Research on Landscape

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RESEARCH ON LANDSCAPE

Submitted by:
Heer Patel

ENR No: 4472


Date: 14th November 2024

St. Francis Institute of Art and Design


Borivali west

INTRODUCTION

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Landscape gardening is an aesthetic branch of
Horticulture which deals with planting of ornamental
plants in such a way that it creates a picturesque
effect. It is a very fascinating and interesting subject.
According to Chambers’ dictionary, the definition of
landscape is the appearance of that portion of land
which the eye can view at once and landscape
gardening is the art of laying grounds so as to produce
the effect of a picturesque landscape. Landscape
gardening can be defined as the decoration of a tract of
land with plants and other garden materials so as to
produce a picturesque and naturalistic effect in a
limited space. So, landscape may or may not include
plants. According to Bailey, Landscape gardening is the
application of garden forms, methods and materials to
the improvements of the landscape and the landscape
in this connection is any area large or small on which it
is desirable to develop a view or design. Landscape
gardening can also be defined as the beautification of a
tract of land having a house or other object of interest
on it. It is done with a view to create a natural scene by
the planting of lawn, trees and shrubs. Landscape
gardening is both an art and science of the
establishment of a ground in such a way that it gives
an effect of a natural landscape. It can be also defined
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as the imitation of nature in the garden. It can also be
defined as improving of total living environment for the
people. The expression of landscape may be gay, bold,
retired, quiet, etc. This expression will conform to the
place and the purpose. It should be a picture and not a
collection of interesting objects. Since the landscape
gardening is the making pictures on the ground with
plant and other material, landscape designer should be
proficient in art, ornamental gardening, ecology and
physiology. He should be an architect and engineer to
appreciate the relationship between plant form, colours
and building. Landscape design, a vital aspect of both
environmental science and design fields, is the art and
practice of creating functional, aesthetically pleasing,
and sustainable outdoor spaces. The practice of
landscape design encompasses everything from small
gardens to large urban parks, focusing on enhancing
natural beauty while considering environmental
sustainability, user needs, and ecological harmony.

In landscape design, natural and constructed elements


are integrated to create cohesive, engaging
environments. Key elements typically include
vegetation (trees, shrubs, flowers), terrain
modifications (hills, valleys), water features (ponds,

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fountains), hardscaping (paths, patios, walls), and
lighting. Designers aim to create balanced, visually
pleasing, and functional spaces that invite people to
interact with their surroundings.

Additionally, the field emphasizes ecological


considerations—such as soil quality, climate,
biodiversity, and water conservation—to create
landscapes that thrive sustainably. Increasingly,
landscape designers use eco-friendly practices to
reduce waste, support local wildlife, and mitigate
environmental impact.

Natural Elements of Landscape


Different types of landscape depending upon prevailing
geographical and agroclimatic conditions characterize
Earth. There are mountains, hills, valleys, seas, rivers,
forests, plains, deserts, lakes, swamps, streams, etc.
which comprise major part of natural landscape. At
certain points, there is harmony between natural
elements like ground forms, vegetation and even
animal life. The landscape of such place is beautiful and
conveys the feeling or mood of the landscape character
like exhilaration, sadness, awe. There are many
qualities of natural landscape beauty like the

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picturesque; the ethereal, the serene, the delicate, the
idyllic, the graceful, the majestic, the bold etc.

Importance of Landscaping
• Flower growing enhances the beauty of the
surroundings.

• Flowers symbolize purity, beauty, love and passion.

• No social function is complete without flowers.


Flowers are used in various occasions of day-to-day life.

• Flowers play an important role in national economy


by earning foreign exchange from export of floricultural
products.

• Higher returns are obtained per unit area since


flowers are comparatively short duration crops.

• Flowers can change the socio-economic condition of


the society.

• Landscaping mitigates environmental pollution.


Pollutant tolerant trees – Ficus benghalensis, Polyalthia
longifolia

• Horticulture therapy is a plant related activity in order


to improve physically, physiologically, psychologically
and socially a person who has got some mental

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disorders and physical disability so that his body and
mind gets improved.

Landscaping Principles
General principles of landscaping are as follows:

1. The ideal landscape garden is like ideal landscape


painting which expresses some single thought or
feelings. Its expression may be gay, bold, retired, quiet,
etc.

2. Beauty and utility should be harmoniously combined.

3. Area should be divided into different parts and plan


should be conceived for each area. Overall plan should
be such that the observer catches the entire effect and
purpose of the plan without stopping to analyse its
parts.

