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New Hampshire Landscaping Blog

12Jul

Landscaping Design Basics

Let’s say you’re working on your back yard landscape design. You may think that there aren’t any real “rules” to a good back yard landscape design. After over 30 years of designing landscapes, I can tell you that there are definitely rules to follow for good design. You can look at the blank canvas of your yard and get lost on how to design it so it has form, function and beauty. Look at these following “rules” of landscape garden design and look at the picture. See if you can identify any of the rules in this landscaping project. Back yard landscape design or entire property landscape design, the rules are the same.

A good garden design should not consider just one area of the property, but must view the entire property as a cohesive composition. Here are a few thoughts on the subject.

First of all, ALL landscape designs should adhere to the basic design principles of UNITY, BALANCE, INTEREST, RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT.

I’ll start with laying out the initial design, then move on to how to scale the projects proportions for the most pleasing visual impact, and then on to plant selection.

1. HAVE SPECIFIED AREAS OF USE. When we first start out in landscape design class, we use “bubble diagrams” to delineate certain areas such as ‘utility’, ‘outdoor eating’, ‘walkway’, ‘play area’, ‘open space’, etc.

  • This is to ensure that things such as garbage cans don’t end up getting stored on the corner of the patio because we forgot to designate a place for them.

2. CREATE UNITY: Unity can be achieved in many ways. Unity will bring a sense of order to the design. Here are a few examples of creating unity:

  • Repeat the circular lawn shape in a circular patio shape
  • Transition from one design element to another element with ease
  • Use similar materials throughout such as natural stone instead of mixing it up

3. BALANCE: If a design is out of balance, it just won’t feel right. A tiny border garden near the edge of an expansive lawn is an example of being out of balance. Balance can be achieved either symmetrically or asymmetrically.

  • Balance one tall tree with an equal mass of shrubs
  • Use the ‘golden mean rule’ for proportion. A 5’ x 8’ sized raised bed, for example always looks balanced... it’s just one of those weird rules.

4. START WITH THE ‘BONES’ AND THEN PUT ON THE ‘MEAT’: The ‘bones’ of the design is what we need to build everything else off of. In these bones, you will create the RHYTHM and MOVEMENT in the design (although other aspects such as plant choices can assist with rhythm and movement too).

  • The bones will be things such as walkways, patios, retaining wall, trees, the big stuff. Lay these out so that the designated use areas flow with pleasant rhythm and movement. Different shapes can be used here too. When we move seamlessly from the front of the home, along a meandering walk on the side of the home, and come through an arbor and open up onto a patio, there is a sense of movement.

5. INTEREST: Something must always attract our eye in any given view in the landscape or it will be boring.

  • Every view should have a focal point.

6. PLANT CHOICES: As far as design goes, plants should be placed in groups, and balanced with their overall mass. Always place the larger plants first, and build the smaller plant groups around the bones of the design and the larger plants. Plants are the ‘meat’ on the ‘bones’

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Comments

I completely agree with the idea that a well-designed garden should consider the entire property as a cohesive composition. Landscapes don't exist in isolation; they are part of the larger environment. It's heartening to see Landscapes by Tom stress this point. When you approach your landscaping project with a holistic view, you can create spaces that flow seamlessly from one area to another, enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of your property. I'm looking forward to learning more about these design principles and how they can be applied to transform any outdoor space into a work of art.If you're looking to sell your house fast in Washington DC, you're in the right place. Our dedicated team of real estate professionals understands the unique market dynamics of the nation's capital and can help you navigate the process swiftly and efficiently. Whether you're facing a relocation, financial challenges, or simply want a quick sale, we offer a hassle-free solution. With our expertise and local knowledge, we'll work tirelessly to ensure you get a fair offer and a fast closing, allowing you to move forward with confidence. Say goodbye to the stress of a prolonged selling process and hello to a seamless experience when you choose to sell your house fast in Washington DC with us.
10/30/2023 11:00:53 PM | Reply
This is truly a pleasant and informative piece, encompassing all the necessary information and leaving a significant impact on the field of new technology. Thanks for sharing it!
10/26/2023 4:27:40 AM | Reply
Thanks a lot for the ideas surely helps me in landscape designs.
10/25/2023 6:45:12 AM | Reply
Such a pretty cool site. This is a really great guide for me!
10/18/2023 10:25:23 AM | Reply
I missed one in the middle of the garden to see what it looks like
10/13/2023 9:02:53 AM | Reply
Thank you for sharing this invaluable post. We eagerly look forward to staying updated with your future posts.
10/13/2023 12:03:59 AM | Reply
Thank you for sharing this invaluable post. We eagerly look forward to staying updated with your future posts.
10/13/2023 12:03:32 AM | Reply
Just wanted to say that I read your blog quite frequently and I’m always amazed at some of the stuff people post here
9/25/2023 1:10:09 AM | Reply
Thank you for sharing such useful information. Continue to spread the word about your excellent work.
9/18/2023 9:13:45 AM | Reply
I enjoyed reading this post. It was engaging from start to finish.
9/13/2023 8:48:22 AM | Reply
These rules and principles serve as valuable guidelines for anyone looking to design their back yard or outdoor space. By following these principles, you can create a landscape that is not only beautiful but also functional and enjoyable. It's worth noting that while these principles provide a solid foundation, there's still room for creativity and personalization in your design.
9/8/2023 4:25:02 PM | Reply
Thanks for this post, I am a big fan of this website would like to go on updated.
9/5/2023 6:08:39 AM | Reply
Understanding landscaping design basics allows you to create visually appealing outdoor spaces. By incorporating elements such as balance, proportion, color harmony, and focal points, you can create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing landscape that enhances the overall beauty of a property.
7/10/2023 8:34:16 PM | Reply
Absolutely! When it comes to back yard landscape design, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the blank canvas before you. However, after decades of experience in landscape design, I can assure you that there are indeed rules to follow for creating a truly exceptional outdoor space. While you may think there are no rules, it's essential to consider the principles that govern good design.
7/7/2023 4:25:43 PM | Reply
I found the examples and case studies mentioned in the article to be particularly compelling. They illustrate the real-life impact of the topic and help readers connect with the issue on a deeper level.
7/7/2023 4:24:43 AM | Reply
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