Is your outdoor space looking drab and uninviting? It’s time to give your garden a makeover with some landscape design tips.
A well-designed garden adds value to your home, sure – but it is also a relaxing space where you can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, we have some tips that can transform your outdoor space. From choosing the right plants to incorporating some classic garden hardscaping, we’ll tell you everything you need to know!
What Are the 5 Basic Elements of Landscape Design?
Do you want to make your outdoor space a spectacular spot? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
The key here is to begin with the basics. There are five basic elements of landscape design.
The first is the line. Lines can be used to create different effects, from soft and flowing curves to straight and formal lines. The lines you use should complement your home’s architecture and your own personal style.
For instance, curved lines add a calming feel to the outdoor space, while straight lines evoke a sense of order. When designing with lines, think about pathways, borders, and hedges.
Next up is form. This is a critical element of landscape design that helps to create a visually appealing and functional space.
Form refers to the size and shape of the plants and trees that you choose. Find trees and plants that can accommodate the available space while supplying adequate shade, maintaining privacy, and adding aesthetic appeal.
Texture, the third element of landscape design, refers to the visual and tactile qualities of the plants and trees in your yard. Different textures create interest in the garden, whether it is smooth, spiky, soft, or rough. A wise combination of different textures and colors can bring depth and contrast to your outdoor space.
Next up is color. Choosing the right color combinations can make a world of difference in the appearance of your outdoor space. The color scheme of the landscape design should complement the overall color scheme of your home.
Finally, there’s scale, which refers to the balance of sizes within your landscape design. Consider the proportions of the plants, lighting, outdoor seating, and hardscaping when designing your outdoor space.
12 Professional Landscape Design Tips
Landscaping your property may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can transform your yard into an envy-worthy oasis.
Whether you are seeking to boost curb appeal or create a relaxing space to entertain guests, professional landscape design is the key to achieving those goals.
Here are 12 landscape design tips to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
Understand the Purpose of Your Landscape
The first step to designing your landscape is to identify the purpose of your outdoor space. Are you growing a beautiful garden, creating a comfortable space for your family to enjoy, or looking to impress your neighbors with a stunning yard?
Begin by defining your goals to help tailor your landscape design. Write these down and consider sketching out your thoughts on paper to give you an idea of what you’re working with (and working for).
Visually Define Boundaries
Boundaries play a significant role in how we perceive space. To help define your space, consider adding hedges, fences, or even a garden bed, to provide a sense of enclosure.
Not only will this make your yard more attractive, but it will also add a layer of privacy to your space.
Understand Your Property’s Unique Features
Every property contains unique features, such as areas with shade, sun, or a windy spot. Understanding these features will help you design a landscape that can thrive in your environment.
Take note of the soil conditions, existing trees, elevation, and any sloped areas to create a design that complements your property’s best features.
Choose Foundation Plantings
Before adding any other elements to your yard, start by selecting and placing foundation plantings. These are the plants that anchor your yard and help tie all other design elements together. Choose hardy plants that can thrive in your climate, and consider selecting a range of plants to add depth and texture.
Add a Path or Walkway
A path or walkway not only adds visual interest to your yard but also helps direct traffic and improve accessibility. When designing your path, consider the style of your home and other design elements in your yard.
Use materials that complement your home’s aesthetic, and make sure the path is wide enough to accommodate any furniture or outdoor features you plan to add.
Design and Site Your Patio Based on How You’ll Use It
This is an optional step, but important to pay attention to if you plan on including one.
A patio can serve as an extension of your living space, but it’s important to design and site it correctly.
Consider how you’ll use the space – do you want to dine outside or enjoy a fire pit? Will you be lounging on furniture? All of these factors will influence both the size and location of your patio. Keep in mind any shade structures you may want to add, and try to choose a spot with good views of your yard.
Choose the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants for your landscape is essential for a successful design. Consider the climate in your area, the amount of sunlight your yard receives, and your soil type.
Native plants are a great option because they are adapted to the local climate and often require less maintenance. You can also consider plants that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to help support the local ecosystem.
Remember to also plan for year-round interest. Landscaping isn’t just for the warm months of the year. Consider adding plants with varying foliage colors, shapes, and heights that will provide year-round interest. Doing this will provide a seasonally adaptive yard that showcases different textures and colors throughout the year.
Consider the Full Mature Size of the Plant or Tree
Keep in mind that plants and trees will grow over time and become much larger than they are when you purchase them. Make sure you plan for the mature size of each plant to avoid overcrowding and ensure that each plant has enough space to grow and thrive.
Layer Plants by Height
Another essential element of landscape design is layering plants by height, known as vertical layering. This creates depth in the landscape and makes it more visually appealing. Place taller plants at the back of the landscape bed and shorter plants towards the front. You can also use ground-cover plants to cover large areas of the landscape.
Choose a Theme or Style
Creating a specific theme or style for your landscape design can make it more cohesive and visually stunning. Consider what style you prefer, such as modern, rustic, or tropical, and choose plants and hardscaping elements that fit with that aesthetic. The theme can be based on color, plant type, or design style. The sky’s the limit!
Consider Maintenance Needs
When selecting plants for your landscape, consider their maintenance needs. Some plants require frequent watering or pruning, while others are more low maintenance. A professional landscape designer can help you choose plants that require minimal effort but still look great.
Hardscape, Then Plant
When you’re designing your landscape, always start with the installation of hardscaping elements such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls before you plant. These elements create the foundation of your landscape and are permanent, so it’s important to get them right before you start planting.
Hardscaping may also include lighting, by the way!
Outdoor lighting is not only functional, but it also adds ambiance to your yard. Adding lights will allow you to enjoy your yard during evening hours while highlighting features of your landscape design. Consider adding path lights, string lights, or even an outdoor chandelier to craft an inviting space.
How Do You Create a Landscape Plan?
Creating a landscape plan is a critical step in turning your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional area. A detailed plan will help you visualize how your yard can be transformed into the space of your dreams.
Whether you want to redesign your garden, enhance your outdoor living space, or create an inviting entryway, a landscape plan is absolutely essential.
Can’t quite pin down your creative vision? That’s okay – Bellingrath Bros. Landscape & Design is here to help. We are experts in creating beautiful landscape designs that fit your unique style and budget.
Our team of experts will work with you to create a beautiful and functional landscape that you can enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our landscaping services!