Just
about anyone knows
a great looking landscape
when they see one.
Take a drive through
any neighborhood and
it's easy to spot
the landscape that
should receive the
'Yard of the Month
Award', every month.
Chances are, a professional
landscape designer
designed it, or someone
who has the working
knowledge of art elements
and design principles.
Want
to design your own
landscape?
If you know very little
about landscape design,
and are trying to
decide whether or
not to design your
own landscape, the
brief overview below
may be of some help.
At least we hope so.
Elements
of Art
Elements
of art include but
are not limited to
color, line, form,
texture and scale.
- Color
can
be used to visually
change distance
perspective and
to set a certain
mood. Warm colors
and light tints
like red, orange,
yellow and white
advance an object
or area toward the
observer. These
colors and tints
placed near the
foundation of a
house would make
the house appear
closer to the street.
Cool colors and
deep shades like
blue, green and
black recede and
can be used to make
the house appear
farther from the
street. Cool colors
are restful while
warm colors express
action and are best
used in filtered
light or against
a green or dark
background.
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A
color wheel
is a diagramatic
way of showing
relationships
between colors.
Colors on the
right side of
the wheel are
warm. Colors
on the left
side are cool.
Colors adjacent
to one another
are analogous.
Opposite colors
are complementary.
What
is important
to gardeners,
is how colors
clash with or
complement one
another and
the distinction
between warm
and cool colors.
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- Line
is related to eye
movement or flow.
In the overall landscape,
line is inferred
by bed arrangement
and the way these
beds fit or flow
together. Straight
lines tend to be
forceful, structural
and stable and direct
the observer's eye
to a point faster
than curved lines.
Curved or free-flowing
lines are sometimes
described as smooth,
graceful or gentle
and create a relaxing,
progressive, moving
and natural feeling.
Bedlines in our
own designs often
flow across hard-surfaced
areas such as driveways
and walkways
- Form
and line are closely
related. Line is
considered usually
in terms of the
outline or bed edges,
whereas form is
more encompassing.
The concept of form
is related also
to the size of an
object or area.
Form can be discussed
in terms of individual
plant growth habits
or as the planting
arrangement in a
landscape. Plant
forms include upright,
oval, columnar,
spreading, broad
spreading, weeping,
mounding, vase-shape,
etc. Form is basically
the shape and structure
of a plant or mass
of plants. Structures
also have form and
should be considered
as such when designing
the area around
them.
- Texture
describes
the surface quality
of an object than
can be seen or felt.
Surfaces in the
landscape includes
buildings, walks,
patios, groundcovers
and plants. The
texture of plants
differs as the relationships
between the leaves,
twigs and branches
differ Coarse, medium
or fine foliage
could be used to
describe texture
but so could smooth,
rough, glossy or
dull. In a design
we often alternate
large-leaved plants
with small, or dull-leaved
with shiny to create
eye-appealing contrast
in texture.
- Scale
refers
to the size of an
object or objects
in relation to the
surroundings. Size
refers to definite
measurements while
scale describes
the size relationship
between adjacent
objects. The size
of plantings and
buildings compared
on the human scale
must be considered.
If you are designing
a landscape for
a single level home
on a 1/4 acre size
lot large shade
trees such as red
oaks or elms should
be substitued with
smaller-growing
shade trees such
as the Trident maple
or flowering trees
such as crape myrtles.
Principles
of Landscape Design
Design
principles include
unity, balance, transition,
focalization, proportion,
rhythm, repetition
and simplicity. All
these principles interact
to yield the intended
design.
- Unity
is obtained by the
effective use of
components in a
design to express
a main idea through
consistent style.
Unity is emphasized
by consistency of
character between
units in the landscape.
Use of elements
to express a specific
theme within units
creates harmony.
Unity can be achieved
by using mass planting
and repetition.
Unity means that
all parts of the
composition or
landscape go together;
they fit. A natural
feeling evolves
when each activity
area belongs to
and blends with
the entire landscape.
Everything selected
for a landscape
must complement
the central scheme
and must, above
all, serve some
functional purpose.
-
Balance
in design refers
to the equilibrium
or equality of
visual attraction.
Symmetrical balance
is achieved when
one side of the
design is a mirror
image of the other
side. We often
use this principle
in foundation
plantings by placing
the same type
of plants or trees
on the corners
of a home or on
each side of an
entryway.
Asymmetrical
balance uses different
forms, colors
and textures to
obtain balance
of visual attraction.
These opposing
compositions on
either side of
the central axis
create equal attraction.
