Principles of Landscaping

Principles are certain facts that acts as the foundation for a set of beliefs in any field that is concerned. Landscaping is one such field that also has certain principles based on which they are designed or made. Gardening has become more and more popular in the present-day situation as its importance is being realized by us. The bare land is being landscaped to make it beautiful. But landscaping it with the correct principles makes it a visual treat to us. It is only then they serve the purpose of its design. The natural landscapes with the tall mountains, hills, valleys, rivers, and plants do not fail to amaze us. The similar imitation like nature should also be a perfect blend of all the features in the right proportion.

BASIC PRINCIPLES IN LANDSCAPING

Background: The background serves as a main component of any landscaping. The background may be a wall or tall trees or a hedge. The background must be neutral to support the other features of the garden. The background should not become a distracting feature of the garden.

Contrast: This feature is very important to incase of all landscapes irrespective of its size. The main purpose of this principle is to break the monotony of the garden. The contrast provides a varied and beautiful look at the overall features. The contrast can be provided by using the color (a floral bed with yellow and violet color flowers), or texture (a spiky leaved plant with a smooth textured leaf plant) or with form (a tall form combined with a spreading or bushy plant).

Balance: This principle is the most looked into in case of a formal garden or a symmetrical garden. In a formal garden or perhaps a symmetrical garden, the balance is a very important feature which defines the symmetry. It is achieved by using the features in the exact same size and numbers. In the case of an informal garden, the balance can be achieved by balancing the features but not exact with similar ones in terms of size or number i.e., a hedge at one side balanced by a seater or a rock on the other side.

Proportion: It refers to the size of each element with reference to the other. The proportion of the different features in the garden should be a major consideration in constructing a garden. The proportion will make the objects look taller or smaller in size i.e., a tall tree in front of the house will make the house look smaller and a bushy tree in front of a house will make the house look bigger in size. The phenomenon of illusion is being played within the principle of proportion. So, choosing the plants with the right proportion has the utmost importance.

Repetition: This principle helps in achieving a rhythm in the garden. In the case of a formal garden, the same feature is being repeated (a set of 3 or 4 circular hedges). In the case of an informal garden, it may not be the same. The repetition when done with different textures and colors, it will provide good contrast and will be visually appealing.

Rhythm: Rhythm will enhance the unity of the garden. The random placement of the various features will not look good as a whole. For creating a rhythm, an artistic sense is required that will combine all the principles like balance, proportion, repetition, and contrast. Also, careful use of these principles is required for enhancing the rhythm.

Variety: Variety will break the monotony of the garden. It will also help in enhancing the beauty of the garden. Variety can be achieved by the use of different colors, forms, and texture. Also planting flowering plants that flower in different seasons will provide color and variety to the garden all around the year.

We hope knowing these basic design principles of landscaping can help you to make your garden more beautiful!