Landscape design or garden design is the science and art of organizing and enriching outdoor space through the placement of plants and structures in agreeable and useful relationships with the natural environment.
It involves the qualitative and functional arrangement and spacing of plants and non-plant garden features on a parcel of land set aside in the planning process that gives an overall pleasing effect.
Design essentially entails the manner in which objects are artificially arranged to attain a particular objective, usually, though not always, a functional and visibly pleasing arrangement.
The design process begins by determining the needs and desires of the user and the conditions of the site. With this information, the designer organizes the plants and hardscape materials, which are collectively referred to as the features.
The features can be physically described by the visual qualities of line, form, color, texture, and visual weight the elements of design.
The principles are the fundamental concepts of composition proportion, order, repetition, and unity that serve as guidelines to arrange or organize the features to create an aesthetically pleasing or beautiful landscape.
Knowledge of the elements and principles of design is essential to designing a landscape and working through the design process. This article describes each of the elements and explains the principles and their application.
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Key Principles of Landscape Design in Agricultural Settings
The goal in developing a landscape plan is to design a plan that will achieve unity and harmony. The principles of landscape design are the building blocks used by designers to create beautiful and functional landscapes.
Landscape design principles are the same for all types of landscapes. They are applied in many different ways, depending on the site, the clients’ wishes, and the designer’s knowledge and preferences.
Similar to elements of art, these principles represent the primary concepts that influence landscape design.
Design principles are not rules that require precise adherence but reflect a framework of universal concepts that prove effective in creating designs.
Therefore, the following principles should be considered in designing the plan;
1. Simplicity
Regardless of the scale of a landscape, simplicity should be an overriding design consideration. This is obtained by repeating the plantings. A few well-arranged forms, colours, or textures should be used.
Too many different things in a small area produce a restless quality which will leave the onlooker dissatisfied. Simplicity in a landscape can be created both physically and visually.
Physical simplicity refers to a design in which the actual shapes are simple e.g. house dominates a residential landscape design, use simple bold rectilinear lines that mimic the house or strong audacious curves rather than thin, wiggly bedlines that resemble a snake lying in the grass. Visual simplicity can be achieved when plants are grouped or massed together.
2. Order
Order can be achieved by using a consistent design theme such as formal, informal, or structured informality. Grouping plants and hardscapes so that there are physical connections between the elements will enhance order and create a cohesive whole.
Order can be further reinforced by grouping plants together in masses, rather than scattering individual plants around the landscape.
3. Repetition
There is a need for the reappearance of attractive materials in several locations in the landscape. It results in a sense of unity between the different plant species that make up the design.
Too much repetition leads to boredom while too little leads to visual chaos. Repeat one or more basic art elements (form, colour, texture, size) e.g. planting of red flowers at all entrances to the house.
4. Rhythm and Line
It addresses the factors of time and movement within a landscape. Landscapes are seldom experienced in an instant but rather through time as a person explores the space.
Rhythm in a landscape may be visual or physical, and it can be observed in both vertical and horizontal planes of a design.
For example, vertical visual rhythm is the gradual progression of plants from short to tall. Horizontal visual rhythm is often generated for bedlines or hardscapes.
How a person moves through the landscape and physically interacts with it can be determined, in part, by the design rhythm e.g. pathway width and route, dimensions, spacing of interlocking blocks, location of seating or resting elements.
5. Unity
It is the principle that creates a link between the plants, hardscapes, and house. It creates a sense of interconnectedness within the design composition.
A successful landscape design ties the house and landscape together and creates an outdoor living space that is an extension of the house.
Unity can be reinforced by using consistent bedlines, a single ground cover, massing plants together, and repeating these masses throughout the landscape.
6. Balance
The design should include a focal point or centre of interest around which the landscape plants, structures, and open spaces are grouped or balanced. The arrangement of plants and other objects should be in a sequence leading to or away from a focal point.
The front entrance of the home is usually the focal point. A sense of balance is created by designing a real or imaginary point and by using mass, colour, line, or texture in equal quantities on each side of the point.
The types of balance in landscapes are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Symmetrical is common in formal landscapes. This landscape has an obvious central axis, and everything on one side of the axis is mirrored on the other side.
Asymmetrical balance combines different objects on each side of a discrete axis or balance point, resulting in a similar visual mass on both sides of the axis or point.
The bed lines in asymmetrical design tend to be curvilinear, and the overall feel tends to be informal rather than a symmetrically balanced design.
Radial balance is created by equally spacing objects around a centre point, creating a strong focus in the middle of the pattern. It can be used effectively in patios and paved areas or in large areas that integrate plantings and hardscapes.
7. Proportion and Scale
This refers to the size relationship between the different components within the landscape. It could be relative or absolute. Relative scale is the relation of one part of the design to the others.
The house is often the dominant element of a residential design, and it requires that at least some elements of the design be sufficiently sized, e.g. the height of the building may influence the size of plants.
Absolute scale is the relation of a particular design element to humans. Plant materials help to define size relationships within a landscape.