For example, mass
may be opposed
by color or linear
dimension by height.
The designer must
skillfully manipulate
the design elements
to create asymmetrical
balance. The central
axis must be predetermined
and then developed
by the elements
of art and other
principles of
design discussed
here. Asymetrical
balance in design
is much more difficult
to achieve by
the novice designer.
Design professionals
can work for years
to become skilled
in this principle.
-
Transition
is gradual change.
Transition can
be obtained by
the arrangement
of objects with
varying colors,
textures, forms,
or sizes in a
logical sequential
order. For example,
coarse to medium
to fine textures,
round to oval
to linear structural
forms, or cylindrical
to globular to
prostrate plants.
An unlimited number
of schemes exist
by combining elements
of various size,
form, texture
and color to create
transition
It
is possible to
use transition
to extend visual
dimensions beyond
actual dimensions.
For example, radical
lines in the private
area of the landscape
can be used to
enframe and/or
focalize a lake
scene. Transition
of plant materials
along these lines
can make the scene
in the distance
become a part
of the landscape
Transition from
taller to shorter
plants with textural
changes from coarse
to fine along
focal lines emphasizes
the beauty of
a lake scene.
Transition from
shorter to taller
plants and from
fine to coarse
textures would
enframe the scene
and make it appear
closer, like a
painting on a
wall. Generally,
transition assists
in the gradual
movement of a
viewer's eye to
the design and
within it.
-
Proportion
refers to the
size of parts
of the design
in relation to
each other and
to the design
as a whole. One
large towering
oak may compliment
an office building
but would probably
dwarf a single
story residence.
A three-foot pool
would be lost
in a large open
lawn but would
fit beautifully
into a small private
area. And of course,
a colossal fountain
would dominate
a private garden
but could enhance
a large city plaza.
-
Rhythm
is achieved
when the elements
of a design create
a feeling of motion
which leads the
viewer's eye through
or even beyond
the designed area.
Tools like color
schemes, line
and form can be
repeated to attain
rhythm in landscape
design. Rhythm
reduces confusion
in the design.
-
Focalization
involves the leading
of visual observation
toward a feature,
whether it be
a plant, tree,
structure, or
an object such
as a fountain
or statue. Straight
radial lines create
a strong focalization
when compared
to curved lines.
The viewer's eye
is quickly forced
along straight
lines to a focal
point. Generally,
weaker or flowing
lines of focalization
are desirable
in the residential
landscape. Transition
of plants or other
objects along
these lines can
strengthen or
weaken the focalization.
Curved lines are
stronger when
curved toward
each other than
when curved outward.
Indirect focalization
is created by
lines curved in
the same direction.
Focalization can
be adjusted by
plant materials
along the lines
to create symmetrical
or asymmetrical
focalization.
Asymmetrical focalization
is indirect while
symmetrical focalization
is more direct,
creating stronger
focalization.
Since
focalization can
be used to direct
attention to a
point, traffic
in an area is
usually directed
to that point.
Therefore, focalization
could be used
to direct traffic
in a garden area.
Guidance of view
toward features
of commercial,
aesthetic or cultural
value may attract
the eye of the
unaware without
conscious effort.
We often consider
the front entrance
to a home or building
as the primary
focal point and
thus will design
the landscape
to point the viewers
eye towards it.
- Repetition
refers to the repeated
use of features
like plants with
identical shape,
line, form, texture
and/or color. Too
much repetition
creates monotony
but when used effectively
can lead to rhythm,
focalization or
emphasis. Unity
can be achieved
better by no other
means than repetition.
Think of repetition
as not having too
much variety in
the design which
creates a cluttered
or busy appearance.
We often use repetition
in front yard designs
where a more formal,
clean appearance
is desired. However,
in backyard designs
we often let go
of this principle.
The backyard is
where residents
spend most of their
time relaxing outdoors,
and the more variety
in plant material
can be a pleasant
distraction and
conversation piece
for you and your
guests.
-
Simplicity
goes hand-in-hand
with repetition
and can be achieved
by elimination
of unnecessary
detail. Too much
detail, such as
sqiggly bed lines,
creates confusion
of perception
to the passerby.
Simplicity is
the reduction
of a design to
its simplest,
functional form,
which avoids unnecessary
cost and maintenance.
Steps
in Developing a Landscape
Design
The
benefits of an organized
system in developing
a landscape design
are tremendous. As
with most endeavors,
the level of efficiency
relative to time input
is greatly increased
with an organized
approach. The game
plan for the landscape
designer should follow
a sequence such as
the one presented
here:
Steps
In Design
- Develop
a plot plan.