4. Simplicity of design should be aimed at in the


execution of the plan.

5. An ideal landscape should have open space.

6. Let the garden and building merge into each other.


There should not be stopping abruptly particularly in
front of building. The view of garden from the windows
and doors should be very attractive. Planting around
the building, climbers against wall and on the porch,
decoration of veranda and rooms with attractive

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foliage, flowering plants, hanging baskets serve to
unique the building with garden. Every part of the
compound should be planned in such a way that it
gives surprising effect to visitor.

7. Overcrowding of plants and objects should be


avoided. Factors affecting the landscape design. There
are several factors which affect the making of suitable
design for particular site.

These factors are:

• Human choice: Man’s ultimate desire is to make his


living pleasurable and surroundings comfortable. His
dominance in making designs and selection of plant
material is very well evident. Therefore, different styles
of gardening have come into existence.

• Site: This is an important factor and according to site,


suitable design is made. In formal style gardening, the
site is selected according to plan. Topography of the
site also affects the design.

• Views: Distant views of mountains, hills, woods,


valley, etc. are preferred from the place of garden.

• Heritage: One inherits the knowledge of botany and


aesthetic sense and uses accordingly. Our rich heritage

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teaches us to use flowers and fragrant trees to improve
the surroundings.

• Climate: The climate of particular place affects the


selection of plant material accordingly. Ideally suited
plant material according to climate should be selected.

• Soil: According to characteristics of soil types,


suitable plants should be selected.

 The characteristics of each plant will relate to the plant or


hardscape.
Form
Form is the three-dimensional shape of a plant or a
plant mass. Overall form is more or less relevant
depending on the viewing perspective; for example,
the form of a tree can appear quite different when
the viewer is standing under the canopy than it does
when the viewer is standing in an open field. Plant
forms can be divided into three groups—trees,
shrubs, and groundcover. Trees are distinguished by
their large size, their trunks, and their canopy.
Shrubs are typically medium sized and are
characterized by a mass of foliage covering the
branches. Groundcover is the smallest in size and
varies greatly in form, but the distinguishing

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characteristic is the way the plants are used—to
cover the ground—hence the term "groundcover."
Tree Forms
Tree forms are often dominant in the garden because
of their size. Trees are also the most functional plants
in the landscape, providing shade and blocking
views, so when choosing a tree form, consider
function first. Creating a shady area in the garden
requires a round or oval tree, while a screen usually
requires a more columnar or pyramidal form, and a
weeping tree form makes a good focal point. It is also
important to ensure the tree will not outgrow the
space and require severe pruning. Choose the tree
for its mature size and shape in relation to the space.
Common tree forms include vase, columnar, round,
weeping, and pyramidal.

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Shrub Forms
Shrubs have a variety of forms, so it is important to
consider how shrubs will look when massed together.
Mounding and spreading shrubs look best in a mass,
while cascading and spiky forms work well for
individual specimen plants. Shrub forms include
arching, irregular, cascading, upright, spiky, rounded,
mounding, and vase shaped The form of the shrub
determines its most suitable function. Upright, vase,
mounded, and round forms work best as taller
screens and buffers; irregular and spreading forms
work well as groundcovers; and arching, cascading,
pyramidal, and spiky forms work best as focal points.

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Groundcover Forms
Groundcover or bedding plants tend to have the most
complex forms, but they typically look better in
masses because they are often small and have little
impact as individual plants. Masses of groundcover
plants usually lose individual form and look like one
plant, so it's important to consider how plants will
look as a mass. Groundcover forms include clumping,
matting, sprawling, short spikes, and spreading
Matting, spreading, or sprawling plants are used to
form a solid, low cover over large areas. Plants that
grow in clumps or short spikes can be used in smaller
masses and work well in planters or enclosed areas.

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Properties of Form
 Forms that have high visual weight include
columnar and weeping. Round and vase shapes
have medium weight. Horizontal forms, such as
spreading and sprawling, have low visual weight.
 Tall, vertical forms draw the eye upward and add
height to a space; low, horizontal forms pull the
eye along the horizon and add width to a space.
 Plant forms can also create and define the open
spaces between the plants. For example, high
arching tree branches typically create an open
space under the branches for a roomlike feel. A
round canopy with low branches fills the space
under the tree and closes the space.

