Designing Landscapes What are general landscape practices and techniques?

Key Questions  What is the importance of landscaping and landscape planning?  What are the procedures in landscape planning?  What are the elements of design and effect?  What is xeriscape planning?  How are plants selected?

What is the importance of landscaping and landscape planning?  Bush planting- when an untrained person tries to landscape without a knowledge of plant materials

Purposes of Landscaping 1. Create and aesthetically pleasing environment. 2. Create pride in homes, community, etc. 3. Reduce noise. 4. Help structures blend with terrain. 5. Screen unsightly sights. 6. Provide privacy. 7. Reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. 8. Control people and vehicles. 9. Reduce damage and injury. 10. Create places for recreation. 11. Increase property value.

 Landscape design- involves preparing a landscape plan for a site.  Landscape architects- people who design landscapes

 Sitescaping- landscaping a small part of a larger area  Xeriscaping- landscaping that uses plants on the basis of water requirements  Landscape planning- preparing the detail of how a site will be landscaped

What are procedures in landscape planning?  Steps used in preparing a landscape 1. Identify landscape purpose 2. Analyze the site 3. Determine area use 4. Design the plantings 5. Prepare a written plan

 Public area The area of the landscape seen from the street  Private area The area of the landscape out of view of the general public  Service area The area of the landscape near the rear entrance and relatively isolated from the public and private areas

 Outdoor room Has boundaries (floor, ceiling, and walls) and traffic areas Outdoor floor- ground coverings Outdoor ceiling- covered patios and trees Outdoor walls- flower beds, shrubs, fences, and walls of structures

Types of plantings  Corner plantings Create a frame for an outdoor room  Foundation plantings Tie building into the landscape  Accent plantings Add interest and color  Landscape symbols Depict different kinds of plants  Shrubs Woody plants that are smaller than trees  Ground cover Small, low-growing plants that cover the ground in place of turf

What are the elements of design and effect?  Simplicity- designing the landscape so it falls within the acceptable range  Balance- uniform appeal  Proportion- relationships of the size of different species of plants

What are the elements of design and effect?  Focalization- creation of focal points in a landscape with the use of a specimen plant  Rhythm and line- principle dealing with flow throughout a landscape  Unity- extent to which the landscape is complete and whole  Elements of effect are the artistic features that create mood Includes line, form, and texture

What is xeriscape planning?  Xeriscaping Using a landscape design that is water efficient  Water zones Areas in a landscape based on amount of water needed by the plants Very low zone- native shrubs, cacti Low zone- shrubs, ground covers Moderate zone- annuals and succulent plants

How are plants selected?  Factors used in plant selection 1. Water requirements 2. Growth rate and maturity 3. Color 4. Hardiness 5. Nutrient and pH needs

Important info for plant selection 1. Common and scientific names 2. Deciduous or evergreen 3. Growth, training and trimming requirements 4. Characteristics of flowers or fruit 5. Hardiness zones 6. Pest resistance and problems 7. Sun requirements 8. Water requirements 9. Life span 10. Method of propagation