Although most homeowners lack the training of landscaping professionals, the principles of landscape design can help anyone create a stunning yard.
Whether you’re looking for a place to escape or need to spruce up your yard before selling, the seven principles of landscape design are the fundamental concepts of composition. Parks, golf courses, and countless other establishments benefit from these principles’ artistic and practical applications, and homeowners can learn.
Simplicity is the first principle of landscape design you need to know. When planning your landscape vision, prioritize what is and isn’t essential, then omit any elements that don’t enhance the design. The final product should look clean, neat, and tidy and not overloaded with extra details.
Keep your landscape design simple, but don’t make it too dull. Consider using various elements from plants, trees, and shrubs to furniture, lighting, and water features. Selections of shapes, sizes, and colors should be diverse enough to generate visual interest. Too much variety in one area can be overwhelming, but the right balance will give your vision some flair.
Balance refers to the visual weight of your design. Formal balance is symmetrical, while informal balance is asymmetrical. Both types of balance have their place in the landscaping world, but whatever you choose should be intentional. No matter your approach, balance is the concept of ensuring the visual weight feels even throughout the design.
Accentuating a particular aspect of your property provides interest and leads the eye through the design. Here are a few elements you can emphasize to heighten your landscape design:
Not every element can be the star of the show, but pick a favorite and spread it out.
Sequence refers to the gradual transition between elements. Rather than planting a short tree next to one that resembles a skyscraper, opt for a gradual change in tree sizes. Abrupt shifts interrupt your design and compromise its aesthetic.
Proportion is the size and relation of all components in a landscape design. A plant or object is “out of proportion” when it doesn’t relate to its intended use. For example, a tree that’s substantially larger than everything else in your yard will draw the eyes away from the rest of the garden.
Unity adds the finishing touch to a landscaping makeover. All elements of your landscape should complement each other and create a theme. You’ll know you’ve achieved unity when everything works together harmoniously.
Now that you understand the seven principles of landscape design, you’re ready to transform your yard into an oasis that everyone can enjoy. If you want to relieve the stress of dealing with your property on your own, Aeroscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping is here for you!
We’re a full-service landscaping company that can transform yards of any size or scope. We’ve been a leader in the residential and commercial landscape industry throughout the Wasatch front in Utah for fifteen years, including Park City, Salt Lake City, Draper, Lehi, and more. Reach out to get started today!
Landscaping is more than just mowing your lawn and trimming your hedges; it’s about experimenting with accent boulders and different kinds of plants. You want your property to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood, and the only way to do that is by investing in unique landscaping features.
If you’ve never considered how boulders can add to your outdoor display, here are five ways that you can use these natural decor pieces to liven up your landscaping.
Just because boulders can be enormous, it doesn’t mean that they need to stand alone, nor does it mean that you can’t have multiple in your landscaping. Single boulder designs are an artificial stylistic choice, which is why you may be hesitant to make groups of them.
You can gather boulders in groups to create a rock wall for your fountain or pool, or you can cluster three boulders together to create an eye-catching monolith-style design. In fact, most boulders are rarely found alone in the wild, so grouping them will also give them a more natural look.
You can create a spectacular display by partially burying your boulders. You can leave some more exposed than others for a more natural look, and if you have boulders with a flat top, you can even leave nothing but that exposed to give your garden or lawn a mesmerizing aspect.
Going back to the nature aspect, you’ll find that boulders in the wild aren’t always above ground and are naturally buried at different levels.
Rather than just placing your accent boulders randomly, experiment with unique ways to position them around each other as well as other landscape features you might have. You can create immersive designs with them and play with vertical and horizontal positioning to make them more eye-catching. Positioning is everything when it comes to design in general, and landscape design is no different.
No two boulders are the same. Boulders come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, and you can use this to your advantage when it comes to creating a diverse landscape design. Mix and match rounded and squared boulders, alternate between rugged and smooth boulders, and even group boulders of different colors. You can also find options that have vegetation on them, such as moss or lichen, to give your yard a more ancient look.
If you want to get real creative, you can use your boulders to build features such as fire pits and retaining walls. No rule says you need to use a boulder as a boulder, and building other landscaping features out of them will give your home a creative edge over others in your neighborhood.
If you want to add accent boulders to your landscaping but don’t know where or how to start, give us a call at Aeroscape Maintenance and Landscaping. We specialize in creating unique and quality landscapes from Park City to Midvale, offering anything from tree planting to more complex landscaping features like paths and xeriscape. Get in touch with an expert today and see how we can help you transform your landscaping!
