Landscape Planning and Design

List the 2 key goals of landscaping. Describe the 3 basic elements of landscape

design. List and describe the 5 principles of design. Describe the steps in planning a landscape. Describe considerations in selecting plants

for a landscape.

Learning Objectives

Key Goals◦ Aesthetics (beauty)◦ Function

Beauty and Function determined by the customer

Indoor landscaping is called ‘Interiorscaping’

What is Landscape Design?

Enhance attractiveness and human enjoyment

Increase property values

Soften the edges of built structures

Aesthetic Goals

Provide privacy Control traffic flow Screen out unsightly elements Modify environmental factors

◦ Windbreaks◦ Shade◦ Temperature insulation

Recreation Reduce noise, glare and

environmental pollution

Functional Goals

Landscape Architect

Landscape Designer

Landscape Contractor

Nursery Professional

Landscape Maintenance Supervisor

Landscape Professionals

Color◦ Warm vs. cool◦ Flowers vs. leaves◦ Seasonal

Texture◦ Smooth vs. rough◦ Coarse vs. fine

Form◦ Shape◦ Horizontal vs. vertical

Elements of Landscape Design

Unity

Balance

Focalization

Rhythm and line

Scale or proportion

Design Principles

Needs assessment Site Analysis Preliminary design:

◦ Public area◦ Private area◦ Service and utility area

Residential Landscapes

Public Area

Private Area

Climate◦ Temperature◦ Moisture

Soil pH Sunlight Features at maturity Maintenance level Customer preferences

Plant Selection

Plant spacing Location of built structures List of scientific name of plants Quantity of each Size of each plant

Planting plans are a means of communication between designer and contractor.

Site Analysis & Planting Plans

Scientific Name Common Name Quantity Size

Corydalis lutea Yellow Corydalis 3 4” potsHosta ‘Great Expectations’

Plantain Lily 1 1 gallon

Hosta forunei ‘Aurea-Marginata’

Fortune’s Plantain Lily

2 1 gallon

Lilium regale Regal Lily 8 BulbsPolystichum munitum

Western Sword Fern

1 1 gallon

Sample Partial Plant List

Drawing that depicts the landscape visually before it is completed◦ Great to show a customer for review

Perspective Sketch

Corner planting◦ Demarcates the corners of the “outdoor room”

Foundation planting◦ Usually low-growing◦ Shortest plants below windows

Line planting◦ Along property lines◦ May act as screen

Accent planting◦ Specimen plants

The Outdoor Room Concept

Formal vs. informal Access and movement Budget

◦ Usually 5 to 20% of the cost of the home◦ Reduce costs by using plants in smaller sizes◦ Irrigation system

Plan for installation in “phases”◦ Landscape looks put-together◦ Spread cost over several years

Other Considerations

The two main goals of landscaping include aesthetic and ___________ considerations.

The three main elements of landscape design are color, texture and __________.

Two common mistakes in design include overplanting and not accounting for plant ____ at maturity.

Review Questions