Basics of Landscape Design That Get Professional Results
The basics of landscape design are an essential part of creating an outdoor living area that will be enjoyed by all. Whether your landscape project is very simple, with only a small variety of plants and features with in a limited space, or quite elaborate, spanning several acres with magnificent gardens; all successful landscaping projects have a few things in common.
Landscaping blends the natural grounds surrounding a home with the architectural design of the structure to create beautiful, unified gardens and outdoor living areas.
The foundation of any good landscape design is careful consideration of the home and property, including the size of the yard and the house, as well as the style of the home.
There are many other key elements that play a significant role in creating a landscape design that is both functional and appealing.
The Elements of Landscape Design
Landscaping is a combination of art and science. The elements of landscape design are the artistic characteristics of planning an outdoor garden and living area.
The basics of landscape design are used to design a landscape that is aesthetically pleasing with an attractive, inviting appearance.
The Five Elements of Landscape Design include:
- Color – it is important to use a complementing color scheme throughout the yard.
- Line – Linear patterns are used to direct physical movement and to draw attention to areas in your garden.
- Form – Form can be expressed through trees and shrubs of various shapes and sizes which create natural patterns.
- Texture – Plants with varying textures can add to the atmosphere of your outdoor areas.
- Scale – Your outdoor design should balance the size of the building it surrounds, while maintaining comfortable environment for the individual who will use the area.
Principles of Landscape Design
The science of landscaping can be found in the principles of design. Here the elements of landscaping come together to develop a garden design that is not only attractive and inviting. It is also balanced, providing a unified appearance between the house and the outdoors.
The seven principles of landscape design:
Unity
One of the basics of landscape design is creating a central theme to build your outdoor plan upon. A unified look is important to a beautiful landscape design.
Balance
the plants, walkways, and other features of your outdoor plan should be laid out in an asymmetrical design that complements the entire yard.
Transition
Changes in colors, plant styles, and accessories will blend better with planned transitions to slowly move into the new look.
Proportion
Plan a design that incorporates trees and shrubs that are relative to the size of the people and things around them.
Rhythm
The patterns created with colors and lines give the landscape design a natural rhythm that is relaxing and enjoyable.
Focalization
With the use of lines, form and balance, you can develop a landscape design with specific focal points to draw interest and turn heads.
Repetition
Repetition of these patterns and rhythms, in just the right amount, gives your outdoor design the perfect look without being overpowering.
Putting It All Together
There is much, much more to planning the ideal landscape design than selecting colors and creating lines and curves. There are a few other basics of landscape design that should be addressed before developing the plans. You should determine the primary purpose and function of your outdoor area first.
Other essential steps in the basics of landscape design include:
- Designing specific activity areas for these purposes.
- Deciding where these areas will be located.
- Obtain a plot plan of the property whenever possible to create a more balanced design.
- Select plants that complement one another, as well as your home. Carefully plot the best location of each with the principles of landscape design in mind.
Understanding the basics of landscape design is crucial if you hope to create a beautiful garden that extends your home into the naturalness of the outdoors. Not everyone has the time or the knowledge to develop the landscape design of their dreams, so, for many, a professional landscape service is a popular option. At Evergreen, we will be more than happy to assist you in creating a beautifully planned outdoor living area that is customized to your needs and preferences.