Landscape & Garden Design Basics

Landscape & Garden Design Basics
Karla Kean, Horticulturist University of Tennessee

Landscape Design: Objectives
After completing this session, you should: Have an increased knowledge and understanding of history as it relates to landscape design in a constantly changing urban environment. Understand the principles and elements of landscape design.

Landscape Design: Objectives
Understand that the landscape should be designed based on the people who will use it and their habits, the climate, site conditions and existing structures. Have the ability to use the principles and elements of landscape design to create a pleasing and functional landscape design Be able to develop a theme garden that provides cultural diversity, enhances the natural features of the site, and embraces environmental stewardship

Landscape Design by Definition
Landscape design is the art and science of enriching outdoor space. Creating an appealing landscape requires using artistic principles together with scientific knowledge to create a functional and pleasing outdoor environment.

Landscape Design A well-planned landscape will:
Bring contentment to the family (or client) Add property value Enhance the community Create outdoor spaces that are environmentally sound, cost effective, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing

Landscape Design--History
Throughout much of history, gardens have belonged to the privileged Today, Americans have set new trends in design techniques Frank Lloyd Wright & Frederick Law Olmstead played an important role in changing the American landscape during the period of 1850 – the 1920’s.

Frank Lloyd Wright had a long standing interest in designing affordable homes on a grand scale for middle class Americans. Usonian houses, as pictured here, gave visual form to his ideas for a model environment (Library of Congress, 1996).

Frederick Law Olmstead endorsed creating neighborhoods that were both highly attractive and functional. Olmstead’s City Beautiful Movement significantly impacted the way communities are developed today. He was also the designer of many present-day parks including Central Park in New York City.

Landscape Design Both Wright & Olmstead lived in a time when urban designers were forced to respond to complex relationship between man and the environment. In today’s world, we are still fighting those same battles with loss of farmland to urbanization, overcrowding, and visually apparent class distinctions. Examples of their work reflect individual style, reflections on nature & environment, and the essence of parallel community.

The Principles of Design
Balance Focal Point Simplicity Rhythm and Line Scale Unity

Balance Symmetrical Each side is a mirror image of the other
This is the balance we see in formal type gardens Asymmetrical Is informal in that the opposite sides are the same in composition, but are not mirror images In the design process, we strive for a type of balance that intrigues the eye of the beholder and provides a certain “weight” to the landscape view Different plant choices and placement will adjust the visual weight Two types of balance exist: symmetrical and asymmetrical

Focal Point That design principle which selects and positions visually strong features into the landscape The viewers eye is drawn to a certain point that is strategically placed to command attention May be the house entrance, a specimen plant, statuary or other unique element

Simplicity Simplicity seeks to make the user comfortable in the landscape setting Create shapes which flow with the natural scheme of the land and existing forms Soft curving lines will portray a more relaxing, comfortable, park-like setting Straight lines and borders may be desired in certain areas to ease maintenance

Rhythm and Line When something is repeated a number of times with a standard interval between repetitions, a rhythm is formed Lines are created when different materials meet, such as where the turf meets the sidewalk or a mulched ornamental bed Nature provides us with natural rhythm and lines that meet and flow, such as hills cresting a skyline or a river meeting the lands edge The viewers eye should easily follow the lines flowing between use areas without drastic or abrupt changes

Scale Each element in the landscape should be in proper size relationship with other elements Different perspectives will be held by different viewers Children or those in wheelchairs are closer to the ground, so areas should be designed with them in mind

Unity All elements tie in together with each contributing to the total creation Colors and Textures should support each other All components should blend together as part of the whole

Elements of Design Form Line Texture Color

Elements of Design: Form
Form describes the shape of a plant and the structure of its branching pattern. The form may be upright, columnar, round, spreading, weeping, etc. Every plant has a distinct growing habit such as the pyramidal shape of a Colorado Blue Spruce or the broad spreading habit of Rhododendron.

Elements of Design: Line
Line is created in the landscape by existing patterns of structures, plants, hard-scapes and other features within the environment. Line influences how the viewers eye moves through the landscape. Straight lines = formal, structured Curved lines = natural, relaxing Lines influence the mood of the landscape.

Elements of Design: Texture
Texture describes the visual feel of a plant which may be fine or course. Using large textured materials may visually shrink the scale of a space while incorporating fine texture can do the opposite. Images: Top Left: Barberry, Middle: Oakleaf Hydrangea, Right: Feather-reed grass

Elements of Design: Color
Hues of yellow, orange and red attract the eye and create excitement. Blues, greens and violets are cooler thus creating a calming effect. White, gray and even black provide neutral overtone. Warm colors are more visible and will appear closer to the viewer than cool colors. Neutral colors are used to tie in other parts of the landscape and create unity.

