What really makes a landscape design a stand out?

Many would say that is it the variety of plant material and grasses that cover the whole yard, or the fence that seems to frame the whole landscape.  Or possibly it’s the fountain that sits right in the middle of of the lawn.

But in actuality the answer is not any one individual element that fills up the landscape space, but how all of the individual elements are combined to make a pleasing landscape design.

So how do landscapers actually achieve the unity that makes a great landscape design stand out?

There are five key elements that your landscape design must have in order to stand out:

Unity or Harmony
Means that all the components in the design should go together as one and must express consistency and style. All the components should, therefore, fit in a theme making them work together to create a harmonious combination of colors, lines, bents, and elements. This is the most important thing that should achieve in the over all design. To achieve unity, repetition and mass planting can be used in the landscape design. Although unity can be easily associated within the bounds of aesthetics, functionality of every components used should also be taken into a great account. Thus, unity or harmony brings together every thing that is used in a landscape design without spoiling the practicality and compromising the beauty.

Focal Point
A landscape design would not be complete without a focal point. A focal point gives direction the lines and bents and gives definition not only to the whole landscape design, but also to every area within the plan. There are popular landscape focal points like a big tree or a flower bed, a pool or a pond, and a fountain or artificial waterfalls. The focal point in a landscape design should direct the traffic in the garden area.

Proportion
Proportion refers to the size of the parts of the landscape design in respect to one another, to the landscape design as a whole, and to the property, structures, and human elements. For example, a small waterfall will be lost at the middle of a big garden with large trees and shrubs. A large oak on the other hand may not compliment a one-story house. The point is, the relationship of each part should be within the reasonable size and should not dominate the presence of the others.

Symmetry and Balance
This is another very important element that can throw off the entire plan if not used properly. There are some landscape designs that may look a bit restless and uncomfortable. This is because they lack symmetry and balance. The curves, bents and lines are tiring; the use of plants and ground overlays are inappropriate; and repetition of all the elements does not have a variety. To achieve balance, the landscape design should have a good use of line, shape, texture, form, and color all at the same time. The repetition should vary from one area to another, and the plants and ground overlays should be in tune with all the other elements of the design.

Simplicity
A landscape design should not be overdone just to stand out from the entire neighborhood. Simplicity is the key and it goes hand in hand with the other elements in a great landscape design.

For great ideas for your landscape design we will be posting more on the subject with some inexpensive landscaping ideas and some backyard landscape photos.

In the mean time here is a brief video with loads of great landscape design ideas.