Basics of Landscape Design

George W. Vanderbilt knew exactly how to design the ultimate
landscape at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC—hire Frederick Law
Olmsted, the father of landscape architecture in America to do
it. While it’s unlikely that the average homeowner has the
resources to hire one of the world’s best landscape designers to
makeover their front yard, it is possible to come up with a
basic plan that will meet most needs.

When you begin planning your new landscape, you’ll want to begin
by thinking about how the space is going to be used. Do you have
children who need a play area? Do you have pets that might
damage plants? Would you like to entertain outdoors? Once you’ve
decided how you will primarily use the landscape, consider the
basic elements of landscape design and how they apply to your
needs.

Balance – There are two types of balance—symmetrical and
asymmetrical. If you choose symmetrical balance, each side of
your landscape will basically reflect the other in shape, form,
plant height, color, etc. An excellent example of this is
Biltmore’s Walled Garden with its central arbor effectively
dividing the garden into two equal halves with matching beds and
borders. Asymmetrical balance gives each side of the landscape
the same visual weight, but by using contrasting elements. While
each side will be different, they should “match” in the sense
that a group of trees on the left is balanced by a gazebo on the
right or a curvy flower bed on one side is balanced by a walkway
and bench on the other. Stroll through the estate’s Shrub Garden
for a good example of asymmetrical balance Color – Varying color
combinations can be used to set the mood in your garden. Bright,
fiery colors like red, yellow and orange make a garden seem
lively and warm—or even hot. Cool or pale colors like green,
blue, pink and white are more soothing and make a garden seem
quieter and cooler. Dark plants or tree trunks work well as
backdrops to set off brighter colors. Use contrasting colors to
work as a focal point to draw attention to a specific area.
Unity – To create consistency throughout the landscape, repeat
like elements. These may be specific plants or plant groupings,
colors or decorative pieces like statuary. Layering – Throughout
your landscape, you’ll want to gradually move from one element
to another. Rather than planting a bed of pansies around the
base of a large tree—step down with smaller trees, then shrubs,
then bedding plants with those pansies forming a border in front
of the full planting. Proportion – Make sure the plants and
elements you choose suit the available space. If you have a
postage stamp garden, don’t plant an oak tree and try to squeeze
in a pond. Select something delicate like a Japanese maple and a
small fountain. On the other hand, if you’re yard is currently
an acre of grass, a 6′x6′ bed in the center will be completely
lost.

Take the time to sketch out your plan on paper and start small
if you haven’t done this before. Get out that tape measure and
use a garden hose to mark off curved borders or walkways. Now
get out the garden magazines and catalogs and get creative. You
might find it easier to get started if you pick a theme—maybe
specific colors such as yellow, red and white or pick a shady
corner and focus on shade-loving plants or look for plants that
attract butterflies. Again, don’t forget the primary use of this
new garden spot. If the kids will be romping through here with
balls and Frisbees, some sturdy trees and shrubs might be a
better choice than a delicate flower garden. If you’re going to
be entertaining, think about including a patio, deck or other
surface that enhances the house and garden.

Once you have a pretty good idea of what you want, go to your
local garden center and ask for help selecting plants. They can
also look over your plan to make sure you aren’t planting a tree
that will block a window or a shrub that’s going to overgrow the
heat pump. Now get planting!