Landscape Design Principles, Elements and Process Lisa T. Sanderson Virginia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources-Horticulture Henrico County
Why design your landscape?
Personal Benefits Shade Privacy Reduce wind Reduce odor Pollution control
Conservation Benefits Erosion control Water Quality Slope stabilization Temperature
Economic Benefits Increase property market value and home salability Attractive landscape can increase value of home by average of 7.5% and reduces time on market by 5-6 weeks
Aesthetic Benefits Attractive landscapes make people feel better HGTV HGTV HGTV
What is landscape design?
Elements and Principles of Design Elements Color Line Texture Form Principles Unity Balance Transition Proportion Rhythm Repetition Scale Simplicity
Elements of Art Color Primary Secondary Tertiary Analogous Monochromatic Complementary Tint Shade Warm Cool T P T S T S P T T P S T
Elements of Art Color in the Landscape Complementary Monochromatic Analogous Analogous Complementary
Elements of Art Line Related to eye movement or flow Straight lines forceful, structural stable direct the eye Curved lines smooth, graceful, gentle, relaxing, natural Energy with contrast between horizontal and vertical lines
Elements of Art Texture Surface quality of an object that can be seen or felt Can apply to plants or hardscapes
Examples of Texture
Elements of Art Form Closely related to line but more encompassing Shape and structure of a plant or plantings
Examples of form
Principles of Design Unity Obtained by the effective use of components in a design to express a main idea through consistent style All parts of design go together Mass planting Repetition
Examples of Unity
Principles of Design Balance
Examples of Balance
Principles of Design Transition gradual change (3 dimensional perspective, not just flat or facial view) Color (radially on a color wheel) Texture (from course to medium) Form (from upright to horizontal) Size
Principles of Design Proportion relationship of parts of design to each other
Principles of Design Rhythm achieved when elements of design create feeling of motion which leads viewer s eye
Principles of Design Repetition repeated use of features (color, patterns, materials)
Principles of Design Scale Size of an object or objects in relation to surroundings
Examples of Scale
Principles of Design Simplicity hand in hand with repetition achieved by eliminating unnecessary detail
Principles of Design Simplicity hand in hand with repetition achieved by eliminating unnecessary detail vs.
Landscape Design
Steps in Design SCALE Engineer s Scale
Landscape Drawing Tools
Develop a Plot Plan Start with your survey
Steps in Design Conduct a site analysis Sun/Shade patterns Wind Soils Views in and Out Existing Plants Utilities Climate and microclimates Slope changes Smells
Locating Landscape Features Residence Triangulation One method to accurately locate landscape items (trees, etc.) on your landscape plan. 25 22
Tools of Measurement
Steps in Design The Site Analysis drafted Use Color!!
Steps in Design Develop the Program Assess Family Needs and Desires Annual flowers Perennial flowers Ornamental grasses Prairie garden Butterfly garden Vegetable garden Fruit Trees Entry Garden Ornamental or flowering trees Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous shrubs Flowering shrubs Driveway/Car turn around Walks/paths Deck Stairs Retaining walls Fencing Outdoor Lighting Children s Play area Dog Kennel
Steps in Design Bubble Diagram
The Preliminary Plan In the preliminary plan, materials are identified (pavers, stone, mulch) Plant function is identified, but not specific genus Screening evergreen shrubs Specimen tree Shade tree Spring flowering shrubs Mixed shade perennials
Steps in Design Final Plan Final Plan Includes Material identification and list Plant list, including size, quantity May include details for construction
Other Design Considerations Tread-Riser Ratio 2R+T=26-27 *7.5 Rx2+12 T=27