Landscape Design Principles: Transition

Transition is the third principle of landscape design that I will discuss. As the word transition suggests, you want to avoid any abrupt or radical changes. Transition in the landscape is a gradual change. This transition can be illustrated in plant height, color, textures, foliage shape and size and the shape and size of different elements.

The first example of natural transition is the ‘step effect’ or using large trees, to medium shrubs, to bedding plants. Proper plant selection by a landscape company in this instance is necessary. Knowing the growth rate and mature height of various plants is very important.

The second example of transition can be achieved by the gradual ascending or descending, arrangement of different elements with varying forms, sizes, color and texture. As a result, transition can be used create illusions in the landscape. A transition from taller plants to shorter plants gives a sense of depth making the garden seem larger than it really is. A transition from shorter plants to taller plants can be used to frame a focal point to make it seem closer than it really is.

The third example of transition is to use heavier textured, larger leaved plants in the back and finer textured, smaller leaved plants in the foreground. By doing this the heavier textured plants frames and supports the finer textured plants that would otherwise be lost if they were mixed in with or planted behind the heavier plants. 

Landscape Design Principles: Color

The next principle of landscape design is color. Color adds interest and variety to the landscape. Color is found in the flowers, the foliage, the bark and the fruits of various plants. Green foliage is the dominant color by quantity but other colors capture more attention because of the contrast to the green foliage that also has various shades. Color can also be found in rocks and boulders, paving bricks, outdoor structures and hardscape goods like ceramic containers, glass ornaments and sculptures.

Color creates interest and variety in the landscape. Colors can affect perception, balance, emphasis and emotions. Cool colors like greens, blues and pastels tend to be calming and are used in areas for relaxation. Warm colors like reds, yellows and oranges tend to be more exciting and are used in areas for entertaining and parties. The ‘temperature’ of colors affects the perception of distance. Cool colors seem to move away from you and seem further away while warm colors seem to move towards you and seem closer. A trick landscape companies use is by receding colors one can make a small area look larger. Neutral colors, like white, are versatile. They can be used both as a background color or used in conjunction with bright colors in the foreground. An all-white garden can be very dramatic if done correctly.

Color can also be used to attract attention and direct views. Using bright colors can create focal points. Bright yellow has a high contrast against other colors and attracts a lot of attention. A small amount of an intense color has as much visual weight as a larger amount of a more subtle color. Color can also be affected by light. Brighter, sunny areas make colors more intense. Filtered sun or shady areas make colors more subtle.

When completing a landscape design, landscape contractors may ask the colors you like. There are always likes and dislikes. And remember have fun with it!

Landscape Design Principles: Unity

In my last blog post I listed the eight principles of landscape design. The principles included unity, color, natural transition, line, proportion and repetition. This blog will discuss the first principle, unity.

Unity in a landscape design uses repetition and consistency and should be one of your main goals. Repetition can refer to similar plants, similar plant groups or elements such as boulders. Consistency refers to the elements, that some or all the elements of the landscape design fit together to create a whole. A good way to see if your design has unity is by covering up a section of the plan and seeing if the design is impaired. If it isn’t, that part is unnecessary and most likely destroys the unity of the design. Also important is being able to detect the absence of unity in a design. The whole must interrelate. That includes the design, paths, beds and borders. A common mistake is putting too much emphasis on small groupings of plants as individual tiny pieces. These small groups tend to get lost in the overall design. Again if these groups of plants don’t strengthen the design then discard it. A qualified landscape design company will be able to apply the principle of unity.

The awareness of unity in plant selection for a design is important. Too many plants in too small of a design doesn’t create unity. You don’t want to create a collection. Begin by creating a list of plants based on soil type, sun exposure and your likes. Then use this list of plants masses or groups of plants and repeat in parts of the design. Amongst these groupings focal points are added. For example, benches, arbors, trellises, fountains and specimen plants. In the principle of unity, simplicity is key.

Personally I love doing swimming pool designs for swimming pool builders. I love creating an outdoor living space the entire family can enjoy. Having a swimming pool of my own is the best investment I ever made. Relaxing under the cabana, grilling on the outdoor kitchen or just relaxing in the pool. And with the lush gardens around the pool something is always in flower. I love watching the butterflies on the butterfly bushes and the hummingbirds on the Monarda. And at night the landscape lighting extends the use of the outdoor living space.

Principles of Landscape Design & Hardscape Design

Over the upcoming weeks I will be discussing the principles of landscape design and hardscape design. The difference between a landscape that looks professional instead of that of a homeowner comes down to implementing 8 principles. The principals include unity, color, natural transition, line, proportion and repetition.

Realize however that not every principal has to apply to every design. When thinking about the 8 principles it is important for the landscape and hardscape to be functional, aesthetically pleasing and compatible with the existing environment. Most important the design should enhance your quality of life.

Professional landscape design considers the placement and arrangement of plants based on characteristics. For example, size, form, color and texture. Largest plants are positioned first, smaller trees and shrubs are located next and finally perennials and ground covers. Focal points or ornamental plants with unique characteristics are also important. Deciding the background plants, visual balance and dominant elements make up a professional landscape design. Some plants are used for vertical edges, or to create a privacy screen, or provide shade. Some plants acts as a ground cover while other have a round growth habit, while others are weeping or columnar. A professional landscape company will have a degreed horticulturalist on staff to design a landscape plan that considers all there options.

Hardscaping also considers material characteristics. Again size, form, color and texture come into play. Paving bricks come in a variety of colors, textures and sizes. Patterns include modular, running bond, linear, herringbone and parquet. Flagstone and travertine pavers also have their own unique characteristics. Flagstone is a natural material with a traditional and classic look. Travertine pavers are also a natural material that is great for swimming pool decking and patio installation because it stays cool to the touch even during those hot summer days.

Choosing the right landscape company and hardscape company with experience, educated and certified personal on staff will make your property the envy of your neighborhood by utilizing the 8 principles of design. The first principal to be discussed will be unity. Check back soon!

Shane W. Holderer of Pipersville, PA

·         Graduate of Hatboro Horsham H.S. 1979

·         Graduate of Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture 1983

o   B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture

·         Worked at Limekiln Golf Club

o   1976-1983

o   Turf Management : Overseeding – Fertilizing  - Fungicide, Herbicide, and Insecticide Application – Irrigation and Drainage Installation

·         Started Lawntech in 1983

o   Services: Lawn Care, Lawn Renovations, Lawn Care Treatment Program (fertilizing, weed control, lime applications), Seeding and Sodding, Aeration and Dethatching.

·         Sold Lawntech in 1992.

·         Rutgers University Non-Credit Courses

o   Landscape Design

o   Garden Ponds

o   Landscape Lighting

o   Landscape Plant Materials

·         Exhibitor at Philadelphia Flower Show 1993-2002

·         Current Member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Doylestown, PA

·         Hobbies:

o   Golf

o   Hunting

o   Target Shooting

o   Weightlifting

o   Biking

o   Skiing

o   Archery – Hunting and Target

o   Scuba Diving – NAUI Certified

§  Cozumel, Mexico

§  Aruba

§  Curacao

§  Florida Keys

o   Seeing Broadway Shows:

§  Mama Mia

§  The Producers

§  Aida

o   Traveling:

§  Niagara Falls

§  San Francisco

§  Chicago

§  Reno

§  Carolinas

§  St. Lucia

§  Puerto Rico

§  Jamaica

§  Antigua

§  Disney