- Conduct
a site analysis.
-
Assess family needs
and desires.
-
Locate activity
areas.
-
Design activity
areas.
-
Plant selection
and placement.
Develop
a Plot Plan
It is difficult to
visualize certain
aspects of design
without putting it
to scale on paper.
The designer should
think with drawings
or sketches and make
the mistakes on paper
and not on the landscape
site. The plot plan
should consist of
1) accurate house
placement on the lot,
2) accurate lot and
house dimensions with
window and door placement
and 3) existing driveways
and/or walks. It saves
a lot of time if you
can obtain an accurate
plat of the house
and property and a
house floor plan with
outside dimensions.
These plans may be
secured from the builder,
developer or county
or city property records.
Although the floor
plan scale will probably
be different from
the scale you use,
it will still be easier
to convert the scale
than to physically
measure the house,
lot, etc.
Once
the house position
on the lot has been
determined, this should
be drawn to a predetermined
scale on paper. Commonly,
1" = 5' or 1"
= 10' , but you may
choose another scale
based upon your drawing
equipment and project
dimensions. Recommended
drawing equipment
includes: drafting
pencils, T-square,
scaled rulers, triangle,
art gum eraser, landscape
design template, and
drafting paper. The
designer must have
a firm, steady working
surface.
Conduct
a Site Analysis
A complete survey
of the property is
essential. The plot
plan will assist you
in organizing the
information from the
site analysis. A thorough
site analysis can
save you time and
money. Existing vegetation,
natural factors and
features, views, noise
levels, utility placement,
easements/setback
lines and primary
architectural features
of the house should
be noted.
Existing
plants should be examined.
Tree condition and
placement should be
recorded. Trees on
adjoining property
that would affect
shade patterns on
the customer's lot
should also be surveyed.
This information is
essential to designers,
especially since it
is their responsibility
to blend this home
into the natural or
existing setting,
or to create a setting
to be functional and
to complement the
structure. Shrubs,
groundcovers and grasses
should also be examined
as to their condition
and potential use.
Natural
factors and features
of a landscape
include house orientation,
land form, soil conditions,
rainfall distribution,
seasonal wind pattern
and micro-climatic
conditions. House
orientation affects
the exposure of various
portions of the house
to the sun. This knowledge
is essential so the
designer can provide
shade in important
spots and locate activity
areas appropriately.
For example, a southeastern
exposure is generally
the most comfortable
spot year-round since
it provides afternoon
shade while a western
slope will be hot
in the summer and
cold in the winter.
Land
form
refers to slope or
land elevation changes.
It determines surface
water drainage patterns
and is essential knowledge
in developing functional
and aesthetically
pleasing landscapes.
Soil
characteristics will
determine selection
and placement of plants.
Soil pH, nutrient
and waterholding capacity
and drainage should
be considered.
Rainfall
distribution can be
determined on a regional
basis. Periods of
heavy rainfall can
magnify the problems
of shallow soils or
a hardpan resulting
in unwanted standing
water. Sometimes these
conditions may require
the engineering of
drainage modifications
by some type of tiles
or pipe or grading
for correction. Often
the conditions simply
require careful plant
selection. For instance
an area that retains
moisture could be
turned from a liability
to an asset quite
inexpensively with
plants
that prefer moisture
retentive soils
such as the Yellow
Flag Iris.
Predominate
wind directions differ
dpending on location,
the season and the
time of day. Where
the wind direction
differs in summer
and winter, plantings
using screen
plants can be
arranged to block
the cold winter winds
from a patio and direct
summer breezes into
this same area. While
conducting the site
analysis, be sure
to look for existing
wind breaks provided
by plants and structures
on the property or
on adjacent property.
All
of these factors interact
to create micro-climates.
This means that the
conditions in a isolated
spot may differ considerably
from the conditions
in another area of
the landscape. The
designer must consider
those variations in
order to "fine-tune"
the landscape plan
and plant selection.
Views
should be identified
that are to be preserved
or accented. Likewise,
less desirable views
must be considered
so screening can be
planned. Views and
activities 30 feet
or so from the property
line must be surveyed.
During the site analysis,
views should be observed
from inside the house
to outside and from
outside to inside
the house. Observe
the neighbors' property
from positions on
the property, and
view the property
from the neighbors'
lots if possible.
The house should also
be observed at multiple
angles from the street.
