Ingram's Basic Principles of Landscape Design

Dewayne L. Ingram

Former professor and extension horticulturalist, Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida

Landscaping

Combines elements of art and science to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing extension of indoor living to the outdoors.

One initial purpose of landscape design is to

blend man’s technology (house or building) into the natural surroundings

Landscape horticulturists must have a working knowledge of

art elements and design principles

Elements of Art

Elements of art include but are not limited to color, line, form, texture and scale. These elements are never independent of each other, but we will discuss their individual natures before considering the interactions.

Principles of Design

Color, line, form, texture and scale are tools which are used in combinations to adjust design principles. Design principles include unity, balance, transition, focalization, proportion, rhythm, repetition and simplicity. All these principles interact to yield the intended design.

Elements of Art:

1. Color

2. Line

3. Form

4. Texture

5. Scale

Principles of Design:

1. Unity

2. Balance

3. Transition

4. Proportion

5. Focalization

(RHYTHM AND REPETITION)

Color

Color are combined into color schemes for practical applications Color variation is best explained by use of color wheel.

Monochromatic

different tints and shades of one color

Analogous

combine colors which are adjacent or side-by-side on the color wheel

Complementary

combine colors directly across the color wheel

PRIMARY COLORS

red, blue, yellow

SECONDARY COLROS

orange, purple, green

TERTIARY COLORS

amber, vermillion, magenta, violet, teal, chartreuse

Hue

pure (original) color

Tint

= hue + white

Tone

= hue + gray

Shade

= hue + black

Colors (color)

establish aesthetic connection between objects and set the mood

chosen based on psychology and mindset of dweller

3 distinct characteristics of color

Hue, Value & Saturation

Chroma

intensity or saturation of color

Saturation/Intensity:

defines the brilliance and intensity of a color

Value

lightness or darkness of a color

Key Color

dominant color in a color scheme or mixture

Complementary Color

Contrast

Analogous

Harmony; from 3-5 adjacent hues on the color wheel, sharing a common color

Warm Colors

red, orange, yellow

Cool Colors

green, blue, violet

Triad

Contrast; any 3 colors equally spaced each other (3 colors between)

Split Complementary

Harmony & Contrast

Double Split Complementary

Harmony & Contrast

Monochrome

Harmony; single color in a range of hues (tint, tone, shade)

Color theory

is the collection of rules and guidelines which designers use to communicate with users through appealing color schemes in visual interfaces.

Shorten a view

A dominant color (red) placed behind a recessive color (green) will bring the background forward. This is particularly effective if they are complementary.

Lengthen a view

If a dominant color (purple) is in the foreground with a harmonious recessive backdrop (green), the garden appears longer.

Vibrant colors

Strong colors can be used to dramatic effect in the garden: as bright pinpoints that energize more subtle plantings, or surprise pockets of color separated by greenery.

In a flower border you can bulld up from quleter blues and purples to crescendos of fiery reds and oranges. These hot colors will stand out all the more by comblning them with a scattering of lime green, dark bronze, and purple follage.

Relaxing colors

The muted grays, purples, and blue-greens typlcal of Mediterranean herb gardens create a restralned atmosphere, perfect for a contemplative retreat. Plantings that pick up the heathery colors of distant hills make a space appear larger. However, a calming palette doesn't have to be muted; it can also Include fresh greens and pastels, which will work well In most settings.

Neutral colors

Earthy browns and sandy tones are reminiscent of harvest time and appear warm and nurturing, contributing to a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Weathered wood elements are perfect for gardens with a country look. In urban locations, you can feel closer to nature by utilizing redalmed timbers, wicker and bamboo for screens, ralsed beds, and furniture. For flooring, consider sandstone paving, decking, or a shingle beach effect with pebbles.

Monochrome colors

Hard and soft landscaping In a restralned palette of black, gray, and white, with the addition of green follage, produce refined, elegant designs. The approach Is perfect for elegant perlod gardens with a formal layout. White blooms and silver follage also work well with metallics in a chic city courtyard. Use cream or white flowers to enliven shade, and combine with varlegated and lime-green leaves.

