Landscape Design
Burlington Post
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Source:
https://www.insidehalton.com/shopping-story/7485611-the-fundamentals-of-landscape-design/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscaping
Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land,
including:
1. Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly called gardening, the
art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beauty within the landscape.
2. Natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water;
and
3. Abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.
Landscaping requires expertise in horticulture and artistic design.
Landscape design is often a matter of personal preference while also being something that’s
intended to suit a particular property and the region where that property is located. The
following will provide some food for thought for those who would like some creative ideas
for a newly landscaped property.
Simplicity:
The one thing that can keep a new landscape design appealing day after day is simplicity. Put
another way, minimalism, though not necessarily without effort, does denote a kind of
naturalness. Simplicity is often the essence of design — and beauty, too. In short, don’t
overcomplicate your design, and strive to make all design elements fall into place.
Lines:
Lines are what guide the eye. This is fundamental to both interior and exterior design. It’s also
very much an element to simplicity. Pathways, hedges and fence lines are a few examples of
those things that create lines. Lines can be straight, linear, curved or angled, or whatever the
designer chooses. When done effectively, a line will direct the eye to a focal point.
Form:
When speaking of landscaping, form is the overall shape of trees and plants and other key
design elements in the landscaped yard. For example, some trees have erect vertical shapes.
Others have a “weeping” and flowing appearance. Different forms can be combined for
different effects, but the choices should be carefully contemplated as being integral to the
design.
Texture:
Texture is both visual and tactile. Qualities of roughness, smoothness, lightness and heaviness
are qualities of texture. Shale, rock, bark, twigs, gravel, grasses and leaves all contribute to
texture. Texture is something that you can both see and touch.
Colour:
Colour evokes feelings, associations and emotional responses. The good use of colour lends
itself to form and texture and all other design elements. It’s an intrinsic element of art. It’s
also very personal. Flowers, herbs, painted fences, planters, and even stone and brick are just
some ways to compile colour. Keep in mind that plants and flowers will change colour through
the growing season.
Balance:
A landscape design might be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The balance will express a formal
or informal appeal. Balance conveys steadiness, poise and equilibrium. Size, mass, weight,
shape, quantity and positioning are all elements of balance.
Variety:
When putting all the design elements together, keep variety in mind to create an interesting
balance between form and texture. Variety creates interest. Variety can be the very thing that
produces a unique and alluring landscape!