Pictures from an instant
camera can be very
helpful in reminding
the designer of specific
views when sitting
back at the drawing
table. We always take
lots of pictures.
Surrounding
distractions must
be identified. Locate
noise sources like
busy roads and plot
the direction and
distance of the source.
Use plantings with
screen
plants to buffer
the noise. Glare is
another distraction
that should be considered.
Utility
lines may be on poles
or underground. Locate
the position of these
on the plot plan.
Also locate the electrical
meter on the house,
the air-conditioner
unit and water outlets.
Consider the position
of television and
telephone cables or
satellite dishes,
water lines and sewage
lines, or a septic
tank and field line.
Television cable companies
and the telephone
company will usually
locate their service
lines accurately.
However, these services
must be requested
in advance.
Architectural
style of
the house is of primary
importance. Specific
details of interest
must be identified
during the site analysis.
Things like the height
of windows, the height
of house corners from
the ground and overhang
widths should be considered.
Notice major traffic
problems so proper
access and movement
from one area of the
landscape to another
will be provided.
Assess
Family Needs
A landscape should
be an outdoor extension
of indoor living areas.
It should be functional
and provide space
for family activities.
Before the designer
can create such an
environment, knowledge
of certain family
characteristics is
essential. The questions
used in the form at
the end can be among
those considered by
the designer.
Locate Activity Areas
Once the family needs
have been determined,
areas for these activities
must be located on
the property. Their
placement should be
considered in terms
of the house plan
and in relation to
other activities in
and adjacent to the
property. These activity
areas could include
a living area, quiet
zone, work area, water
feature, or theme
garden plots such
as a butterfly or
vegetable garden.
These
areas should be defined
on the plot plan.
Actually sketch the
outline of these areas
on the plot plan.
Be sure to include
all needed activity
areas and draw them
to scale and to the
size necessary to
accommodate the activity,
yet still fit within
the property lines.
Two
major considerations
for the placement
of areas must be emphasized.
1) Place outdoor areas
in relation to indoor
activity areas. The
outdoor living or
entertaining area
should be an extension
of the family or living
room in the house.
The service area and
work area may be an
extension of the laundry
room, kitchen or garage.
2) Arrange areas relative
to the activities
in each and activities
on adjoining property.
For example, do not
position the children's
play area beside the
quiet zone. Always
leave a clear view
to the children's
play area from some
identified observation
point like the kitchen
window.
Design
Activity Areas
A systematic approach
should be taken in
designing activity
areas. First, determine
the objectives of
the design and establish
the general type of
plan - formal or natural.
Plan for structural
needs, consider land
form modifications,
determine traffic
flow, develop bed
form and then specify
plant materials.
Structural
needs should
be considered first.
If a storage building
or gazebo is needed
or desired, a level
spot and access must
be planned. Required
access may mean a
path or limited vehicular
access to haul in
firewood, etc.
Land
form information derived
from the site analysis
can be used now. Do
surface water drainage
problems exist? If
so, determine how
to correct them. Engineering
and legal considerations
are involved in major
surface water drainage
problems. Seemingly
simple solutions may
affect someone else's
surface drainage.
Care should be taken
not to create surface
water drainage problems
with land form modifications.
Existing
land form may have
slopes which will
erode. Existing slope
or steepness will
determine what actions
should be taken. Ground
covers may be
the answer for long,
gentle slopes while
terraces with railroad
ties or blocks may
solve the problem
of a short, steep
bank. Grass should
not be put on slopes
greater than 1:6 (1'
of rise per ' of run)
because of maintenance
safety. Other ground
cover materials will
probably hold a 1:2
or 1:3 slope. Bark
mulch should not be
placed on a slope
greater than 1:10.
Bed
form, traffic flow
and plant selection
and placement utilize
art elements and design
principles previously
discussed.
Public
Area. The
public area is the
portion of the residential
landscape the public
sees and uses. The
current trend toward
smaller residential
lots encourages the
development of some
of the front yard
for family living.
The public area contains
the driveway, parking,
walks, open space
and entrance area.
The purpose of the
public area is to
enhance the home,
provide comfortable
access and lead the
visitor to the entrance.
Foundation
planting is not all
of landscaping but
can be a vital part
of functional landscape
design. Too often
foundation planting
is overdone and left
to stand alone. History
reveals that foundation
plantings were used
to block the view
of raised foundations
and to slow cold air
movement under the
house. Although these
needs do not often
exist today, some
landscapers and homeowners
think it is a must
to cover every linear
foot of the foundation
with plants. Try not
to overcrowd the foundation
planting on the front
of your home making
sure to properly space
plant material. It
is very helpful to
research mature heights
and widths of the
foundation
plants you will
choose for this area
and indeed all areas
of your landscape.