Line Forms

1. Rectilinear Line Form

2. Arc and Tangent Line Form

3. Arc and Radii Line Form

4. Arc and Arc Line Form

5. Curvilinear / Bio-morphic / Organic Line Form

Line

is inferred by bed arrangement and the way these beds fit or flow together

Line is created vertically by

changes in plant height and the height of tree and shrub canopies

Straight lines tend to be

forceful, structural and stable and direct the observer’s eye to a point faster than curved lines

Curved or free-flowing lines are sometimes described as

smooth, graceful or gentle and create a relaxing, progressive, moving and natural feeling

Rectilinear Line Form (FORM)

1. No arching or curved lines

2. All lines are straight

3. All lines are either parallel or perpendicular to one anothe

Rectilinear Line Form (STYLE)

1. The intersections of this grid pattern dictate gathering spaces

2. Rigid style; may create the feeling of cold and unwelcoming

3. Very formal style; typically symmetrical

Arc and Tangent Line Form (FORM)

1. A series of arcs connected by straight line tangents

2. Only two type of line segments: straight tangents and arcs

3. Arcs may be either circular or elliptical

Arc and Tangent Line Form (STYLE)

1. Less formal; may be symmetrical

2. Straight-line movement tangents promote movement

3. Curves increase the overall flow within the design; arc areas promote pause and gathering

Arc and Radii Line Form (FORM)

1. Two major line segments, straight lines, and arcs which are a portion of circles and ellipses

2. All radii must intersect at right angles, or run parallel or perpendicular to each other

3. Arcs can be any length and size

Arc and Radii Line Form (STYLE)

1. Formal style due to the grid pattern that develops

2. Arcs tend to promote gathering spaces

3. Straight-line segments connecting arcs will often promote movement between spaces

Arc and Arc Line Form (FORM)

1. Utilizes only one type of line segment

2. Line segments are always portions of arcs, either circles or ellipses

3. Circular arcs will have consistent radii

Arc and Arc Line Form (STYLE)

1. Informal overall design concept

2. Configuration of overlapping circles and ellipses promotes sharing of space

3. Greater space within an arc promotes its use as a gathering space

Curvilinear / Bio-morphic / Organic Line Form (FORM)

1. Line segments consist of only one type of spatial edge

2. All spatial lines are curving

3. All arcs have consistently changing radii

Curvilinear / Bio-morphic / Organic Line Form (STYLE)

1. Very informal; natural flowing lines

2. Reflects forms found in nature

3. Movement of free-form lines in the landscape offers more possibility for exploration

ROAM FREE

Random paving with planted crevices creates a slightly erratic, informal design. With no defined route, the eye-and body-can move in several directions across the whole area.

Classic layout (Central paths)

A formal design is often built around a series of geometric and symmetrical paths. They are used to frame planted areas and meet at a specific focal point. There is usually no opportunity to deviate.

Enticing curves (Winding paths)

Routes thot snake through the plot add a flowing sense of movement and an air of intrigue. They can be used to move around or join up key elements, as well as provide a few unexpected surprises.

Illusion of size (Diagonal paths)

Setting a path on a diagonal allows the garden to be vlewed along its longest axls, thereby creating the illusion of greater space and depth in small spaces, drawing the eye away from the back boundarles.

Continuous flow (Circular paths)

A circular path takes you on a journey around the garden. It can be planned to provide alternative views of key features and different elements, depending on the direction in which you travel.

Secondary routes approach

1. Practical solution

2. Hidden solution

3. Secret way

4. Subtle link

Form

Discussed in terms of individual plant growth habits or as the planting arrangement in a landscape

Form is basically the

shape and structure of a plant or mass of plants

Structures also have ___ and should be considered as such when designing the area around them

form

Open Aspect

A narrow space between tall boundaries will be claustrophobic and oppresive. Here, in a design dominated by a lawn or hard landscaping, low vegetation creates an area exposed to more light, longer views, and with a connection to the sky above. It will feel open, but intimate areas may be lost.

