PLANTING DESIGN 222/221D
DESIGN PRINCIPLES IN RELATION TO PLANTING DESIGN
GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
BASIC GARDEN ELEMENTS
Design Principles in Relation to Planting Design
Understanding the basic design principles in relation to planting is
necessary to attain a harmonious concept that can be both aesthetically
and functionally acceptable. One without the other can be a failure in
one’s design objective.
A. Unity
It is the appearance of wholeness or completeness and continuity in a
design or landscape. This is necessary for parts of a design in order to
relate with one another as a whole.
Design Principles in Relation to Planting Design
B. Emphasis and Focalization
This is a result of a break in visual order. Focal points are places in the
landscape where attention is naturally drawn or where the designer
elects to direct it.
Design Principles in Relation to Planting Design
C. Balance
A state where all parts of a design or landscape are in equilibrium and
no part needs to be moved, added or subtracted.
Equilibrium or counterpoise in a design can either be symmetrical or
asymmetrical.
Design Principles in Relation to Planting Design
D. Scale and Proportion
Scale pertains to the size of the elements in relation to the human body
and to the Landscape.
Proportion is the relationship of parts of a design or composition to the
whole, especially in size or degree.
They pertain to the size relationship of plants in relation to other plants
or to the existing space and structure.
E. Rhythm
The repetition of similar elements at the same or similar intervals so
that they appear to be part of a whole composition and create an
illusion of movement. Rhythm increases interest and introduces
dynamics into a design.
F. Simplicity
The state of having one or few elements, parts or features in a design
or landscape. A design with too many rudiments involved may create
chaos.
G. Hierarchy
This is a method of ordering sections of a composition so that some
parts are more important or dominant than others. Size, scale, position,
color, etc. can be used to determine hierarchy.
H. Contrast
It is the visible difference between two elements or parts or of a design
when seen close together. The greater the differences and the closer the
position, the greater is the contrast. This can be expressed in color,
shape , size and concept.
GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
Basic Garden Elements
(in conjunction with plants)
A. Water: The presence of water gives the impression of coolness and
softness together with the lush company of different colorful foliage give
the feeling of natural freshness and relaxation in a place.
B. Sculptures: This element provides contrast and focus in a garden
setting. An interior court can be more interesting the presence of a small
sculpture. Style can best be expressed through the use of sculpture
especially in formal gardens. It can best be enhanced through proper
setting or with the help of greeneries to highlight it
C. Ornamental Pots: Provision for softscape in a place where natural
planting like indoor gardens, which is possible through the use of
containers. The use of ornamental plants not only adds to the practicality
of offering greenery in an otherwise barren area, but also adds aesthetics
to the place.
D. Natural Rocks and Stones: These elements are especially important
in natural or Japanese garden settings. Rocks can also be used as focal
interest and setting for some lithophytes (plants that thrive on rocks).
E. Trellises, Pergolas, Gazebos, and other enclosures: In an otherwise
very open space, the presence of these structures create a very suitable resting
area. These structures are often used for trailing vines, to support sprawling
plantings and create shade for areas intended for sitting. These can also serve as
the focal point in the landscape.
F. Ha-Ha or Decorative Drain: A Ha-Ha is an element of the
English garden. It is a deep ditch invisible from a distance that serves as a fence
to keep cows away from corn plantations without breaking the flow of the
natural landscape. Today, open drains are used but treated decoratively by
covering it with loose gravel or stones.
G. Topiaries and Espaliers: Topiaries are achieved through the shaping
of trees and shrubs by pruning and cutting. Espaliers are formed through a
labor intensive technique of training trees or vines on a lattice, trellis, wall or
wires to create the desired shape or geometric form.
TRELLIS
DECORATIVE
DRAIN
WATER ESPALIER
ROCKS / STONES
TOPIARY
SCULPTURE
ORNAMENTAL POTS GAZEBO / CABAÑA
“The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there
He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground
the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight
and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the
garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
10Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from
there it parted and became four riverheads”.
GENESIS 2: 8-10