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 Vertical forms tend to be dominant; therefore,
several vertical forms clustered together must be
balanced by a greater quantity of horizontal forms,
which act as the link to tie the vertical forms
together.
Strategies for Using Form
Following are several strategies for using form
effectively in the landscape:
1. Choose the form that best fits the space where the
plant will be located. Form is also closely related to
size. A tall, narrow plant should be used in a narrow
space, and a wide, spreading plant can be used to
cover a large space.
2. Choose form based on the function of the plant. A
tree needed for shade should have a vase shape
with a wide, spreading canopy and a shrub needed
as a screen should have a dense, upright form.

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3. Consider the form of adjacent plants. For variety,
choose plants that contrast with strikingly different
forms; for example, place a spiky form next to a soft,
mounding form. Figure 5 shows a container with a
combination of shrub and groundcover forms,
including arching, spiky, cascading, sprawling, and
clumping plants.

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4. Repeat a few forms in the landscape to create a
unified design. Too many forms create a disorganized
look that lacks cohesion.
5. Keep in mind that too many complex forms tend to
look chaotic, and too many simple forms can be
boring.
6. Choose one or two strikingly different forms for
contrast as a focal point; the rest of the forms should
be neutral to blend well.
7. Remember that vertical forms can block views,
and low, horizontal forms can open views.
8. Emphasize form in a simple color scheme.
9. Establish the bulk of the composition using natural
plant forms, rather than over trimmed forms.
A simple form study can be used to determine how
different combinations of forms create balance and
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fill spaces. Plants are drawn in a simple outline to
focus on shape and arrangement. Form studies are
also useful when locating forms for functions, such as
blocking views or creating shade. For example, to
determine if the form is adequate to block the view
from a window, draw the plant, to scale, in front of a
scale drawing of the wall and windows.

Texture
Texture refers to how coarse or fine the overall
surface and individual leaves of the plant feel or look
(perceived visual texture). Like form, a variety of
textures provides interest and contrast in the
landscape. Texture can be found in the foliage,
flowers, blades, and bark of the plant, as well as in
the plant's overall branching pattern. The size and

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shape of the leaves most often determines the
perceived texture of the plant. A plant can generally
be described as having a coarse, medium, or fine
texture Coarse texture is more dominant than fine
and tends to stand out individually, while fine texture
is more subordinate and tends to unify compositions.

7. Coarse, medium, and fine textures in foliage, branching,


and blades.

Coarse Texture
Plant characteristics that create coarse texture
include thick twigs and branches; leaves and twigs
with spines or thorns; large leaves; leaves with very
irregular edges and/or bold, deep veins; variegated

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colors; and bold or irregular forms With their high
contrast, coarse-textured plants attract the eye and
tend to hold it because the light and dark contrasts of
the shadows provide more interest. Each leaf of a
coarse-textured plant breaks up the outline, giving
the plant a looser form. Examples of plants with
coarse texture include philodendron, agave,
bromeliad, holly, palm, and hydrangea.

Coarse texture shows in the irregular edges, spiny foliage,


and bold branching pattern.

Medium Texture
Medium-textured plants have foliage and branches
that are neither overly large nor small and delicate;
most plants fall in this category. They are
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characterized by medium-sized leaves with simple
shapes and smooth edges The average-sized
branches are not densely spaced nor widely spaced,
and the overall form is typically rounded or
mounding. Medium-textured plants act as a
background to link and unify the coarse- and fine-
textured plants. Plants with medium texture include
agapanthus, camellia, euonymus, pittosporum, and
viburnum.

Simple leaf shape, smooth edges, and average-sized stems


create a medium texture.

Fine Texture
Characteristics that create fine texture include small,
delicate foliage; thin, strappy leaves (grasses); tall,

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thin stems; small, fragile twigs with many branches;
narrow trunks; long stems (vines); and small, delicate
flowers. They are often described as wispy and light
or with a sprawling, vining form. Fine-textured plants
can sometimes have a stronger form because the
small individual leaves are densely packed (e.g.,
boxwoods) to create a solid form. Plants with a fine
texture include grasses, ferns Japanese maples,
vines, and junipers with fine needles.

Small, delicate foliage and thin stems give ferns a fine


texture.

Properties of Texture

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Coarse textures have high visual weight, and fine
textures have low visual weight. the contrast
between a visually dominant landscape with all
coarse texture and a less visually strong landscape
with all fine texture.

A visually dominant landscape with coarse textures.

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A fine-textured landscape with less visual strength.