Enclosed feeling

The same space filled with vegetation of different heights will be darker, much more enclosed, and with no views to the sides. The path will appear as a corridor through the center and can lead to different parts of the garden, divided by the planting into separately designated areas.

Balanced approach

The same path now moved to the side also creates a corridor-like effect, but this time views are allowed under the canopy to the right, across a narrower strip of planting into the brighter space beyond. To the left, secret, intimate places can be created with a pergola or arbor among the mixture of high and low planting.

Right-angled shapes

1. Straight lines

2. The long view

3. Full width

Circular shapes

1. Diagonal line

2. C-shaped curve

3. Smooth flow

Mixing shapes

1. Classic match

2. Simple approach

3. Secret corners

Geometric designs

1. Shapes on a diagonal

2. Layering shapes

3. Circular designs

Symmetrical Layouts

Contemporary symmetry - formal framework

Traditional and formal - circles and squares

Straight lines

This design has a strong linear axis. The shapes and planting spaces are simple and unified.

The long view

A diagonal layout directs the eye toward the corners. The overall design evokes energy.

Full width

A series of parallel divisions, with offset gaps for planting or practical structures, forces movement and views around the garden. The design draws you in.

Diagonal line

The three overlapping circles are aligned along a diagonal to provide a strong design axis.

C-shaped curve

The restricted access and pleasing asymmetry of this design create an enticing space to explore.

Smooth flow

Using ovals instead of circles adds a smoother flow to the layout, because the eye is taken along their lengths, rother than in all directions as in a circle.

Classic match

A traditional symmetrical layout, mirrored along a central axis, is the basis for a formal design.

Simple approach

Changing the size and orientation of a shape delivers a dramatic and imposing layout.

Secret corners

In this mixture of rectangles and curved hedges, only one part of the garden can be seen at any time. This allows the hidden areas to have different themes.

Organic shapes

1. Interlocking circles (Smooth outline)

2. Fluid lines (Meandering route)

3. Sweeping curves (Gentle arc)

Texture

Describes the surface quality of an object than can be seen or felt

Texture srufaces in the landscape

include buildings, walks, patios, groundcovers and plants

Texture of plants differs

as relationships between the leaves, twigs, and branches differ

Used to describe texture:

1. coarse

2. medium

3. fine or smooth

4. rough

5. glossy

6. dull

Rough

For rough textures choose stone chippings, dry stone walls, weaved fencing, peeling tree bark, or prickly plants.

Smooth

Choose flat or rounded surfaces like concrete cubes and spheres, plain

pots, smooth bark, and water-worn cobblestones.

Gloss

Shiny, mirrored surfaces include many evergreens, polished granite, stainless steel, chrome, still water, and glazed ceramic.

Matte

Ideal for combining with glossy elements, matte surfaces include cut timbers, galvanized metal planters, and sandstone.

Soft

Impossible to ignore, soft, felted, furry-leaved plants are irresistible to the touch, as are fluffy seedheads and grass-like stems.

Hard

Non-pliable solid surfaces can be matte or gloss: cast metal, stone and concrete walling, flint, granite setts, and terrazzo pots.

Rough with smooth

This walled courtyard pairs gravel and rough-cut stone with smooth spheres to dramatic effect. The dry stone water feature cuts the sheer rendered wall in half.

Gloss with matte

Shiny glass and metal doors echo the visual qualities of the swimming pool. These elements are separated by the smooth paved terrace and matte rendered wall.

Soft with hard

The wooden walkway, circular terrace, and snaking wall are perfectly opposed by luxuriant "soft" plantings of hostas, irises, grasses, and marginals.

Scale

Refers to size of an object or objects in relation to the surroundings

Size

refers measurements to while definite scale describes the size relationships between adjacent objects

The size of plantings and buildings compared on the human scale

must be considered

Unity means

that all parts of the composition or landscape go together; They fit

Unity can be achieved

by using mass planting repetition