Landscape Design

The art of developing property for its greatest use and enjoyment –Involves understanding the environment around the structure and selecting plants that perform well in that environment. ©iStockphoto.com

Landscape Value Determinants Aesthetic appeal Economic value Functional value Environmental effects Good design results in adding value to property and enhancing quality of life. ©iStockphoto.com

Aesthetic Appeal Add visual beauty Hide undesirable features Emphasize desirable features Appeal to all five senses –Sight –Hearing –Touch –Taste –Smell ©iStockphoto.com

Economic Value Increase property value 6 to 15 percent Reduce energy costs –Buffer wind –Control solar heat gain Courtesy USDA ©iStockphoto.com

Functional Value Aesthetic value Enhance livability Conservation and environmental protection Solar heat control Wind control Sound control Slope stabilization ©iStockphoto.com

Environmental Effects Landscaping can Moderate temperatures Reduce glare and wind Use water more efficiently Clean the air Provide wildlife habitat Bird and Butterfly habitat ©iStockphoto.com

Rules and Regulations State, local, and/or community regulations may control landscape design. Storm water drainage Tree ordinances Street trees Street yard Buffer yards Street wall Parking screen and islands Trash screen

Rules and Regulations Storm water regulations ©iStockphoto.com

Rules and Regulations Tree Ordinances ©iStockphoto.com

Rules and Regulations Street Trees

Rules and Regulations Street Yard

Rules and Regulations Buffer Yards

Rules and Regulations Parking Screens and Islands

Rules and Regulations Trash Screen

Unintended Results of Landscaping Air Pollution: Gasoline-powered landscape equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws) account for more than 5% of our urban air pollution. Chemical Toxins: Residential application of pesticides is typically at a rate 20 times that of farmers per acre. Solid Wastes: Yard wastes (mostly grass clippings) comprise 20% of municipal solid waste collected. Most still end up in landfills. Flooding and Water Pollution: A lawn has less than 10% of the water absorption capacity of natural woodland – a reason for suburban flooding.

Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Protect natural areas Reduce turf Mulch planted areas Use native plant species Reduce energy consumption – Low maintenance landscaping –Environmentally friendly materials Use Xeriscape techniques Courtesy EPA

Xeriscape Landscaping philosophy that seeks to minimize the need for water. 1. Proper planning and design 2. Soil analysis / improvements 3. Appropriate plant selection 4. Practical turf areas 5. Efficient irrigation 6. Use of mulches 7. Appropriate maintenance Xeriscape in Colorado

Water Use Zones PLANTING TYPEWATER USE Native PlantLow Cactus GardenLow Herb GardenModerate to Low Fruit TreesModerate Flower GardenHigh Vegetable GardenModerate to High (depends on crops) Wildflower MeadowHigh (germination) Low (once established) LawnModerate to High Group plants by water use zones

Repetition Balance Emphasis Unity Principles of Design Concepts used to organize the elements of a design

Repetition Use of the same element over and over Repetition is achieved when the same line, shape, color, texture, plant, or material is used throughout the landscape Principles of Design

Repetition Which elements are repeated? ©iStockphoto.com

Principles of Design Balance A sense of equality that can either be symmetric or asymmetric. Formal Balance – A symmetrical design in which the design can be divided into two identical halves. Informal Balance – An asymmetrical design that can not be divided into identical halves but that provides an overall sense of equilibrium.

Balance Formal Balance ©iStockphoto.com

Principles of Design Emphasis The result of focusing attention on one aspect of a design. Emphasis is constructed by creating a visual path from at least one vantage point to the focal point. Focal Point – The object of attention Vantage Point – The place from which the focal point is viewed

Emphasis What is the focal point? Image by the Environmental Protection Agency ©iStockphoto.com

Principles of Design Unity The impression that the separate parts of the design belong together or are part of a whole. Unity is created by A consistent style (Japanese, formal, etc.) Visual pathways Consistent color scheme Repetition of lines, plants, and hardscape

Unity Is the design unified? Why? ©iStockphoto.com

Concept (Master) Plan  Delineate spaces –Hardscape –Planting beds –Turf areas Landscape Design Process  Locate plants by broad classification — Deciduous or coniferous — Tree or shrub — Groundcover — Turf Use straight lines or smooth curves

Concept Plan

Landscape Design Process Hardscape –Driveway, walks, patio, deck, walls, and fences –Garden structures – Gazebo, trellis, arch –Garden ornaments – fountains, sculptures birdbaths, etc. –Furniture ©iStockphoto.com

Landscape Design Process Plant Material –Height –Spread (width) –Deciduous or coniferous –Form or shape (columnar, cone, round) –Growth rate –Growing conditions Sun, moisture, soil conditions –Hardiness zone ©iStockphoto.com

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Landscape Design Process Planting Plan Indicates the location and species of plants ©iStockphoto.com

Planting Plan

Image Sources Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Ariel Rios building south courtyard perspective. Retrieved at ctive.htm. ctive.htm istockphoto. (n.d.). Retrieved at United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Conservation practices that save: Windbreaks/shelterbelts. Retrieved at ml. ml