Elements - the separate parts that interact and work with each other to create a cohesive design

Elements of Landscape Design

Line - the outline that creates all forms and patterns in the landscape

Form - the silhouette or shape of a plant or other features in the landscape

Texture - how course or fine a plant or surface feels or looks

Color - design element that adds interest and variety

Visual Weight the emphasis or force of an individual feature in relation to other features in
composition

Line
Often line refers to the structures within a landscapethink of the edges of a walkway or
flower bed, or the perimeter of a patio or deck. The way line is employed will greatly impact
the flow of a garden. Straight lines and hard angles will create a formal look, while curved lines
will create an informal look.

Tips for using line in garden design:

Vertical lines can be used to pull the eye up and make a space feel larger. Tall trees or an
arbor can be used to add vertical lines to a yard.

Horizontal lines an make a space feel bigger by pulling the eye along the ground. Garden
walls, walkways, or small hedges can be used to add horizontal lines to a yard.

Lines define form and creates patterns. They direct eye movement, and control physical
movement. They are real or perceived

Lines are found in:

Plant bedlines
Hardscape lines
Plant outlines
Straight lines are structural
and forceful, curved lines
are relaxed and natural,
implying movement

Plant Bedlines - connect plant material, house and hardscape. Defines spaces.

Hardscape lines - define spaces and create forms and patterns.

Plant lines - define space through the plant shape and height
Form
The shape or structure of a plant or object is its form. What forms are used is dependent on the
landscape design theme.

Three-dimensional a series of lines that define a shape or space, and provides scale

Form is found in:

plants
hardscape
voids (open spaces)

Form in Plants - Plants have a variety of forms- round, columnar, vase-shape, pyramidal, upright,
weeping, prostrate, spreading, and oval.

Form in Hardscape - the shape of structures and garden ornaments. The shape of structures often
determines the overall form theme of the garden- such as geometric or naturalistic.

Form in Voids - the spaces left over between structures and plant material.

Forms for themes- both plant and hardscape forms can reinforce a theme.
Texture
Texture relates to the coarseness or fineness of a leaf, roughness or smoothness of the bark,
heaviness or lightness of the foliage or other components used in the landscape plan.

Surface quality tactile and perceptual. Provides variety, interest, and contrast. Affects
perceived size.
Texture is referred to as coarse, medium, or fine Texture occurs in:
Plant material
Hardscape material

Plant Texture - the texture of plants differ with the size of the leaves, twigs, branches and trunk.

Hardscape Texture - texture of buildings, patios, decks, walls, and water features is related to the
type and size of materials.

Texture and Scale - texture affects perception of distance and scale.

Color
In landscape design, color is crucial. Color brings a garden to life by adding dimension and
interest. It can be added with plant material or hardscapes, such as paving, walls or fences.
Similar colors can be used to create harmony, while different colors can be used to create
contrast. Additionally, warm colors will have a different effect than cool colors. Often,
landscapers decide to opt for a color theme that helps unite the entire landscape.

Colour theory is a very complex and very personal matter that expresses individual taste and
feelings.

The hue of the plants and hardscape material provides variety, interest, and contrast. Affects
human emotion and perceived distances
Color schemes in planting are color combinations based on the color wheel. Color appears in:
Plants
Hardscape
Water

Plant Color - Color is found in flowers, foliage, fruit, and bark, and changes with the seasons

Hardscape Color - Color is found in buildings, stone, rocks, pavers, wood, and furniture

Basic Color Schemes - monochromatic, analogous, and complementary.

Visual Weight
The force of expression of each of the elements
Sometimes called visual strength it is the characteristics of the elements that attracts our
attention Elements can have:
high visual weight
low visual weight

High Visual Weight - upright forms, bold textures, bright colors

Low Visual Weight - horizontal lines, prostrate forms, fine texture, dull colors
Principles of Design
Scale and Proportion actual size and relative size of an object
Balance equal visual weight and attraction. Symmetrical or asymmetrical
Rhythm movement of the eye across repeated features (sequenced repetition)
Unity linkage through the use of line, materials, plants. All the parts are consistent in
character
Emphasis a prominent feature that attracts attention and invites further viewing

Scale and Proportion

Scale and proportion can refer to individual plants or the relationship of the plants to the
architectural structure.

In outdoor design, scale refers to the size relationship between elements within the garden and
the surrounding spaces. As long as you make size choices that are suitable for the setting, the
scale of your design will be appropriate. When deciding on the right scale for plants and
landscape structures consider the size of your home as well as your available yard space.

Scale- size or physical dimensions, creates and defines space

Proportion- size relative to adjacent objects
The most important scale is relative to the human body

Scale and proportion in found in:

plants
hardscape
voids (open areas)

Scale/Proportion of Plants - the size/scale of individual plants or a mass of plants can vary
greatly

Scale/Proportion of Hardscape - should relate closely to the human body for function and
psychological comfort
Scale/Proportion of Voids - size and scale of the open areas between plants and structures is
determined primarily by function and the overall size of the yard
Balance
Balance an equal mass - actual or visual- about a central axis
Shape, color, size and texture all affect visual mass and balance Balance is either:
Symmetrical- mirror image
Asymmetrical- equal visual mass
Perspective- relates to depth

Symmetrical Balance - mirror image is more formal, easiest to achieve.

Asymmetrical Balance - considered informal- balance by visual mass of non-equivalent forms,

size, color, and texture

Perspective Balance - includes the foreground, midground, and background

 Rhythm
The principle of rhythm and repetition tends to achieve
visual unity.

Repetition of the same plant species automatically repeats the same texture, color, and form.
With more repetition of different elements the design becomes more powerful.

Repetition- repeated use of features to create pattern or sequence (sets up a rhythm)

Alternation- alternating the sequence of features for more interest
Gradation- gradual transition from one quality to another
Rhythm occurs in:
plant material
hardscape material
Too much repetition creates monotony, too little creates confusion

Rhythm in Plants - repetition, alternation, or gradation of type of plant, size, texture, or color

Rhythm in Hardscape - repetition, alternation, or gradation of form, material, size, texture, and/or
color
Unity
Unity- a consistent organizational theme, style or character where all features blend for
connection and harmony
Unity can be found in:
Plant material
Hardscape material
Results from similar characteristics (pattern, form, texture), an overall balance, and proper scale.
Some variety is needed for interest.

Unity with Plants - aesthetic characteristics of plants are used to create unity

Unity with Hardscape - organizational framework for the garden, connects and defines spaces

Unity and Variety- unity must tie the composition together but also incorporate variety to prevent
monotony
Emphasis
Through the use of emphasis, eye movement is directed towards a center of interest that takes a
position of prominence in the landscape. This could be a single tree, a beautifully designed water
feature, a piece of sculpture, or a collection of ericaceous plants that automatically draw the eye
to this point of interest. Open lawn areas, paths and strategically placed plants can lead the eye to
the principal feature without distraction. Plantings should be placed to easily lead the eye to this
center of heightened interest.

Focal Point- a dominant feature that draws attention, used to guide views and circulation. Use
sparingly to create interest
Emphasis occurs with:
Specimen plants
Garden ornaments
Contrast with other features in size, color, form, or texture

Specimen Plants - attract attention through contrast

Garden Ornaments- attract attention through contrast