People imagine landscape design to be a detailed drawing of the structure and positioning of garden features. However, design processes are a lot more complex as they involve intentional and unintentional plans. Many landscape design elements are unintentional as design processes can change each time a plant or piece of garden equipment is implemented. The process does not stop until the garden project is complete as the spatial orientation for the layout constantly develops over time.
Landscape designers work on the landscape architecture, including the design of garden layouts, plantings, paving, water features, renovations and much more. Collaborating with clients, architects and contractors, landscape designers deal with some of the most important decisions before the building process begins. It is important to plan and visualise your desired garden layout and key features you want to focus on before turning it from concept to creation.
As landscapes grow and evolve over time, there are key elements to think about before you begin your landscape design.
We’ve narrowed down some of the best tips for landscaping design that will come in useful if you’re thinking of improving your garden.
- Plan for the future
You should not overlook the changes that you may want to make in the future. If you implement large scale features from the get go, you may not be able to expand with future landscaping plans. You may want to implement a patio or conservatory into your garden design therefore it is significant to take into account any extra space that you may want to leave available. Also, in terms of future access, some garden projects involve a large machine getting into the space. Therefore, access should be planned in advance and any neighbours should be notified.
- Start with (and maintain) the focal points
Consider your focal points as these are what make you look at the garden in a particular way. Focal points guide you visually to make you feel engaged or moved by an area and move you to another area of the garden with a particular aim. The trick with a focal point is to make it stand out from the rest of your landscape in terms of form, texture and colour. Many people utilise statues, trees and water features as focal points. However, you should ensure that it does not stand out too much as it should connect to the rest of the landscape to maintain an effective scale.
- Accent your house
Gardens can benefit from complementing the house they are surrounding. Certain plants and hanging baskets can soften the edges of a house in order for it to blend in with the surroundings smoothly. A house should not be concealed by shrubbery though so be careful when growing plants obstructing the house. You should highlight architectural features because even the smallest homes have some interesting characteristics.
- Add movement
Many people do not take into account the movement and texture of a landscape. Ornamental grasses swaying in the wind add movement and will also attract a variety of birds and butterflies to your garden. You can make your garden look like a painting with the correct design services paying attention to texture and movement.
- Plant in the right spot
From the perspective of a horticulture specialist, positioning plant types in certain positions allow for optimum growth rates and will benefit plant health. This is an essential part of the landscape design process as once plants are grown they should be maintained in the same spot to avoid difficulties in your garden layout. If you plant in an inconvenient space where plants do not have access to sun or shade according to their preferences, you will see ineffective growth rates. To optimise the layout of plants and the desired finishing look of your garden, it is principal to effectively plan your landscape design taking into account colours, textures and requirements of specific plants.
If you’re interested in landscape design, we offer a variety of services specifically designed to fit client requirements. Our team of landscape designers factor in everything from architectural and geographical aspects to surveying, landscaping and botany and artisan design. Simply give us a call on 0844 884 2425 and we can advise you.
