The design principles for a planting plan
Designing a garden is similar to an artist painting a picture or creating a work of art. You, the designer, are dealing with and working in a three-dimensional medium.
Colour balance, texture, line forms and all the elements involved in creating a work of art form part of a successful landscape design. The great difference is that the work of art that you create changes with age; the seasons and the colours come and go, so that the pattern alters from the first day of planting. It’s an ongoing ever-changing creation. The effects can be created with water thrifty plants to create a stunning water efficient garden full of beauty, accent and drama.
In brief...
- Select plants for their overall shape to suit your design
- Use colour effectively, well planned foliage colour is easier
- Texture is created with leaves, flowers, trunks and overall effects from grouping of plants
- Harmony, balance and scale affect the design
- Create focal points with pools, sculpture seating and plant arrangements
- Use line to create formal or informal style
- Simplicity is often the art of good taste
- Plan carefully and choose the right plants to create the desired effects.