The 7 Elements of Landscape Design
Planning a garden requires that you consider the 7 elements of landscape design. They include scale, proportion, form, color, texture, and materials. Each element plays an important role in the design process. Learn about each one and incorporate them into your landscape or garden. You’ll have a beautiful yard in no time! Let’s take a look at their meanings.
Scale
Scale refers to the relationship of specific elements and their sizes when designing a landscape. One side of a landscape may be dominated by one large component, while the other side might have two or three smaller components with a similar mass. The opposite can also be true. A landscape can work to create privacy and block out views, while providing a natural boundary. To get a feel for scale, think about the size of a typical house and the size of its plants.
Proportion
When planning a landscape design, “proportion” refers the ratio between objects and the overall design. A tall oak could complement a single-story house, but dwarf a small, intimate backyard. Conversely, a modest three-foot pool would be lost in a vast, open lawn. A large fountain could also overwhelm a small private garden but add beauty to a large city plaza. The idea is to compare different objects and see how they relate to each other and how this will affect the interaction between people and design elements.
Form
The design principle of form is to balance mass. To achieve this, the components must be proportional in relation to their surroundings. For example, planting beds should be proportional to the adjoining lawn, while individual plants should occupy space proportional to their overall size. The central fountain acts as a focal point and is proportional to the surrounding space. This principle applies to all landscape design aspects, not just to the placement of plants.
Color
There are several principles to be considered when designing a landscape. Unity is the most important principle. Unity and continuity are created by repetition of objects and colors. However, too much repetition may create a monotonous landscape. To avoid this, try using simple patterns that blend various decors and water features. These elements can also be influenced by the proportions. These principles will help you create a landscape that suits your tastes.
Texture
The first sense we use when designing a landscape is sight. By combining bold, graphic plants with fine leaves, you can create stunningly textured designs. You don’t have to be afraid of texture. You can keep it simple by repeating the pattern and changing the degrees. Textures are important for creating interest in a plant bed. Try alternating plants with different textures to make a focal point in your planting area.
Unity
Balance and unity are key concepts to keep in your mind when designing a landscape. Balance refers to how two or more components are viewed together. Proper proportion is the control of each group’s size and helps to create a visually appealing landscape. Both are equally important. A landscape without one of them can look jarring or unbalanced. These are some tips to help achieve harmony and unity in your landscape design.
Consistency
Consistency in landscape design creates a sense of unity. The design feels safe and secure when everything is the same in size, texture, color scheme, shape, and other details. You can achieve consistency by avoiding elements that are too large or placed in an unnatural way. This principle is applicable to both symmetrical as well as asymmetrical landscape designs. However, it is possible to use asymmetrical designs to create unity.