The major relationships that involve plant materials are; plants to buildings, plants to other plants, and plants to people.
Because plants are living and dynamic entities, these proportional relationships will change as the landscape matures and even season to season if the plants are deciduous or herbaceous.
To attain correct proportion, the landscape design should be based on the mature height and spread of the plant.
8. Emphasis
Focal points draw the eye to specific landscape locations when a person is viewing the landscape as a whole. Emphasis on specific areas creates a contrast between memorable, vivid, or exciting landscape elements and the rest of the landscape.
A focal point may be a specimen plant, garden accessory, or water feature. It captures attention by its unusual line, shape, texture, or colour.
Each major area in a landscape should have one focal point, multiple points are acceptable if the area is large.
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Developing the Landscape Plan in Agriculture
The development of a landscape plan, whether private, public, or institutional, merges the arrangement of plants and other materials with the graphic skills necessary to symbolize them.
A well-developed landscape plan provides an orderly means of landscaping a site and prevents waste of labour, money, and possibly plants.
It requires that the principles of design be applied to an entire property, not just sections, and that the final design possess a unity which integrates all use areas into a total plan.
The time spent in analyzing a site and developing the plan is a good investment that can prevent frustration, save time, and provide the appearance desired.
The preparation of landscape plans requires a lot of work, considerable thought, and planning.
The following procedures are suggested as a guide to the initial design and planning of garden and landscape plans;
Site Analysis in Landscape Design
The first step in the development of a landscape plan is the site analysis, which is divided into the on-site and off-site analysis. One or more visits to the site may be necessary to analyze or evaluate the site.
1. On-site Analysis
Landscape designers should draw the site features and the proposed building plan on graph paper. Normally, a prepared checklist should be completed on the site. At least two people are required to carry out a site analysis.
A number of factors or conditions should be considered in making site evaluation and should be accurate and in detail.
Highlights of some of these factors are; climate of the site, soil conditions, location, existing structures, existing vegetation, rock outcropping, utilities, and the presence of water bodies.
2. Off-site Analysis
The purpose of this part of site analysis is to consider the site in relation to distant views and neighbouring areas which have a distinct influence upon the needs of the site.
Features like trees, adjoining backyard, mountains, valleys, bodies of water e.g. lakes, sea, etc., forests, towns, cities, etc., located within the adjoining site become part of the site landscape. If a good view is spoilt by an untidy building, plant to hide the building.
Principles of Landscape Design: Line and Form
1. Line in Landscaping
Lines are critical in landscaping as they guide movement, create structure, and add visual interest to the outdoor space. They can take various forms such as straight, curved, horizontal, and diagonal.
1. Straight lines create a formal, organized look and direct the eye to specific focal points, often found in hardscape features like paths or patios.
2. Curved lines present an informal, natural feel, creating slower eye movement and adding a sense of mystery by revealing new views gradually.
Lines in landscaping can be created through different means. The meeting point of two different materials, like the edge of a lawn against a patio, creates distinct lines.
The silhouette of objects like trees against the sky also forms visible lines, while linear arrangements of materials, such as fences, guide the eye and body through the space.
Each of these lines serves various purposes, influencing how users experience the garden emotionally and physically.
2. Properties of Lines
i. Straight Lines: These are rigid, forceful, and usually associated with formal and symmetrical designs. They direct the eye quickly and strongly to a focal point and are commonly found in hardscape elements.
ii. Curved Lines: They create a relaxed and natural atmosphere. Their flowing nature slows down eye movement and helps build intrigue by hiding certain parts of the garden until approached.
iii. Vertical Lines: These draw the eye upward, making spaces feel taller and more expansive. Examples include tall trees or structures like arbors.
iv. Horizontal Lines: They guide the eye along the ground and create a sense of stability and calmness. Features like walkways, low hedges, and garden walls typically create these lines.
2. Primary Line Types That Shape the Landscape
i. Bedlines: These are formed where plant beds meet other surfaces such as lawns or pathways, seamlessly connecting vegetation to built elements.
ii. Hardscape Lines: Created by the edges of hard structures like patios or walkways, these lines emphasize the built aspect of the landscape.
iii. Plant Lines: Vertical plant features like trees or tall shrubs introduce height and movement, acting as visual anchors in the landscape.
Form in Landscaping
Form refers to the shape and three-dimensional mass of both plants and hardscape features. It is a dominant visual element that organizes space and defines the overall style of a garden.
Formal gardens use geometric forms like circles, squares, and polygons**, while **informal gardens embrace naturalistic forms like meandering lines and organic edges.
A. Types of Forms
1. Geometric Forms:
i. Circular Forms: Can be complete circles or segments used in lawns, patios, or planting beds. They draw attention to the center and serve as strong focal points.
ii. Square Forms: These are commonly used in hardscape materials and can create grid patterns, offering structural strength along the edges.
iii. Irregular Polygons: Shapes like triangles add variety but require careful use to avoid visual clutter.
