Landscaping Design - The Primary Principles

Principles refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or arranging various elements to produce the intended landscape design. Good landscape design follows a combination of seven principles: unity, balance, proportion, focalization or emphasis, sequence or transition, rhythm, and repetition.

Unity refers to the use of elements to create harmony and consistency with the main theme or idea of the landscape design. Unity gives the landscape design a sense of oneness and interconnection. Unity in landscape design can be achieved by using plants, trees, or material that have repeating lines or shapes, a common hue, or similar texture. However, too much unity in landscape design can be boring. Therefore, it is important to introduce some variety or contrast into the landscape design.

Balance gives the landscape design a sense of equilibrium and symmetry in visual attraction. There are three ways by which balance may be presented in landscape design. Symmetrical or formal balance is achieved when the mass, weight, or number of objects both sides of the landscape design are exactly the same. Asymmetrical or informal balance in landscape design suggests a feeling of balance on both sides, even though the sides do not look the same. Asymmetrical balance in visual attraction may be achieved by using opposing compositions on either side of the central axis. Landscape design with radial balance has a center point. A sunflower, a wheel, and the cross-section of an orange all have radial balance.

Proportion describes the size relationship between parts of the landscape design or between a part of the design and the design as a whole. A large fountain would cramp a small backyard garden, but would complement a sprawling public courtyard. Additionally, proportion in landscape design must take into consideration how people interact with various components of the landscape through normal human activities.

Focalization or Emphasis directs visual attention to a point of interest or prominent part of the landscape design. This could be a hanging earth-forms sculpture, a stone-finished Corinthian garden fountain, a mass of architectural herbaceous perennials, or an elegant spruce. Emphasis in landscape design may be achieved by using a contrasting color, a different or unusual line, or a plain background space. Paths, walkways, and strategically placed plants lead the eye to the focal point of the landscape without distracting from the overall landscape design.

Sequence or Transition creates visual movement in landscape design. Sequence in landscape design is achieved by the gradual progression of texture, form, size, or color. Examples of landscape design elements in transition are plants that go from coarse to medium to fine textures or softscapes that go from large trees to medium trees to shrubs to bedding plants. Transition in landscape design may also be used to create depth or distance or to emphasize a focal point.

Rhythm creates a feeling of motion which leads the eye from one part of the landscape design to another part. Repeating a color scheme, shape, texture, line or form evokes rhythm in landscape design. Proper expression of rhythm eliminates confusion and monotony from landscape design.

And finally, repetition in landscape design is the repeated use of objects or elements with identical shape, form, texture, or color. Although it gives the landscape design a unified planting scheme, repetition runs the risk of being overdone. However, when correctly implemented, repetition can lead to rhythm, focalization or emphasis in landscape design.

J Voight is an avid landscaping design enthusiast who provides excellent tips, techniques, and advice to anyone wanting information on landscape design. You'll find all of this outstanding landscaping news at http://www.great-landscaping-ideas.com

---

Introducting KOI-Cam!

This is a project I've had on the back burner... Read More

Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - Whats Best

A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is... Read More

Flowering Cherries

Flowering cherries While the briefness of their... Read More

Landscape Design

Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More

Three Stumbling Blocks to Growing Grapes in the Backyard

Are you one of those home gardeners that don't know... Read More

How To Brighten Up Your Home With These Flower Arrangement Ideas

A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point... Read More

How To Prevent Damping Off

Damping off is the single term used to describe underground,... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

Growing Orchids as House Plants

One of the long standing myths that I still hear... Read More

Cyclamen

Think of cyclamen and the chances are that Mothers Day... Read More

How to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden

The flittering of the butterfly through your garden is no... Read More

Safety On Lawn Tractors

Every gardener riding a lawn tractor should be concerned about... Read More

The Ivy League

Parthenocissus tricuspidata is commonly known as Boston Ivy, Cottage Ivy,... Read More

Create a Hummingbird Garden Habitat

It's not difficult to create a garden that will attract... Read More

How to Buy a Porch Swing

The Porch Swing is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks... Read More

Organic Hydroponics - Simplified

These days, it's easy to get lost in the wealth... Read More

Water Conservation in the Garden - Use a Rain Barrel to Harvest Rainwater

If you are a gardener you probably already do a... Read More

Grow Herbs in your Garden for Pleasure and Profit

Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More

The Sundial - Garden Ornament or Exotic Timepiece?

Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More

Plants, Birds, Love and Deer Hate

Hi Friends;This is the second year in a row I... Read More

9-11 Changed Everything for the Garden Tractor Business

While traveling the US and occasionally taking the back highways... Read More

Orange Perennials For Your Garden

Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes,... Read More

Pruning the Backyard Grapevine

Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More

How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes

The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the... Read More

Teak Furniture - A Cut Above The Rest

As you shop around for outdoor furniture, you will notice... Read More

Ten Considerations Before You Buy A Bird House

When you decide to buy one bird house or more... Read More

Can Your Sundial Really Tell The Time?

"I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of... Read More

A Little Known Secret to Successful Outdoor Gardening

Pruning...Outdoor gardening is so much easier when you know how.... Read More

Funniest Pond Stories-Part 1, May 2004

Get ready for some gut-wrenching, laugh out loud hilarious pond... Read More

Ceiling Patio Heaters

It is unavoidable, Fall is coming and we like to... Read More

Backyard Ponds

Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More

How to Grow Strawberries

In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More