When designing a landscape, there are some basic principles which can be considered to help achieve the outdoor space of your dreams. The same principles can be applied regardless of the size and scale of the project.
By spending some time designing the landscape you can create a garden which is not only functional for your needs, but is visually striking, straightforward to maintain, and fits your budget.
Determine Priorities
When designing a landscape, have a clear view on what you are looking to achieve and what you want out of your garden. By determining your priorities you can have a simpler, neater design clear of any unnecessary materials.
A simpler design will produce a simpler space, but that does not mean it will be devoid of character or visual appeal. A well-thought-out design, prioritising the must-haves, increases the functionality of your outdoor space, providing you with the area you actually want. It tends to make gardening and maintenance more manageable going forward, too.
Proportions and Transitions
As you look across your garden, you want the eye to naturally flow, taking in all areas. The size of your planting and accessories such as hedges or fences should be proportional to the rest of the outdoor space. A shrub, tree or too-large fence can dominate the space and be the unplanned focal point.
Just as the scale of the planting should be balanced, so should the transitions between different areas of the design. Gradual changes look more natural and softer. A large shrub in one area, transitioning to one with small plants only, can look too sharp a change and unappealing to the eye.
Accentuating Areas
When landscaping, you look to find the right balance of planting, drawing the eye easily through the various areas. By using colour or specific specimen sections, you can make areas stand out without overwhelming the rest of your outdoor space.
Balance is the key word. The planting should draw the eye and be interesting and fun, but without looking unnatural and out of place. Whether a design is formal or informal, it can work well using the colour, texture and plant styles to balance the design. A mix of shapes and sizes in the planting can add visual interest, too.
Healthy Landscaping
Planting the right plants for the space will be good for the soil and help attract bees and other wildlife. Look to plant native species where possible. A good design should incorporate plants and features which provide all your ecosystem requires to be harmonious and healthy without needing additional fertiliser or pesticides. This makes for a sustainable outdoor space where there is unity between the functionality of the design, its visual appeal, the overall cost and the environmental benefits.
Our landscape team at Glorious Gardens is happy to discuss these ideas in planning your garden. If you’re considering a “re-do” of your outdoor space, we invite you to call us. We will brainstorm to find the right blend of elements to suit your tastes, your budget and your space.