2. Naturalistic Forms:
i. Meandering Lines: These mimic rivers and streams, adding interest by leading viewers through different garden areas.
ii. Organic Edges: These replicate natural textures and are found in rock gardens or along creek beds.
iii. Fragmented Edges: These mimic broken or scattered edges, useful for blending patios or paths into surrounding vegetation.
2. Plant Forms
Plant forms are essential as they provide structure, create focal points, and influence space perception.
i. Tree Forms: These include round, columnar, oval, pyramidal, vase-shaped, and weeping forms. Each has visual and functional roles, from providing shade to creating screens or serving as focal points.
ii . Shrub Forms: Include upright, vase-shaped, arching, mounding, rounded, spiky, cascading, and irregular. The choice of form depends on whether the shrub is used individually or in mass plantings.
iii. Groundcover Forms: Include matting, spreading, clumping, sprawling, and short spikes. Groundcovers are generally more effective when planted in groups to create cohesive ground layers.
3. Properties of Form
Form is a powerful design element because people easily recognize shapes and silhouettes, even when partially visible. Repeating forms create patterns that organize the landscape effectively.
Form also plays a key role in setting the garden’s tone geometric forms create formal designs, while natural forms create informal, relaxed landscapes.
Colour in Landscaping
Colour is a critical element in landscape design, as it draws attention and creates visual excitement. It is essential to plan for year-round interest by incorporating plants that provide color across all seasons.
For instance, vibrant summer flowers should be complemented with evergreens, conifers, or hollies that provide interest during winter. Hardscape materials also contribute to the color palette.
Elements like a crystal blue swimming pool can serve as focal points, while natural stone paths offer a more subtle effect.
Plants and hardscape materials such as bark, foliage, fruit, and flowers all add color to the landscape. Although green dominates the scene due to foliage, contrasting colors capture attention more readily.
However, since the display of color in individual plants can be short-lived, the choice and placement of color should be carefully guided using color theory and the color wheel.
1. Colour Schemes
i. Monochromatic scheme: Uses variations of a single color, apart from the dominant green of foliage, to create harmony. For example, a white garden can combine white flowers, variegated white foliage, and matching ornaments.
ii. Analogous scheme: Uses three to five neighboring colors on the color wheel, such as red, red-orange, and orange, which naturally blend due to their shared characteristics.
iii. Complementary scheme: Combines colors from opposite sides of the color wheel, like red and green or blue and orange, offering high contrast and vibrant visual interest, often seen naturally in flowers.
2. Colour in Plants and Hardscape
Color is not limited to flowers; it can also be found in leaves, bark, fruit, and even hardscape elements like painted furniture, colored pots, or ceramic sculptures.
Natural hardscape materials such as stone or wood typically offer muted tones, while man-made materials bring in brighter colors.
3. Properties of Colour
Color influences mood, space perception, and focus in a garden. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow tend to advance visually, making spaces feel smaller and more intimate, while cool colors like blue and violet recede, creating a sense of openness. Bright colors act as focal points and should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space.
Seasonal changes also affect color schemes, with brighter hues in summer and darker, more muted tones in winter.
Light conditions throughout the day can alter the appearance of colors, so selecting plants based on the yard’s primary usage time is crucial. Due to its transient nature, color should emphasize more enduring features like form and texture.
Texture in Landscaping
Texture in landscape design refers to the perceived surface quality of plants and hardscape materials, contributing to the visual and tactile experience of the garden.
Texture provides contrast, depth, and balance. It is seen in the size and shape of leaves, flowers, bark, and even the finish of stone or wood. Textures can be broadly categorized as coarse, medium, or fine, each influencing how the space is perceived.
1. Coarse Texture
Coarse-textured plants have large, irregular leaves, bold veins, and thick twigs, making them dominant in the landscape. They draw attention and make spaces feel smaller.
Examples include philodendrons, agaves, and palms. Similarly, rough-finished stone and unfinished wood in hardscape create a coarse feel.
2. Fine Texture
Fine-textured plants feature small leaves, delicate flowers, and thin stems, creating a wispy, light effect that can make a space feel larger and more open.
Grasses, ferns, and Japanese maples are typical examples. Smooth stone, ceramic pots, and glass ornaments offer fine texture in hardscape elements.
3. Medium Texture
Medium-textured plants, with moderate-sized leaves and branches, serve as a visual link between coarse and fine textures, offering balance and unity.
Examples include camellias, euonymus, and viburnum. Hardscape materials like brushed concrete or standard pavers also provide medium texture.
4. Properties of Texture
Texture impacts spatial perception significantly. Arranging fine-textured plants on the landscape’s outer edges, medium textures in the middle, and coarse textures closest to the viewer can make spaces appear larger.
Conversely, reversing this arrangement makes the space feel more enclosed. The perception of texture also changes with distance, where coarse textures appear finer from afar.
The integration of various textures enhances interest and ensures that even when flowers are not in bloom, the landscape maintains depth and character.
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