The
objectives of foundation
planting are to focalize
the main entrance,
compliment the architectural
style of the house
and to break long
continuous lines of
the house and blend
it into the surroundings.
The designer should
avoid competing elements
which detract from
the main entrance
and the house in general.
An isolated bed in
the middle of open
lawn area is one of
these competing elements.
Plants should be selected
which can easily be
maintained to proper
scale with the house.
This is probably the
most common failure
of foundation plantings.
A
general rule of thumb
is that the height
of plants in the foundation
planting should not
exceed two-thirds
the height of the
wall at house corners.
Generally, plant height
should not exceed
the height of a line
extending from the
doorway to this imaginary
point at the house
corner. This does
not mean every house
should have plantings
this high. Under windows
consider plants that
will grow to a height
no higher than at,
or beneath, the bottom
of the window.
Balance
in landscape design
is not always necessary.
Imbalance may be used
with architectural
features of some houses
to create desirable,
interesting effects.
However, when balance
is suggested by the
style of the home,
it should be achieved.
Formal style homes
typically beg for
a more balanced, formal
landscape while contemporary
homes with varying
angles can benefit
aesthetically from
an asymetrical design.
Symmetrical
balance has been overdone
in residential landscape
design. This approach
seems formal and monotonous.
Asymmetrical balance
is often more desirable
for residential landscapes
as balance is created
without monotony.
Architectural style
may, and should dictate
the use of symmetry
or asymmetry. Driveways,
parking and walks
must be functional.
They must be positioned
to provide easy access
from points of entry
onto the property
to the entrance of
the house. Too often
walks are placed from
the street to the
front door with no
consideration of access
from the driveway
to the front door.
Many times a walk
dividing the front
yard is not necessary
and may detract from
the house.
Walk
and driveway surfaces
should be selected
based on traffic demands.
Low traffic walks
and driveways may
be surfaced with less
expensive materials
such as bark or gravel,
but walks and driveways
with high traffic
demands should have
a hard surface.
Walks
accommodating two
people abreast should
be at least 4' wide.
Walks for one person
should be at least
30" wide. A straight
driveway for one car
should be at least
8' wide while 14'
minimum is required
for two cars side-by-side.
Circle drives should
have a minimum inside
radius of 18' and
an outside radius
of 32' with a surface
width of 14'. Steps
should be designed
with human comfort
as the top priority.
Generally, a taller
step, one with greater
rise, should have
a longer tread area.
A handy rule of thumb
states that twice
the rise in inches
plus the tread should
equal 26 or 27. Ramps
for wheelchair access
are necessary or desired
in some residential
landscapes. The average
wheelchair user can
negotiate a 5 percent
gradient independently
and the minimum width
is 3'. The bottom
and top approach to
a ramp should be clear
and level for a distance
of at least 5'.
Driveways
must be wide enough
at the street to allow
cars to merge easily
into the flow of traffic.
The higher the average
speed of the street
traffic the wider
the mouth of the drive
should be.
The
view of street traffic
from the driveway
entrance should not
be blocked. Large
plants placed along
the driveway entrance
create a dangerous
situation. Plants
on the outside of
a curve in a driveway
or highway aid the
driver by giving definition
to the traffic flow.
Make sure such a planting
blends into the total
design. A plant screen
on the inside of a
curve in a driveway
or highway is hazardous
because it blocks
the driver's view
of the road ahead.
Trees
can be used in the
public area (front
yard) to soften lines,
provide shade and
enframe the house.
(SEE: All
About Trees) Aside
from using trees for
shade, we often use
trees to frame a home
rather than tall growing
shrubs such as hollies.
Tall vertical lines
that can be found
on the corners of
many two-story houses
can be effectively
softened by a tree
planted in conjunction
with other plants
at a corner. Tree
shape is very important.
A low-branched, rounded
tree softens this
line while a slender
upright tree only
accents the line.
Also trees placed
in the backyard can
provide an excellent
background for the
house as viewed from
the street.
A
long low house (ranch
style) can be made
to appear taller in
relation to its length
by proper placement
of plant materials.
Larger trees planted
as a background break
the horizontal roof
line. Smaller trees
spaced a few feet
from the ends or corners
of the house would
also help the house
seem taller in relation
to its length.