Landscape Design Process
A Quality Design will consist of: Appropriate design principles Quality installation of materials Proper follow-up maintenance

The Information Gathering Process
Includes: Interviews Questionnaires Needs assessments. Both commercial and residential designs are completed the same way. the main difference is scale. The information gathering process, including interviews, questionnaire's, and needs assessments are critical to the designer.

Commercial Residential Commercial jobs tend to be much larger scale with large plant groupings that provide impact at higher viewing speeds. A common planting theme may be repeated throughout the business area (such as a mall or shopping center) so that the landscape flows and has similar characteristics throughout, tying it all together. The commercial design process may be more involved and include a more in-depth needs assessment. Owners, managers, maintenance personnel, or city/county officials may be involved along with a landscape architect. Residential projects are created on a smaller scale with the intent being laid-back and detailed.

Begin by interviewing your client and identify the needs and preferences of all who will be using the landscape.

What is the activity level of the family? How much time will be spent outdoors and what are their hobbies/interests? What is the budget? What is the activity level of your family? A busy, young family will need room to grow, yet need low-maintenance plant choices. An older couple may have more time to spend in the garden, yet wish to reduce labor-intensive tasks. How much time will be spent outdoors and what are the hobbies/interests of the family? Some people landscape so that they can spend more time outdoors, continually experimenting with new plants or changing the appearance of their home. Others just like to grow plants. Some people just want their landscape to look pretty, but not have to do a whole lot of work to keep it in shape. What is the budget? A large job may be planned in seasonal increments, determining what is most important and completing those phases first. Landscaping can be expensive, but the investment of time and quality plants will save a lot of trouble in the long run. $$$$$

What special needs exist due to age or disability? Will pets or children share the use area? What is the desired maintenance level, and who will be maintaining the landscape in the future?

What labor is available for follow-up maintenance? What equipment will be used? Do special conditions such as heat islands exist? Are there entrance/exit constraints? Do landscape or tree ordinances exist? What is the desired maintenance level? Or, who will be maintaining the landscape? If your garden/landscape has grown to the point where it’s not enjoyable anymore, then maybe you have too much going on in the landscape. It may be time to cut back on demanding annual gardens or decrease your mowing area by planting a small grove of trees. Follow-up maintenance is often overlooked and can be overwhelming for clients who jump into planting immediately without any thought to the future. What labor and equipment are available for future maintenance? Many businesses and even homeowners fail to realize the extent of landscape maintenance. Do special conditions exist such as heat islands or entrance/exit visual constraints? These situations will require individual attention to select recommended plant varieties that are meant to grow in existing conditions. What types of landscape or tree ordinances exist that should be reviewed before construction begins? Check with the local planning commission to learn of any landscape or tree ordinances that may affect species selection and implementation.

Site Inventory Now that you have a concept of what the client wants and are ready to begin drafting the actual design. This will be your rough draft! Gather a pencil, paper, measuring tape and walk around the property taking notes and/or sketching existing landscape features.

Site Inventory Identify problem areas or positive features of the land
Existing features Indicate amount of sun or shade Measure dimensions of the lot Identify problem areas or positive features of the land so that time and money may be spent improving site problems before planting begins. Note the topography of the land (hills, flat areas, slopes, etc) Indicate amount of sun or shade in individual areas at different times during the day as this will affect plant choices using a tape measure, take field measurements and record them on your sketch To accurately fix existing elements, measure them form two fixed points, such as two corners of the house

Site Inventory Other items to include in the site inventory are:
Soil type Soil test results Drainage issues Existing plants and structures (especially those to be kept) Views (ones you want to keep and/or ones you want to screen)

Site Analysis A site analysis is an evaluation of challenges and potential benefits included in information from the site assessment. Aids the designer in creating and fine-tuning the thought processes identified in the needs assessment and site inventory that leads to the actual design. Involves reviewing the plot plan, locating property lines, utilities, right-of-way boundaries, existing features, and possible grading or drainage issues.