 High color contrast can highlight texture contrast


and make plants appear to have coarser texture.
 The texture of a plant can depends on its
surroundings. A medium-textured plant can look
coarse when surrounded by fine-textured plants or
fine when surrounded by coarse-textured plants.
 Texture changes with the seasons when plants lose
their foliage or produce large fruit or flowers.
 Texture can vary with the size of the plant, the
form, and the density of the foliage.
 The perceived texture of plants can also change
with the distance from the plant. Plants that are
coarse close up can look fine textured from a
distance.
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 Bold colors increase the contrast and make any
texture appear coarser, while muted colors can
flatten texture.
 Hardscape with a coarse texture—such as very
rough rocks and bold, large timbers—tends to
make all plant material appear more medium in
texture by contrast.
 Plant texture is less important and tends to blend if
the texture of other garden elements is more
prominent.
 Texture affects the perception of distance and
scale. To make a space feel larger, locate plants so
that the fine textures are along the outer
perimeter, the medium textures are in the middle,
and the coarse textures are closest to the viewer
(Figure 13). The small size of the fine texture recedes in
the landscape and is perceived as being farther away.
 To make a space feel smaller, place the coarse textures
along the outer perimeter and the fine textures closest to
the viewer (Figure 14). The detail of the coarse texture
makes the plants appear to be closer, and the space feels
smaller.

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A space feels larger with fine textures on the perimeter.
Credit: Gail Hansen

A space feels smaller with coarse textures on the perimeter.

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Designers often develop a texture study on paper to
help decide the arrangement of plant materials. The
drawing mimics texture by using different line
weights and spacing to represent fine, medium, and
coarse textures.

Strategies for Using Texture


Following are several strategies for using texture
effectively in the landscape:
1. Mix textures for a balance of all three—coarse,
medium, and fine.
2. Use all of the same texture (monotexture) if you
want to emphasize the form or color of the plants.
3. Choose one texture as the dominant texture; add
just a few plants of the other texture for specimen

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plants and contrast. Use the dominant texture
throughout the composition.
4. Use texture and color together to emphasize
plants.
Size
Size refers to the overall height and width of the
plant and its relative size or scale when compared to
other plants, structures, and spaces in the yard.
Plants are most often sized by height. Large plants
are trees and shrubs that grow 4–6 ft. or higher at
mature size. Medium plants, typically shrubs, range
from 2–4 ft. in height. Small plants, typically
groundcover and bedding plants, are 2 ft. tall or
shorter. Plant size is closely related to form.
Columnar, pyramidal, and upright plants are narrow
and occupy less horizontal space, while sprawling,
arching, and mounding plants tend to use less
vertical space. Locations that require consideration of
size include overhead utility lines, underground water
and electrical (no large trees), building height,
windows and doors, and architectural features, such
as arbors and archways. Spaces that require size
consideration include planters, plant beds, and
containers, particularly next to the walkway and
house.
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Use plants that stay small and compact next to a walkway.

Properties of Size
 Size can affect spatial feeling. Large plants can
make a space feel larger.
 Large plants tend to be dominant features.
 Plant size determines function. Trees are used for
overhead shade, shrubs for screens, and
groundcover for large ground areas.
 Size is the most effective characteristic of plants
that are used to create spatial organization in the
garden.

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Strategies for Using Size
Following are several strategies for using size
effectively in the landscape:
1. Choose the size that best fits the location (Figure
17).
2. Choose the size that best fits the space.
3. Use a tall, narrow plant in a narrow space and a
wide, spreading plant in a large space. Size is
closely related to form.
4. Choose size based on the function of the plant. A
tree that is needed for shade should have a wide,
spreading canopy, and a shrub that is needed for
privacy should be tall and wide.
5. Keep the plants proportional to the house, the lot,
and the other plants.
6. Interconnect and overlap plant heights, but avoid
obvious layers of low, medium, and high plants.
7. Vary the sizes of plants, particularly the height, for
more complexity and interest.
8. Give plants room to grow. Remember the mature
size of the plant and space plants for that size.
9. Leave a gap (about 2 ft.) between the house and
plant material for air circulation and maintenance.
Locate foundation plants to maintain the gap at the
mature size.
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10. Keep in mind that even though larger plants
are typically more expensive, they cover more
area and fill in a space more quickly than smaller
plants.
11. Keep in mind that even though smaller plants
tend to be less expensive, filling a space with them
requires more plants and more time than larger
plants.
12. Remember that very large plants can make a
medium-sized plant look small by comparison, and
small plants will be hardly noticeable.

Choose the right size for planters and walkways.

