Basic Landscape Design
Designing planting beds can be a bit overwhelming if one does not know a lot about plants, their habits, sizes etc. When getting ready to design a bed, do some
research first. Hit some local nurseries and check out lots of plants. Read the
tags and ask questions. An independent nursery will usually be able to provide
more information than a big box store. Basic landscape design can be fun and rewarding with just a little bit of help and knowledge.
You will need the dimensions of the bed you are creating. A mix of evergreen
(plants that do not lose their leaves) and deciduous (plants that lose their
leaves in the winter) shrubs. Adding in some perennials or grasses will add
color and interest. Plantings should have symmetry and balance. It is most
visually pleasing to plant in odd numbers and carry the plants across the bed.
Planting one shrub here and another there makes for a mis-mash. Our eye relates
well to symmetry and reads naturally from side to side. Balance is the key to a
good landscape design. This does not mean all the beds have to be filled with
the same material, however, carrying one or two varieties from one bed to the
next will create a natural, visual flow. One important key element in basic landscape design is natural flow and transition. These two design concepts are met when a landscaped area is easy and most pleasurable to look at.
Foundation Planting: Planting beds along the foundation of the house will give
your home a manicured look. Tall shrubs on the corners of the house will anchor
the house to the ground and soften the hard lines. An ornamental tree planted
can add color and interest. Be sure to check how large an ornamental tree will
grow and plant accordingly. Evergreen shrubs along the house will add color to
the foundation and keep it looking nice during the winter months. Flowering
shrubs or perennials for seasonal color will add a punch to the landscape.
Creating island beds: Island beds are a great
way to add dimension to the yard. Plantings in an island should add visual
interest, yet not block the rest of the landscape.
Having a drawing will be a huge help in planning your landscape. If you are not
an artist, it doesn't matter. A sketch with dimensions will be of great
assistance when you are at the nursery picking out shrubs. It can be shown to
the nursery salesperson and they can offer suggestions as to how many plants to
buy, spacing, etc.
Use a hose or spray paint to shape beds before cutting them out. This will give
you flexibility to change the shape before making it permanent. When getting
ready to plant your shrubs, trees, bulbs, etc. place everything first, take several
steps back and look at the layout. Make all necessary adjustments before
digging any holes. Once you have everything placed where you want them, dig one
plant at a time, so your spacing will stay the same.
Remember, landscape design does not have to be daunting. Keeping your landscape design simple and basic can help you achieve a look that you are happy with.
Have fun with it, be creative and do your research. You will be pleased and proud of
what you created!
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