Understanding Landscape Design and Its Basic Principles

Landscape design is a lot like landscape architecture, but it takes into account the aesthetics of the area as well as the structural engineering needed. It combines the elements of art and science, function and aesthetics and extends the ease of living from indoors to outdoors. One of its main ideas is taking something commercial like a building or a residence and creating a harmonious design outdoors.

Color is an important part of landscape design. The basic color schemes include: monochromatic, one color with varying tints and shades; analogous, which refers to the colors used being side by side in the color wheel; and complementary, which refers to colors being complete opposites in a color wheel. Colors can be used to change a person's distance perspective—warm colors like the varying shades and tints of red can make an object seem nearer to the observer. Cool colors on the other hand, like blue, green and black, can make something appear farther away than it actually is. The proper combination of colors should be used carefully to find a balance that is both aesthetically pleasing and also harmonious to the environment.

Form and line are two other elements of art employed in creating landscape design. While form focuses on the size and the overall shape of the area, line focuses more on the flow of the design. Straight lines, for example, set focus on something structural and stable, while creating curved lines through shrubbery and trees can create a “smoother” look and a more natural approach to the design.

Texture can bring about focus on the surface area of the objects, plants and overall feel of the design. Scale pertains to the size of an object in relation to its size compared to other objects in its surroundings. A well-placed gazebo, for example, can help create a central focus when placed beside smaller shrubbery.

Remember that the goal of all landscape design is to find unity amongst all the elements placed in the design. Let the design tie things together to create harmony among the building and the outdoors.

Balance is another crucial part of the principles of landscape design. Symmetry may not be the only method used to create a great design, but balance is important when creating harmony throughout the design. This can be done by using texture and variety. Be careful not to overdo it, though! Too much texture and variety can lead to a cluttered feel. Aim for what's just right.