Landscape Planning and Design
Learning Objectives List the 2 key goals of landscaping. Describe the 3 basic elements of landscape design. List and describe the 5 principles of design. Describe the steps in planning a landscape. Describe considerations in selecting plants for a landscape.
What is Landscape Design? Key Goals Aesthetics (beauty) Function Beauty and Function determined by the customer Indoor landscaping is called ‘Interiorscaping’
Aesthetic Goals Enhance attractiveness and human enjoyment Increase property values Soften the edges of built structures
Functional Goals Provide privacy Control traffic flow Screen out unsightly elements Modify environmental factors Windbreaks Shade Temperature insulation Recreation Reduce noise, glare and environmental pollution
Landscape Professionals Landscape Architect Landscape Designer Landscape Contractor Nursery Professional Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
Elements of Landscape Design Color Warm vs. cool Flowers vs. leaves Seasonal Texture Smooth vs. rough Coarse vs. fine Form Shape Horizontal vs. vertical
Design Principles Unity Balance Focalization Rhythm and line Scale or proportion
Residential Landscapes Needs assessment Site Analysis Preliminary design: Public area Private area Service and utility area Private Area Public Area
Plant Selection Climate Soil pH Sunlight Features at maturity Temperature Moisture Soil pH Sunlight Features at maturity Maintenance level Customer preferences
Site Analysis & Planting Plans Plant spacing Location of built structures List of scientific name of plants Quantity of each Size of each plant Planting plans are a means of communication between designer and contractor.
Sample Partial Plant List Scientific Name Common Name Quantity Size Corydalis lutea Yellow Corydalis 3 4” pots Hosta ‘Great Expectations’ Plantain Lily 1 1 gallon Hosta forunei ‘Aurea-Marginata’ Fortune’s Plantain Lily 2 Lilium regale Regal Lily 8 Bulbs Polystichum munitum Western Sword Fern
Perspective Sketch Drawing that depicts the landscape visually before it is completed Great to show a customer for review
The Outdoor Room Concept Corner planting Demarcates the corners of the “outdoor room” Foundation planting Usually low-growing Shortest plants below windows Line planting Along property lines May act as screen Accent planting Specimen plants
Other Considerations Formal vs. informal Access and movement Budget Usually 5 to 20% of the cost of the home Reduce costs by using plants in smaller sizes Irrigation system Plan for installation in “phases” Landscape looks put-together Spread cost over several years
Review Questions The two main goals of landscaping include aesthetic and ___________ considerations. The three main elements of landscape design are color, texture and __________. Two common mistakes in design include overplanting and not accounting for plant ____ at maturity.