Embarking on the journey of landscape design offers an opportunity to create a sanctuary that reflects personal taste and embraces nature. We have found that adhering to certain principles can dramatically enhance the beauty and functionality of garden spaces. Here, we’ll share essential rules and guiding principles that both novice and professional gardeners can apply to achieve harmonious and pleasing garden designs.
Creating a Haven: The Principle of Significant Enclosure
In the realm of garden design, the concept of ‘Significant Enclosure’ is fundamental. This principle is rooted in the idea that a garden should be a refuge, encapsulating us within the tranquility of nature. It suggests that the vertical elements surrounding a space should be at least one-third the length of the horizontal space to create a sense of enclosure. For instance, when we were conceptualising the layout for a new patio adjacent to a play area, this rule helped us determine that a hedge around the patio should be at least 6 feet tall, providing a cozy, enclosed feel without overwhelming the space. This balance of enclosure and openness can be a crucial factor in crafting serene outdoor areas that feel both intimate and expansive.
Enhancing Landscape Design Structure: The Power of the Regulating Line
The ‘Regulating Line’ is a principle taken from the architectural discipline, and has proven invaluable in organising and connecting different elements within a garden. This concept revolves around using architectural features or prominent landscape elements as guides to create coherent and aesthetically pleasing designs. By projecting the lines of a structure or natural features into the garden, one can align paths, pools, or other garden components with these lines, ensuring a unified and organised appearance. For example, in one of our projects, aligning a pool and a wooden walkway with the regulating lines from a home extension created a seamless flow that subtly connected the architecture to the landscape.
Proportional Harmony: The Golden Rectangle
To achieve a proportionally harmonious layout in landscape design, we often use the Golden Rectangle, a principle observed in nature and classical architecture. This ratio ensures that the elements within a garden are balanced, enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality. Whether designing terraces, patios, or arbors, applying a ratio close to 1:1.6 helps in creating visually pleasing and well-structured spaces.
Optimal Step Design: Insights from Thomas D. Church
When designing steps in a garden, we often turn to the guidelines set forth by Thomas D. Church, a renowned landscape architect. According to Church, the sum of twice the height of a step’s riser plus its tread should equal 26 inches. This rule not only ensures comfort but also safety, making it easier to navigate through varying elevations in the garden landscape.
Scale and Impact: Embracing Bold Landscape Design Dimensions
In landscape design, ‘going big’ often yields the most impactful results. Choosing to expand the width of a staircase or the length of a pool can dramatically affect the perception of space. In our own experience, opting for larger dimensions during the layout phase has consistently contributed to creating more striking and engaging garden areas.
Strategic Planting In Landscape Design: From Large to Small
A strategic approach to planting can profoundly influence a garden’s final appearance. We recommend starting with larger plants like trees and progressively moving to smaller plants and ground covers. This method not only helps in visualising the garden’s structure but also prevents larger installations from disrupting newly planted areas.
Mass Planting for Impact
Utilising mass planting in garden design can create powerful visual effects. By repeating a single plant variety or grouping large numbers of the same plant, one can achieve a cohesive and striking appearance that enhances the garden’s overall impact.
The Ultimate Planting Wisdom
Remember, the value of a well-prepared planting hole cannot be overstated. Invest in creating a suitable environment for the plant to thrive – aim to plant a modestly priced plant in a well-amended hole to ensure optimal growth and health.
By applying these time-tested rules and principles, both amateur and professional gardeners can create fulfilling and successful landscape designs. Whether you’re crafting a small city garden or a sprawling rural estate, these guidelines serve as a foundation for creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, where nature and design harmoniously intermingle.
Read about five more landscape design rules on LandscapingNetwork.com.
Get in touch with the Gardenscape Landscape Design team to elevate your outdoor space.