The design principles are standards that can be used to help transfer the generalities of landscaping concepts to details. It includes seven features that when properly considered, will make it possible for any design to be cohesive, coherent, and beautiful. These concepts would also have an effect on how the design looks, flows, and functions.
These concepts do not have a fixed order or hierarchy. They may be important or not at all, depending on the situation. They are general themes and easy to understand. When understood and applied, their effect would greatly enhance any sustainable landscape design.
Simplicity
Elements that do not enhance or have an effect on the design can be omitted. Prioritize what is important and what is not in order to keep the design tidy, neat, and safe. A simple, well-defined design is one that will be easier to maintain and enhance functionality.
Balance
Anything that is put in a design will bring with it a certain visual weight. Balance is the idea of ensuring that you feel the weight of the entire scheme. A strategy with a formal balance would see both sides mirroring each other while the informal balance is equal but not equal. They can both work together.
Variety
Selections of shape, size, and shape should be diverse in order to generate visual interest. However, do not forfeit simplicity simply to build a number of variations.
Emphasis
Accentuating parts of the design using texture, shape, or color will offer an appeal and guide the eye through the design, but too much focus will feel chaotic. Specimen areas are better put on their own. Accent areas are intended to stand out but in the sense of a broader design. Key plants may help to de-emphasize or soften architectural features.
Sequence
Sequence refers to how transitions are used in plant scale, form, and texture components. Gradual changes of one element at a time give a smooth, attractive series. Abrupt shifts from a tall plant to a small one or a fine-textured plant to a rough one are not working well.
Unity
The definition of unity is that everything works together. Interconnection gains unity by using links such as roads, walkways, stairs, and fences to physically link up areas. Repetition is when the design factor is unifying since it happens in a variety of places. Repeat can be helpful, but be careful not to overuse it. Dominance is when a single focal point, perhaps a large tree, tends to unify other areas of support.
Scale/Proportion
The size of the landscape components is the scale and the way they relate to each other is the proportion. The scale of your landscape and the artifacts in it should be balanced. A wall or tree that is much larger than everything else draws the eye away from the rest of the garden.
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