A
tall slender house
seems longer when
few or no trees are
placed in the background
but medium-sized,
rounded trees are
positioned on either
side of the house.
Plants placed near
these trees should
be shorter and decrease
in height the farther
from the house they
are positioned. This
planting design effectively
created a sloping
line to replace the
strong vertical line
of the house. The
house then appears
longer in relation
to its height.
Shade
trees positioned
for shade must be
carefully located.
The designer must
locate what area needs
shade, and during
what time of the day
and what seasons the
shade is needed. This
information will determine
where to plant the
trees relative to
sun angle, sun direction
and areas to be shaded.
A
Japanese
maple placed as
a focal point can
make a landscape.
Evergreen
trees make great
foundation corner
plants or screens.
Flowering
trees used in
a row can define a
property line or used
as a specimen can
be an eye-catching,
beautiful focal point.
A
moderate amount of
open area in the front
yard can create the
feeling of a large
expansive area that
allows the observer's
eye to move from the
street to the planted
areas. The planted
areas can then direct
the observer's eye
to the appropriate
place. Some family
game activities need
not be in the private
living area and can
be accommodated by
open portions of the
public area (front
landscape).
Entrance.
The entrance should
be an area of transition
between outdoors and
indoors. Considerable
detail should be given
to the planning and
maintenance of this
area. This is true
because a visitor
is close to this area
and moving slowly
or actually standing
still. Therefore there
is time to view this
area and a favorable
impression can be
developed before a
person enters the
home. We almost always
place a laceleaf or
upright Japanese
Maple somewhere
in the entrance planting.
Plantings
in the public area
should focus attention
to the entrance. This
means there should
be no doubt in the
visitor's mind where
to enter the house.
If the house is approached
commonly from more
than one direction,
the focalization of
the entrance form
these different perspectives
must be considered.
This focalization
is achieved through
repetition of plant
masses. Transition
of plant form, color
and texture and the
bed lines can help
direct attention.
Never plant a large
tree or wall of hedges
in a location where
it will block the
front door of the
home.
Focusing
attention toward the
entrance is not the
same as accenting
the entrance or access
area. Plantings, like
liriope, along both
sides of a walk in
the open lawn only
draws attention to
or accents the walk.
These do not direct
attention to the entrance,
but actually distract
the observer's attention
from the entrance
area to the walk itself.
There
should be a feeling
of intimacy or comfort
with limited exposure
when a person is standing
in the entrance area.
Security and the need
to focus the entrance
may dictate the extent
of exposure in this
area. In a outdoor
front area for a larger
home, an extensive
entrance garden may
be appropriate. Be
careful to keep this
area in scale with
the house and its
surroundings. These
areas are sometimes
called "good
night" areas,
because they provide
an effective transition
between the indoors
and the vehicle parking
outside.
Living
area. Elements
in the living area,
primarily the backyard,
depend upon the desires
and needs of the family.
These desires and
needs were determined
during the interview
outlined previously.
This area must be
clearly organized
to avoid wasted space.
Living area space
must be organized
based on the activities
to be included there.
Consideration is given
to the house design,
land form and house
orientation as they
relate to space organization.
Private
area(s) are usually
a part of the living
area. A private area
may be for reading
and meditation as
an extension of the
master bedroom or
it could be an area
for small group conversation
as an extension of
the living room. A
private area may be
placed close to the
house or in an isolated
corner of the landscape.
Space
and equipment for
children's play are
required in many landscapes.
The play area should
be an integral part
of the landscape.
Enclosure of this
area may be required,
based on age of children,
size of area and activities
on adjacent property.
The permanency of
the play area depends
upon the ages of the
children and family
plans. If the children
are 8 to 10 and no
other children are
expected, the area
may be temporary and
plans for future modification
should be considered.
The
children's play area
may require some open
space. This space
may also serve for
adult entertaining.
Planning for multi-use
space of this sort
can lead to high space
utilization and efficiency.
It
is often important
to provide a degree
of privacy in the
living area. Fencing,
walls or hedge
plants used for
this purpose can also
block views, enhance
views and direct or
block prevailing winds.
Structural
features in the living
area could include
a patio, deck, terrace,
water
feature and/or
garden and workshop.
A patio used as an
extension of the family
room should be at
least 12 feet by 15
feet. The selection
of surface material
is based on land slope,
expected use rate,
style of the house
and the amount of
funds available. Raised
wooden decks are suited
for sloping land and
are cooled by air
flow beneath them.
Brick and sand is
less expensive than
brick and cement and
if installed properly
can be quite durable.
