1. Principles of Landscape Design

2. Design principles are the standards by which designs can be created, measured, discussed, and evaluated.
Jack E. Ingels “Landscaping Principles & Practices” 5th edition

3. Design style is personal and it can be difficult to evaluate objectively.
We can only judge a design to be good or bad when we show that its either in compliance or violation of design principles.

4. Two Types of Balance Symmetric Asymmetric
Outdoor areas where one side appears as a mirror image
Seen as more formal
Asymmetric
Seen as informal
The visual weight on opposite sides is the same, but the materials do not have to be mirror images
More visually interesting

5. Implementing Balance in Design
Designers must consider the landscape from dozens of viewing stations to ensure that there is balance from different vantage points
Envision a line down the center of certain views such as a deck, a second story balcony, or a kitchen window and make sure each view is visually balanced

6. Focal Point Becomes the first place a viewer’s eye is attracted
Focal points are created using
Color
Plants
Hardscape items
texture

7. Implementing Focal Point in Design
Depending on the size of a design there can be multiple focal points
If a property is small and you can see two focal points at one time it creates visual conflict
Create shifting focal points by using plants that have different seasonal interests

8. Simplicity Doesn’t imply boring or unimaginative design
Simplicity in design is attempting to keep a space from becoming too “cluttered”
Avoids the use of too many different kinds of plants, too many different colors, too many textures, or too many different shapes in a single landscape

9. Implementing Simplicity in Design
Mass plants together
Plants are seen as a whole, the need to look at each individual plant is eliminated
Arrange plants so that their silhouettes flow smoothly
Small plants, medium plants, tall plants

10. Rhythm & Line Rhythm is repetition with a standard interval in between
In landscape design its usually a measured space
Can be a repetition of something structural like benches, lampposts, or paving material

11. Line
Line is created where materials meet together, such as grass and a patio, or grass and mulch in a planting bed

12. Implementing Rhythm
Can be created through repetition of elements that are equally spaced as well as repetition of line

13. Proportion
The size and relationship between all features in the landscape
Includes vertical and horizontal proportion as well as special relationships
Consider the building size, lot size, plant size, and relationship between areas of mass and void

14. Unity
Unity is created when all the separate parts contribute to the total design
Plant material
Texture
color
Shape of planting beds
All should be part of the whole

15. Implementing Unity Repetition is the key to unity
Maintain consistency with planting bed shapes or lines
Repeat plant species throughout the design
Connect the inside of the house with the outdoors through repeating color schemes