Designing Landscapes

What are general landscape practices and techniques?

Key Questions

What is the importance of landscaping and landscape planning?

What are the procedures in landscape planning?

What are the elements of design and effect?

What is xeriscape planning? How are plants selected?

What is the importance of landscaping and landscape planning?

Bush planting- when an untrained person tries to landscape without a knowledge of plant materials

Purposes of Landscaping

1. Create and aesthetically pleasing environment.2. Create pride in homes, community, etc.3. Reduce noise.4. Help structures blend with terrain.5. Screen unsightly sights.6. Provide privacy.7. Reduce pollution and conserve natural

resources.8. Control people and vehicles.9. Reduce damage and injury.10. Create places for recreation.11. Increase property value.

Landscape design- involves preparing a landscape plan for

a site. Landscape architects-

people who design landscapes

Sitescaping- landscaping a small part of a larger

area Xeriscaping-

landscaping that uses plants on the basis of water requirements

Landscape planning- preparing the detail of how a site will

be landscaped

What are procedures in landscape planning?

Steps used in preparing a landscape

1. Identify landscape purpose2. Analyze the site3. Determine area use4. Design the plantings5. Prepare a written plan

Public area The area of the landscape seen from

the street Private area

The area of the landscape out of view of the general public

Service area The area of the landscape near the rear

entrance and relatively isolated from the public and private areas

Outdoor room Has boundaries (floor, ceiling, and

walls) and traffic areas Outdoor floor- ground coverings Outdoor ceiling- covered patios and

trees Outdoor walls- flower beds, shrubs,

fences, and walls of structures

Types of plantings

Corner plantings Create a frame for an outdoor room

Foundation plantings Tie building into the landscape

Accent plantings Add interest and color

Landscape symbols Depict different kinds of plants

Shrubs Woody plants that are smaller than trees

Ground cover Small, low-growing plants that cover the

ground in place of turf

What are the elements of design and effect?

Simplicity- designing the landscape so it falls within the acceptable range

Balance- uniform appeal Proportion- relationships of the size

of different species of plants

What are the elements of design and effect?

Focalization- creation of focal points in a landscape with the use of a specimen plant

Rhythm and line- principle dealing with flow throughout a landscape

Unity- extent to which the landscape is complete and whole

Elements of effect are the artistic features that create mood Includes line, form, and texture

What is xeriscape planning?

Xeriscaping Using a landscape design that is water

efficient Water zones

Areas in a landscape based on amount of water needed by the plants

Very low zone- native shrubs, cacti Low zone- shrubs, ground covers Moderate zone- annuals and succulent

plants

How are plants selected?

Factors used in plant selection1. Water requirements2. Growth rate and maturity3. Color4. Hardiness5. Nutrient and pH needs

Important info for plant selection

1. Common and scientific names2. Deciduous or evergreen3. Growth, training and trimming

requirements4. Characteristics of flowers or fruit5. Hardiness zones6. Pest resistance and problems7. Sun requirements8. Water requirements9. Life span10. Method of propagation