Stained concrete and
concrete with an aggregate
surface are also alternative
surfaces for patios.
A
water feature could
be a swimming pool,
spa, or a garden
pond. Moving water
creates a secure,
relaxed feeling in
a private area and
is often overlooked
for this use. Expense
of these items is
often the limiting
factor.
The
designer should be
concerned with traffic
flow and circulation
in the living area.
Each unit in this
area should be a part
of the whole and contribute
to the overall circulation
pattern. This is especially
true in the areas
where entertaining
is planned. Areas
of limited access,
like service areas,
may not be a part
of this circulation
pattern. Circulation
refers to the movement
of people's eyes and
then their bodies
through a specific
pattern in the landscape.
For example, a quiet
sitting area located
in the back corner
of the lot is hidden
from view of the patio.
Proper bed arrangement
and plant selection
will lead the observer
to one focalization
point in the landscape.
The person, now located
at that point sees
another focalization
point and so on until
the sitting area is
seen. This systematic
method moves people
from one point to
another until the
desired circulation
and traffic flow patterns
are created. Most
popular theme parks
are working examples
of planned traffic
flow by this technique.
Service
Area. The
outdoor service area
is an extension of
the indoor service
rooms like the kitchen,
utility room and/or
garage. It is a part
of the overall design,
but is usually screened
from most parts of
the living and public
areas. Access from
the house and from
other parts of the
landscape will be
necessary. Sometimes
vehicular access is
desired. The family
interview previously
discussed, will determine
what must be included
in this area. The
amount of space available
and number and type
of activities to be
included will determine
the required size.
A
service area could
include tool storage,
work space, clothesline,
garden supplies storage,
trash cans, firewood
and a vegetable or
cut-flower garden.
It is possible to
have service functions
in two or more locations
in the landscape.
Definition
and Separation of
Areas. Once
the activity areas
have been located
and ideas for development
of these areas have
been formulated, the
need for separation
of these areas is
often apparent. Space
can be the medium
for separation when
working with a larger
piece of property.
Most often some other
type of separation
is required due to
the number of separate
activities planned
in a small area. Sometimes
it is only necessary
to define space with
a rail fence, etc.,
rather than providing
a complete screen
or barrier. Spaces
can also be separated
by changes in elevation.
Planters or container
plantings can
separate areas and
can be a very attractive
means of defining
space.
A
visual screen from
one direction without
being a physical barrier
fits the bill for
some situations. Groupings
of plants can be positioned
to give a visual block.
The
required height of
a screen depends upon
the elevation of the
view to be screened.
A screen
planting for privacy
from the neighbor's
two story window will
require a taller screen
than one for blocking
the view of a neighbor
down in the valley.
Generally, a screen
should be placed as
close as possible
to the item to be
screened.
Plant
materials provide
an inexpensive screen
planting with
color and interest.
They generally require
more space than fences
and it takes time
for them to grow to
mature size. Fences
provide an immediate
screen, occupy little
space and are quite
expensive. The budget
and available space
will be the determining
factors in this decision.
Plant
Selection and Placement
Plant selection is
the last step in the
design process. Up
until this point,
plant form, texture,
color and size have
been visualized, but
now a name must be
assigned to each plant.
Plants are selected
on the basis of climatic
adaptability to the
microclimate of the
location, plant architecture
and availability.
No
matter how well a
plant meets the physical
characteristics for
a location, if it
is not adaptable to
the conditions there,
it will fail. These
microclimate conditions
include sun intensity
and duration, soil
conditions, rainfall,
air circulation and
temperature. Some
plants perform better
in partial or full
shade than in full
sun. The length of
daily exposure to
a particular light
level also influences
plant responses. Soil
type and drainage
properties influence
plant adaptability
greatly. Plants can
be selected to tolerate
varied soil conditions,
but the designer must
have a working knowledge
of available plant
materials. Use the
Plant
Files in this
site to become more
aquainted with the
various types of plants
and trees that perform
well in Zone
8 and surrounding
areas.
Plant
architecture consists
of form, size, texture
and color. Plant form
is classified as columnar,
upright, spreading,
broad spreading and
prostrate. Plants
should be selected
on the basis of their
mature size or a size
at which they can
be maintained easily.
Texture is referred
to as fine, medium
or coarse. It is determined
by branching habit,
leaf size and shape,
leaf arrangement,
leaf color and leaf
surface texture (dull
or glossy). Plant
color is determined
by the foliage, flowers
and/or fruits. Knowledge
of a plant's seasonal
color variations is
essential and helpful.
