Landscape design do's and don'ts

July 10, 9:26 AMBackyard Living ExaminerJane Gates

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Landscape design do's and don'ts (Photo by Jane Gates)

Whether you are putting together ideas for a large garden or just a small area, there are basic concepts that will make your design more successful. You can even repair a garden that doesn’t quite look right by tweaking an area here and there.  Here are some landscape do's and don'ts.

To begin with, it is okay to like any style of garden. There is no official right or wrong in this department. What can go wrong, however, is trying to execute a style that conflicts with the surrounding landscape, buildings or requires materials – living or otherwise – that clash with the environment or with your personal lifestyle, health or maintainence requirements.

Do take a general overview of the area you want to landscape. Practical issues are paramount. If you do not address soil problems, drainage, or other basic issues, the prettiest garden will turn into a nightmare. If you are not sure about structural issues, do not guess in an effort to save money. Call in an expert or two to avoid future costly disasters.

Once you’ve figured out where the major events will go in the overall layout, do make sure they are easily accessible. Accessibility is both a practical and aesthetic issue. Paths and roads can be constructed with interesting designs and materials.

All hardscape building should be sketched in first in your design and built into the garden before softscape (living materials) and décor is considered. Once again, this is an area you might want to call in some professional advice if you are not fully confident. There are places to save money in a landscape. But a paying for poor job of masonry or structural building is decisively NOT the place to save costs.  So don't skimp on the important stuff!

When it comes to the softscape, do cluster your plantings by water needs. If drought-tolerant plants and water demanding material are kept in separate, definable areas, your irrigation will be much easier.

Do plan out the placement of trees as the first aspect of your softscape design. After the hardscape is in, trees will be your next big feature. Please plant your trees as if they were 10-15 years old, not according to the size they are at planting time. Remember that a cute six foot camphor tree will reach 40 feet before too long and double that height eventually! You can imagine what that would mean for your swimming pool if you plant it nearby. (Remember that the above-ground growth you see of any tree is only a fraction of the size of the root system spreading below ground!)

When it comes to garden plants and décor, remember that planting flowers, shrubs, rocks and stones in straight lines will only work in the most formal of geometric designs. If you want a natural-looking design or flower bed, remember nature does things randomly.

Odd numbers are most successful in designing. In general, ornamentation should be kept subtle unless it is part of a focal point. Groups of three, five or the odd single, work well for rocks and boulders. Bulbs and plants group well this way too.

When you put together your design, do marry practical elements, structures, utilities, trees and smaller plants with aesthetics. Use garden planters, roads and paths to soften abrupt walls and flat open areas. Use trees for blocking undesirable areas and creating shady comfort. Always choose a visible spot for a focal point. A special plant, fountain, sculpture or seating area might work well to catch the eye.

One article cannot begin to cover all the landscaping do's and don'ts necessary for a good garden design. But hopefully this will help you on your way. If you want more detail or actual hands-on help, call in the skills of a designer or landscape architect. Otherwise, check book stores and the internet for ideas. And have fun creating your ideal garden!