such material...One may make a choice form a big list but the most popular wild flowers include anemones, bellwort, bluets, cranesbill, creeping Jenny, dog-tooth violets, Dutchmans-breeches, hepatica, jack-in-the-pulpit, native orchids, marsh-marigold, May apple, phlox, Queen Annes lace, shooting-star, Solomons seal, squirrel-corn, spring beauty, trillium, turtlehead, and violets."

Regarding the construction of popular Water-Gardens, Professor Volz admonishes, "Water-gardens, whether large of small, should fit into the landscape and become a natural part of it. Therefore, the selection of a proper site is very important. Among the first factors to consider are water supply, lay of the land, and points from which the pool may be viewed...When planning a pool for an informal setting, an irregular outline will be more pleasing than the formal round, oval, or rectangular shape so well suited to pools which are to become a part of a formal garden layout."

Rock-Gardens or rockeries, are a type of specialty garden designed for the cultivation and enjoyment of mountain or alpine plants. However, Professor Volz warns against excess in the creation of such a garden. "Not all gardens are suited to rockery development, but in spite of this fact some enthusiasts are not content until they construct one. The result is either a misfit or in some cases even a monstrosity. A mound of rocks piled up where grass ought to be grown on a perfectly level area does not help the scenery nor can it be called a success as a rock-garden. The latter, if well conceded, is in reality a miniature mountain scene and requires a natural undulating or hilly situation. In short, the rockery should appear as a part of the natural surroundings."

On Gardens — According to the formal garden plan set forth by Francis Bacon in his Essay titled, “On Gardens,” the complete garden would provide greenery all the year round.

For December, and January, and the latter part of November, you must take such things as are green all winter: holly; ivy; bays; juniper; cypress-trees; yew; pine-apple-trees; fir-trees; rosemary; lavender; periwinkle, the white, the purple, and the blue; germander; flags; orange-trees; lemon-trees; and myrtles, if they be stoved; and sweet marjoram, warm set. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

There followeth, for the latter part of January and February, the mezereon-tree, which then blossoms; crocus vernus, 3 both the yellow and the grey; primroses; anemones; the early tulippa; hyacinthus orientalis; chamairis; fritellaria. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

March, there come violets, specially the single blue, which are the earliest; the yellow daffodil; the daisy; the almond-tree in blossom; the peach-tree in blossom; the cornelian-tree in blossom; sweet-briar. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

In April follow the double white violet; the wall-flower; the stock-gilliflower; the cowslip; flower-delices, and lilies of all natures; rosemary-flowers; the tulippa; the double peony; the pale daffodil; the French honeysuckle; the cherry-tree in blossom; the damson and plum-trees in blossom; the white thorn in leaf; the lilac-tree. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

In May and June come pinks of all sorts, specially the blush-pink; roses of all kinds, except the musk, which comes later; honeysuckles; strawberries; bugloss; columbine; the French marigold, flos Africanus; cherry-tree in fruit; ribes; figs in fruit; rasps; vine-flowers; lavender in flowers; the sweet satyrian, with the white flower; herba muscaria; lilium convallium; the apple-tree in blossom. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

In July come gilliflowers of all varieties; musk-roses; the lime-tree in blossom; early pears and plums in fruit; jennetings, codlins. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

In August come plums of all sorts in fruit; pears; apricocks; berberries; filberds; musk-melons; monks-hoods, of all colors. In September come grapes; apples; poppies of all colors; peaches; melocotones; nectarines; cornelians; wardens; quinces. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

In October and the beginning of November come services; medlars; bullaces; roses cut or removed to come late; holly-hocks; and such like. These particulars are for the climate of London; but my meaning is perceived, that you may have ver perpetuum (perpetual spring), as the place affords. (Francis Bacon, On Gardens)

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