The
designer must also
be aware of insect
and disease problems
for plants they expect
to include in a plan.
Desirable plants are
those resistant to
or tolerant of pests
like mites, scale,
nematodes, borers,
root rots, powdery
mildew, wilts, galls,
blights, and leaf
spots. Plants in some
locations must be
tolerant of human
abuse and animals
such as deer. SEE:
Deer
Resistant Plants
Usually,
plants should be spaced
with consideration
to their mature size.
Plants in large areas
or groups are generally
spaced to cover an
area in 3 to 5 years.
Foundation
plants should
be spaced far enough
from the house so
that there is adequate
air circulation near
the house and so that
they will recieve
beneficial rainfall.
Generally, space plants
from the house by
at least the distance
of the plant radius
at maturity. Spacing
plants too close to
the house is a common
mistake.
Minimal/Low
Maintenance Considerations.
Maintenance cannot
be avoided entirely,
but it can certainly
be minimized. Even
the perfectly designed
and installed landscape
will fail if maintenance
fails.
Complex
or overcrowded designs
usually require more
maintenance. Simplicity
can be achieved by
avoiding unnecessary
detail. Use low-maintenance
plants and limit the
number of plant species
if you do not enjoy
pruning or clipping.
Some actually enjoy
clipping and pruning
as it provides a calming
sort of therapy. Create
well-defined planted
areas by not scattering
plants or beds throughout
open areas such as
the lawn.
Keep
line, and continual
flow of the line in
mind when designing
lawn areas. When designing
the shape of lawn
areas use soft, flowing
lines that will be
easy to mow along.
Try to avoid sharp
angles when designing
bedlines that will
encompass a lawn area.
Design
the appropriate size
of a maintained area
and arrange plants
in groups of like
species to create
a mass effect. Place
trees in beds or surround
them with a bed of
mulch that extends
at minimum to the
outside limb-line
of the tree. Beds
around trees can eliminate
trimming, reduce lawn
mower damage to tree
trunks and increase
the speed of mowing.
Edging of beds creates
a sharp clean line
and reduces maintenance
requirements.
Summary
Before
anyone can design
and build a 'Yard
of the Month' landscape
there are the basic
artistic elements
and principles to
be considered. If
you have never designed
a landscape before
we suggest that you
re-read the basic
guidelines above a
second time...and
maybe even a third
before making your
first attempt.
When
it comes to designing
a beautiful, practical,
and functional landscape
for your entire property
there is much to consider,
and much to know.
If the thought of
doing it yourself
is a bit too overwhelming,
you can set up an
appointment with a
Wilson Bros landscape
designer. There is
no charge for for
a design quote. Call
the nursery at 770-954-9862
or Brian Wilson at
678-859-8704.
For
those of you who wish
to design your own
landscape, get busy
- with patience of
course - doing the
necessary research.
Pour through the information
in this site. Drive
around some subdivisions
taking ideas from
landscapes you find
appealing. Visit the
nursery to investigate
plants and create
your preference list.
Consider purchasing
a book such as 'The
Home Landscaper',
where you can find
lots of great ideas
from both 3 dimensional
pictures and 2 dimensional
drawings.
More
About Wilson Bros.
Landscape Design
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Wilson
Bros. Landscape
Design is a
full-time, year-round
landscape design
build company
with a 21 year
history of respected,
professional
design work.
We provide a
customized plan
by working with
the client's
own ideas and
preferences.
Wilson
Bros Design
offers quotes
at no charge
on both landscape
designs and
installations.
A Wilson Bros
desiger will
meet with you
to achieve an
integrated landscape
design that
is practical
and acknowledges
budget requirements.
The client has
the option to
use the plan
and install
plant material
themselves,
or to obtain
installation
bids from us
or other local
landscape contractors.
We do designs
for anything
from a single
flower bed to
a complete property
landscape and/or
irrigation layout
and can customize
a plan to be
planted in stages
or all at once.
With
our five acre
nursery facility,
Wilson Bros
has the capability
to store plant
material ensuring
timely installation
and completion
of any size
project. Our
clients can
visit the nursery
at any time
to create a
preference list
before the design
is drawn, and
then to hand
select plants,
trees, and other
materials before
they are installed.
Wilson Bros.
also carries
liability and
Worker's Compensation
Insurance.
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For
Design Appointment
Contact:
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Brian
Wilson
(678) 859-8704 |
Nursery
(770)
954-9862 |
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