Landscape Design Class Diana Kirby October 3, 2017 www.dianasdesignsaustin.com Background Lifetime gardener Master Gardener 2002 Contract Designer Xanadu Landscapes Diana s Designs coach, design & install My Approach ~ Intentional design for inspirational landscapes ~ What is Design? Science & Art Nature & Function Plants & Hardscape Vision & Practicality Reasons for Landscape Design Form follows Function Serene Retreat Family & play space Entertaining areas Pet Area 7 Principles of Design Unity Balance Transition Proportion Rhythm Focalization Repetition
Unity Provides central theme Ensures consistency Glue of the landscape design Silver & gray plants throughout garden can provide unity Balance Symmetrical Asymmetrical Radial Radial sunburst pattern surrounds stock tank pond to add visual interest & balance Transition Gradual change in elements & pattern Logical sequence of progression Slow change in style Proportion Match scale of property Consider relative size of all elements Appropriate relationship among dimensions of length, breadth, depth or height Rhythm Natural movement Careful repetition Grouping of elements Focal Point An object, specimen plant, water feature or other element that draws the visitor s eye and brings the garden into focus. Provides definition in the landscape Gives the eye a place to rest
Common Focal Points Benches Water features Pottery Trees and specimen plantings Statuary Open expanse Repetition Unified planting scheme Multiples of identical or similar components Repeating elements provides interest Elements of Design Line Form Texture Color Scale Line Provides drama and expression Curvy bed lines invite visitor to stroll along & experience landscape Straight hedges or paths imply quick movement Should match structures -- curvilinear or linear Form The natural shape of plants Primary determinant of whether a landscape is formal or informal Naturalistic meandering or fragmented Geometric circular or square Texture How coarse or fine the surface of a plant or hardscape material feels and looks
Color The most conspicuous element in the landscape Adds interest and variety Sets the mood for the overall look and feel The focus of most homeowners The most temporary of the elements Scale The size relationship (actual and relative) between elements within the garden Visual weight How do you start? A scaled map of the property is a must for planning a landscape design Get copy of plot plan or property survey Make sure it is not reduced or a faxed copy must be original scale Meet with the client Determine their personal style Inquire about problem areas and goals Assess expectations Identify what ongoing maintenance level will be Walk Property What should you make note of as you assess the area? Things to Observe & Consider Traffic flow& use areas (people & pets) Relation of landscape to house Views from various points Shade areas Sunlight direction & sunlight hours Moisture Soil/rock/sand/clay Wind direction Slope/grade issues/drainage Problem areas Irrigation & rainfall patterns Existing plants & conditions
Maintenance Goals Design style desired formal, casual Purpose Shade Screen Seating/Entertaining Vegetables Garden Styles Southwest Desert Texas Native Cottage Formal Asian Contemporary Mediterranean Tropical Southwest Desert Yuccas, cacti, agaves, skullcap, hymenoxis, desert willow, red-hot poker Texas Native Lantana, Texas mountain laurel, Mexican feather grass, cuphea, salvia gregii Cottage Thryallis, society garlic, columbine, coneflower, lamb s ears, lavender Formal Boxwood, Will Fleming yaupon, roses, Japanese yew, creeping thyme, Asian Rocks, gravel, sand, statuary, water features, junipers, yews, weeping yaupon, Japanese Maple
Contemporary Sotol, boxwood, liriope, silver ponyfoot, big muhly grass, red yucca, agave Mediterranean Salvias, agaves, yuccas, palms, sagos, lantana, lion s tale, rosemary Tropical Palms, ginger, cannas, sagos, esperanza, duranta, potato vine, Schematic Plan A scaled map of the property is a must for planning a landscape design Get copy of plot plan or property survey Make sure it is not reduced or a faxed copy must be original scale Measuring Tape measure Measuring wheel Garden hose Spray paint Drawing Tools Survey Tracing paper Ruler French curves Circles Adjustable curves Tips Don t draw recognizable shapes like kidneys or Mickey mouse ears Beds should ideally be at least 4 wide Make sweeping curves, not small scallops Don t vary the size of adjoining curves too much Bring bed ends in perpendicular to other elements, not to points