Defining the Outdoor Room
The landscape should be thought of as an outdoor room that consists of: Walls Ceilings Floors Using the natural rhythm of the land as your guide, let each ‘room’ grow from its natural surroundings. Each room will be further defined into use areas. Walls are structures or plants that define the limits and shapes of the outdoor room. These structures can be comprised of trees, shrubs and fences that act as windbreaks, screen undesirable views, absorb noise and dust, and provide privacy. Ceilings define the upper limits of the room while providing shade, privacy or protection from rain or snow. Options may include an arbor, tree canopy, gazebo, patio/deck cover or overhang. Floors define the pathways and base of the room and may be made up of living or non-living materials. Living floors include lawn grasses, ground covers and flowers; while, non-living floors include stone, gravel, bark chips, bricks and mulch.

Use Areas Public: Private: Service: the area where guests are greeted
the front door, walk or driveway Private: the area where the family lives, plays and entertains Service: areas which may be screened from view utility sheds, clothesline, trash cans Public: The area where guests are greeted, usually facing the street, and is most visible to the general public. This may include the front door, walk or driveway. Private: The area where the family lives, plays and entertains. May be the back or side yard, garden area or patio Service: Areas that may be screened from view, such as utility sheds, clothesline, trashcans, compost bins, air conditioner units, dog kennel, etc.

Drawing the Design The Design Process will Include: A rough layout Problem solving Assembly of the final draft

Drawing the Design: Step 1
By using information gathered during the site inventory and client needs analysis, prepare a scale map of the area to be landscaped. Using graph paper, set the scale as appropriate for your design; for example, one square = 1 foot, or one square = 3 feet, etc.

Determine use areas, circulation routes, and other items particular to the space and place those use areas on plan.

Indicate where plant masses are needed to provide screens, to separate areas, or to provide shade. Use suggested landscape design symbols to indicate tree and shrub masses. You may use several over-lays or bubble maps drawn on transparent paper to try out different designs until you find one you are happy with. We will view examples of landscape symbols a little further into the presentation

Begin specifying plants and non-plant materials to meet the needs for each area. Draw symbols to represent the amount of space to be used by plants. The final step is to create a plant key by giving each plant a number, and then list the common name, scientific name and amount needed. The design is coming together at this point,but will remain a ‘rough’ draft until the designer and client are satisfied with the choices. The fourth step is to look back at the massed areas and begin specifying plant and non-plant materials to meet the needs for those areas. Draw symbols to represent the eventual amount of space to be used by plants. Specify the parameter that a plant will attain in years, but not fully mature. For example, a red maple at maturity will have a spread of 40 – 50 feet. The diameter of the symbol in this case would be feet, and then indicate on the map where other plants, sidewalks, etc. will be in relation to the red maple. Plant key example is on the next slide…

Example of a Plant Key: Now each plant drawn on paper will have a number assigned to it that corresponds with the plant key Plant Id # Common Name Scientific Name Amount Needed 1 Burford Holly Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ 10 Create a plant list or key by giving each plant a number, then list the common name, scientific name and amount needed.

Drawing the Design Summary
The completed design should include: Indication of ‘north’ Existing structures/plants (drawn to scale) Driveway(s) & other circulation routes Property lines Views to be enhanced or screened Desirable/non-desirable land features Plant and Hard-scape Materials needed

Drawing the Design: Landscape Symbols

Selection, Implementation, and Future Maintenance of Plant Materials
The landscape design process is an art as well as a science. It involves not only creating a visually pleasing outdoor environment, but also includes selecting the right types of plants necessary to achieve the desired landscape effect.

Cultural Considerations of Landscape Plants
Hardiness Mature Size Fruit and Flowering Qualities Canopy Shape, Form and Habit Light Requirements Soil Preference Susceptibility to Pests

Flowers: Uses and Limitations
Annual Marigolds, pansies, petunia, vinca Perennial Many wildflowers, trees, shrubs and some herbs are perennials Biennial Hollyhocks, Sweet William, Canterbury Bells, Forget-me-Nots Annual a plant which completes its life cycle in one growing season. Perennial a plant which lives for 3 or more years. It will continue to exist under favorable conditions for several years. Biennial: A plant which requires 2 years to complete its life cycle. The first year the plant develops a rosette of foliage only, then the second year it will flower, produce seed, and die. Hollyhocks, Sweet William, Canterbury Bells, Forget-me-Nots

Flowers: Uses and Limitations
Flowers are one of the most desired aspects of landscape design. Emotional responses are evoked when the first Crocus of spring emerges or Easter Lilies begin to bloom Powerful focal points can develop from flowers massed together

Flowers: Uses Bright colors create focal point Possess fragrance
Colors and Fragrances attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects Soften hard lines and brighten stagnant areas Specific flowers denote a change in season

