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Basic Landscape Design Principles
Landscape design is the conscious arrangement of outdoor elements for human satisfaction and enjoyment. Good landscaping practices consider the following principles to enhance composition and avoid poor plant choices and improper plant placement.
Environmental and Site Considerations
Look at the areas where you will be planting and understand the characteristics of each. This can affect your plant selection and design decisions. Even areas that are close together can be very different.
Sun versus Shade
Wet versus Dry
Soil conditions
Drainage
Unique features
Unique problems
Bed shape and size
Focal points - signage, posts, lighting
Seasonal variations
Design Principles
Consider these basic design principles when selecting and placing plant materials. Apply the principles consistently in all planting areas to maintain a unified look.
- Unity - How the landscape elements tie together. How the landscape elements work with the existing structures.
- Balance - The symmetrical and asymmetrical placement of plants. Use balanced forms of unequal size. Massed plants have greater weight
- Rhythm/Sequence - Progression of similar forms, colors or textures throughout the landscape.
- Simplicity - Simple lines and shapes usually achieved through repetition. Too much repetition can be monotonous.
- Variety/Complexity - Adds interest and creates the style and look of the landscape. Too much variety can be confusing.
- Proportion/Scale - Relationship between all of the landscape features. Plants should be in scale with the existing site elements and with each other.
Plant Considerations
When making specific plant selections, be sure your plants fit the characteristics of your planting site and that plants will be suited for the type of care they will be receiving once they are planted.
Mature Size
Heat Tolerance
Drought Tolerance
Native or Adapted to Texas
Low maintenance
Invasive
Poisonous
Plant Characteristics
Consider the characteristics from the list below first and then select a plant that meets those requirements of each location in your planting area.
| Evergreen | keeps its leaves year round |
| Deciduous | loses its leaves in winder |
| Perennial | persists in the landscape year after year Woody perennials - remain shrub-like but may lose leaves fall/winter Herbaceous perennials - die completely to the ground each fall/winter |
| Annual | dies after one year/season |
| Form/Shape | overall plant shape as vertical, round, vase, weeping, pyramidal, etc. |
| Texture | fine, medium, coarse look and feel of leaves, bark, buds, seeds, flowers or fruit |
| Color | flowers, leaves, bark, background |
| Contrast | level of differences in color, form or texture |
| Movement | visual effect of wind on plant |
| Sound | audible affect of wind on plant |
| Scent | pleasant or pungent |
Landscape Installation and Maintenance
The long-term survival and health of the landscape depends on the care that it receives. Installing plants with proper bed preparation and proper care will improve the plants' chances of survival and its ability to grow to its mature size.
- Bed Preparation and soil considerations - amend the soil with compost and expanded shale
- Available irrigation and proper watering - check sprinklers and water source
- Plant Placement - proper spacing based on future growth rate and mature size
- Long term maintenance requirements - know proper care and pruning needs
- Seasonal color changes - annual color has seasons, plan for cool & warm season changes
- Mulch - conserves water and provides soil enrichment over time and looks great
Pick the right plants for the right place! A beautiful design should last for years. Don't skimp on preparation. It's better to buy less plant materials and invest in a good growing environment for your landscape. You'll save money in the long run and can fill in with more plants later.
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