Landscape Architecture and Design
Residential Landscape architecture and design is the art of designing outdoor spaces that complement and enhance your home. It is also an important consideration for your property’s resale value and overall functionality. Adding a landscape is not only an aesthetic enhancement but also can lower energy costs and help keep occupants comfortable.
The four main design aspects of a Residential Landscape Design and Construction are site planning, planting design, grading and stormwater management. Often, these elements can be combined to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that works in harmony with nature. Site planning, or land planning, is the process of evaluating and planning the use of a particular site, taking into account the limitations of the area and addressing issues like geology, hydrology, grading, soil, weather and vegetation. It is a core part of all landscape architecture projects.
Planting design is the process of determining the location and size of plants to be used in the landscape. The plants are then arranged in the appropriate spots to create the desired effect. Forms and textures of the plants are also important in a good design. Some designs are naturalistic and use a variety of plants with different forms such as grasses and shrubs (Figure 3). Others are formal and use such plants as clipped hedges and boxwoods, which have symmetrical patterns with straight lines.
Residential Landscape Architecture and Design
A plant that is too large for its area may cause your landscape to look unbalanced and out of proportion. In this case, choose smaller plants that will fit into your desired arrangement.
The rate of growth and mature size of a plant should be considered as well. Many plants will grow to a substantial size in a short period of time, so it is important to select plants that will stay within your landscape’s limits and not overpower it. When a plant grows up to its full potential, it becomes an eye-catching feature and a focal point for your design. Choosing plants that will be in full bloom or producing fruit can also add interest to your landscape and provide additional color and fragrance.
Another element in successful landscape design is unity, which ties together different parts of the landscape. It can be achieved through a theme of colors, forms or textures and other design elements that are used repeatedly in the design. Having a common theme can make your landscape seem more cohesive and help your eyes travel from one part of the design to another smoothly. Some repetition of a design element is a good thing, but too much can be monotonous and disjointed.
Sequence is the idea of arranging the different elements in the landscape in an orderly manner. The sequence can be as simple as a gradual change in color, texture or shape. A sudden change in appearance, however, can break the flow of your design and confuse the viewer.
Licensed landscape architects are trained in the planning, design and construction of public areas such as parks, cemeteries, schools, recreation centers, sports facilities, monuments and zoos. They are also educated in the restoration and conservation of natural areas that have been disturbed by humans. This is called heritage conservation. This includes habitat restoration, historic preservation and conservation planning.