Flowers: Uses Butterflyweed Zinnia Dill Shasta Daisy Bee Balm

Flowers: Limitations If misplaced, can detract from the intended focal point Attract bees and wasps which can be a problem for those sensitive to stinging insects Bloom times are limited, so, several species must be selected with varied bloom times to extend color throughout the year

Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape
Trees provide many benefits to the homeowner by providing beauty, screening undesirable views, cooling shade, windbreaks and wildlife habitat The right tree in the right place will grow to be an asset, rather than a detriment, to the homeowner

Determine: Purpose for planting the tree Soil conditions Tree location, the right place Species growth and form, the right tree Undesirable species traits

Small Trees for TN Landscapes (less than 30’ at maturity)
Dogwood Fringetree Hawthorne Pawpaw Redbud Serviceberry Smoketree Sourwood Sumac Sweetbay Magnolia Witch Hazel Yellowwood

Medium Trees for TN Landscapes (30-70’ at maturity)
American Holly Goldenrain Tree Green Ash Hackberry Honey Locust Kentucky Coffeetree Littleleaf Linden Red Maple Sassafras Silverbell Sweetgum Willow Oak

Large Trees for TN Landscapes (70’ or more at maturity)
American Beech Bald Cypress Black Cherry Black Walnut Cottonwood Pines (most) Shumard Oak Southern Magnolia Sugar Maple Sycamore White Oak Yellow Poplar

Trees to Avoid Planting in an Urban Landscape
These trees are fast growing, which leads to weak wood which breaks easily in wind and ice Easily reproduce, becoming weedy in lawns Prone to pests Eastern White Pine Silver Maple Black Locust Leyland Cypress Hybrid Poplars Lombardy Poplar Tree-of-Heaven Mimosa Bradford Pear

Maintenance Tips Develop a maintenance schedule and follow it!
Pruning should begin early in the life of a tree or shrub and continue on a regular basis. Topping is NOT a recommended practice! Irrigate deeply and thoroughly once a week, providing 1-1 1/2 inches water Fertilize woody plants late winter or early spring before growth begins

Do Not Top Trees!

Maintenance Tips TOO MUCH MULCH
Mulch no deeper than 3 inches to provide water conservation, weed control and aesthetic value to the plant bed TOO MUCH MULCH

Specialty Gardens Almost every garden has a theme of some sort!
Children are naturally drawn to gardening, and as a MG volunteer, school groups will call on you to help develop outdoor classrooms and natural areas. It may be a vegetable garden, herb garden, bird & butterfly garden, or even a dinosaur garden, pizza or salsa garden! Image is an activity conducted at the Montgomery County Youth Garden in spring of This particular activity involved creating hummingbird lures and setting up feeders.

Helping to plant the American “Red, White and Blue” Theme Garden Bed
Specialty Gardens Planting Pizza, Salsa, Asian-American and African American Theme Gardens American Indian Garden Helping to plant the American “Red, White and Blue” Theme Garden Bed

Specialty Gardens: Steps to Planning a Theme Garden
Begin by deciding what type of theme garden you or your group would like. Determine the size and location of your garden. Select an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight every day and is close to a water source. Take a soil sample & send it off with the help of your county Extension agent. The shape of your garden may be designed with the theme in mind, such as a pizza garden could be a large circle with triangle shaped plantings of herbs, tomatoes, peppers etc.

Specialty Gardens: Steps to Planning a Theme Garden
Amend the soil according to soil test results. Select plants from a list of recommended varieties and plant according to recommended planting dates. Water, weed, fertilize and harvest on a regular basis throughout the growing season. Enjoy your abundance of fresh vegetables, flowers and learning opportunities that will naturally grow out of your garden throughout the year! Using a tiller, work in a 3-inch layer of organic matter(peat moss, aged manure, rotted sawdust, etc.)

Summary--What have we learned?
Merely planting trees and shrubs is not landscape design, it is an art as well as a science A quality design will consist of: Appropriate design principles Quality installation of plant and hard-scape materials Proper follow-up maintenance

Summary—What have we learned?
To create a quality design, you must: Interview your client to assess the needs and preferences of all who will be using the outdoor spaces. Conduct a site inventory to identify existing features on the property and determine what problems or positive features may need attention before planting.

Summary--What have we learned?
The design drawing process will include: A rough layout Problem solving process Assembly of the final draft Designing your landscape should be FUN!

References & Web Resources
Images: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy Steffen Hauser Image Library University of Minnesota Web Resources:

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Landscape & Garden Design Basics

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