By HILARY JOHNSON
The Vital Principles of Landscape Design
Landscaping is not a very rare idea. Almost everyone who owns a home would care to beautify it. However, the task is no less than a very daunting one especially if you have inadequate knowledge of the principles of landscape design. Yes indeed you would be needing the skills and information on how to go about with the deed if you really want to come up with a commendable result.
Landscaping is not an easy task and therefore you’ve got to arm yourself of the necessary know-how of the principles of landscape design. It does not matter whether you plan to create your own landscape design or you wish to copy the already existing ones from magazines or brochures. What is important is you incorporate its principles. It is very essential that you arm yourself with the vital understanding of the principles of landscape design.
Do not take it literally though. Not because you need to be aware of its principles, you have to follow it in verbatim. Getting a grasp of the principles of landscape design only serves as an aid for you so that you would come up with the greatest and most creative ideas.
A great landscape is always appreciated by the eyes of its maker. And that is you. If you see the beauty of your creation then so be it. Take note that abstractions as well as creativity are entertained by the task of landscaping. Below are the important principles of design that you need to be aware of.
Unity. This is one of the main goals of landscaping. This is further referred to as repetition and consistency. Repetition is created by repeating the nature elements like those of the plants, décor, and other plant groups throughout all of the landscape.
Consistency creates unity when all of the used elements fit together to make up a whole. Unity is further achieved by the combination of texture, height, color schemes, and size of the employed elements thereby harmony is created.
Simplicity. This is a very integral principle of landscape design. The themes need to be simple so that beauty would be achieved. Do not employ an over decorated landscape design.
Balance. This refers to equality in every element employed therein. There are two categories of balance in the principles of landscape design. They are the symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance means the matching elements used must be spaced equally whereas asymmetrical balance means that the variations of elements are allowed but they must be able to create differing attractions.
Color. This is what gives life to the landscape. The neutral colors are best to be used for the background of the bright colors. Color is able to direct the attention of one to the landscape design.
Natural transition. It means a gradual change that may be ascending or descending. It needs to be employed in the colors, sizes, texture, and the likes.
Natural transition. It means a gradual change that may be ascending or descending. It needs to be employed in the colors, sizes, texture, and the likes.
Lines. They do suggest meanings and emotions. The lines used in the entryways, way beds, and walkways are suggestive of flowing or abrupt effects.
Proportion. This means the relation of the size of all the elements with one another.
Repetition. This is greatly related to the principle of unity. When properly done, a diversified dose of expression is created.
Never take it negatively—the principles of landscape design are your guide so never treat them as if they are very strict rules. Good luck to your landscape design endeavor!