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How to Jumpstart a Fantastic Landscape Design

fantastic landscape

Homeowners generally compile a hodge-podge of items they love for their landscapes but never understand how to put everything together. They end up with a mismatch of features and an overall confusing landscape design.

The key to a fantastic landscape design isn’t in any one element. The goal is to discover how the features work together as one cohesive whole. Creating a fantastic landscape design is not as difficult as it seems.

Look at the overall layout in terms of these dynamics:

Focal Point

Similar to how a fireplace becomes the focal point of a living room, every landscape design must have a focal point.

A living room with a beautiful fireplace should contain elements that enhance it not distract from it. Homeowners should arrange couches and chairs around the fireplace and avoid placing any large object near it.

In your landscape, add an area of interest and start there. Add more features around it not to over-power it, but to make the focal point stand out even more.

Unification

Building on the focal point, ensure all features are unified in style, design, and energy. For example, an elegant, Paris-like water fountain should not exist next to a bright yellow sunflower. The two clash in terms of tone and harmony.

Your landscape design should seamlessly blend from one part to the next much like an artistic masterpiece. Consider unity when selecting trees, shrubs, and flowers. Consider function as well but don’t forget how they fit into the entire “look” of the design.

Balance and Proportion

Think about the size and breadth of your landscape when choosing features. For example, small-sized plants would not fare well next to a large picture window. They would be drowned out instantly. Conversely, a landscaper would not plant a large oak tree next to a small cottage.

Though the focal point will be one of the largest features, it still should not dominate the entire landscape or the size of your home. Assess your home’s size and the width of the yard before you create a design.

Plan out your design on paper to scale and squint your eyes while looking at it. Does any feature look out of place? Is the entire design balanced and symmetrical? Symmetrical doesn’t necessarily mean every feature is the same height. A lack of symmetry refers more to excessive repetition and inappropriate use of flowers and plants that give an overall messy and undefined look.

Wrapping Up

When designing your landscape, stay true to your style and love for variety, but remember that all elements work together in harmony to form one cohesive whole. Sometimes less is more. A simple design can create more depth and life than a scattered one. A space can stay empty and still have a purpose. A patch of grass holds a meaning even if it is not covered with exotic flowers. Look at every piece of the landscape, whether full or empty, as one part of an amazing whole.