Color

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Color is the characteristic that most people notice
first in a landscape, and it is also the characteristic
by which most people select plants. However,
designs based on color often fail because color is
fleeting. Choosing a color theme requires an
understanding of the properties of color and the
basics of color theory. To learn more about choosing
a color theme for the landscape, see Color in the
Landscape: Finding Inspiration for a Color A color
theme is the overall color pattern of the entire
landscape. For example, an analogous theme is
made up of colors adjacent to each other on the color
wheel and might include the colors from yellow to
red. This means there are many considerations when
choosing individual plants to stay true to the red to
yellow palette. This is true for all the various color
themes used in the landscape.
Properties of Color
 The changing conditions of outdoor light change
the appearance of color. Colors appear more
saturated in summer sun and more subdued in
winter light. Colors are also brighter in morning sun
and deeper in evening light.

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 Colors affect emotions. Some are considered warm
(red, orange, and yellow) and high energy, or cool
(blue, green, and violet) and calming and soothing.
 Adding black or white to a color changes the value,
which is the lightness or darkness of the color.
 Bright, pure pigments have a high intensity or
saturation. Mixed pigments have a lower saturation
or intensity. Colors with weak intensity have low
visual impact, and colors with high intensity have
high visual impact.
 Surrounding colors affect intensity. Grouping many
high-intensity colors reduces the intensity of each
color because the colors compete.
Strategies for Using Color
Following are several strategies for using color
effectively in the landscape:
1. Consider the amount of color in each plant. Some
plants have large, showy flowers or big, dramatic
leaves with color. Other plants have tiny flowers
but might make up for size by having masses of
blooms.
2. Consider the length of bloom for the flowers.
Annuals may bloom all season, while perennials
could vary from several months to one or two short
weeks.
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3. Consider the seasonal timing of the color. Plan for
a sequence of flowering color throughout the year
for year-round color.
4. Use a color theme to guide color selection. A
simple theme uses only two or three colors.
5. Use large drifts of color rather than random spots
of color.
6. Use fruit, foliage, and branches as a source of color
Flowers may give more color in the spring and
summer, but fruit and foliage often provide fall
color.
7. Look for foliage with variegated stripes and
mottling to add color.
8. Keep in mind that bright color makes small plants
look bigger and coarser in texture.
9. Use the least amount of the brightest color and
balance with a larger amount of more subdued
colors. For example, bright yellow is a very intense
color, so use a small amount with a larger amount
of darker purple for balance.
10. Use a neutral color to link other colors. Neutral
colors are more subdued and typically created by
adding white, gray, or black. Light pink is an
example of a neutral color that links saturated red
and red-orange.
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Many tropical plants have color in the foliage and flower.

Choosing Plant Combinations


Before choosing plants, consider your design theme
and the types of plants that are characteristic of the
theme. The theme will help identify the feel that you
want in the space. For example, a tropical theme
might have more extroverts—bold, coarse, and
energetic plants—while a contemplation garden
might have many more introverts—quiet, calm
plants. A composition of plant material works the
same way a painting composition works. Features are
arranged to create a dominant area that is the focal
point, and the rest of the composition serves as the
background.

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When choosing plants for the composition, consider
form and size first, then texture, and finally color.
Consider the space where the plant will be located
and note the following: size of the space, color of the
walls and hardscape, texture of the hardscape, and
surrounding views. Always remember to consider the
size of the plants at maturity and provide ample
space for growth.

Different types of landscape

The characters of the landscapes based on the


images of the people inhabiting the land and the
sensible elements that distinguish one landscape
from the other can help in defining different types of
landscapes.

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Basically, landscapes can be classified in the forms
of landscape gardens, wilderness, and farmlands.
However, you can find a wide range of landscapes on
this earth including mountainous landscapes, Polar
regions-icy landscapes, island landscapes, coastal
landscapes, and vast dry landscapes in deserts, etc.
Some other types of landscapes may include densely
wooded or forested landscapes like tropical
rainforests, forests in northern regions, as well as
agricultural landscapes in the tropical and temperate
regions.
The process of organizing the features visible a piece
of land is known as landscaping. You can find a wide
variety of landscapes in this earth including plains,
deserts, tundra, taiga, mountains, wetlands, cliffs,
ranges of mountains, littoral zones, coastal regions,
Polar Regions, glaciers, forests, shrubland, woodland,
rainforests, moors, and jungles.
The three popular types of landscape are briefly
discussed in this write-up for your consideration.
Cultural landscape

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In traditional European landscape paintings, you can
see the concept of cultural landscapes. Such
landscapes were painted by several European artists
from the 16th century. In these paintings, instead of
showing people only, they have focused more on the
people involved in cultural activities of that region.
The concept of cultural landscape was formally used
for the first time by Otto Schlüter, a geographer, in
the early years of the 20th century. According to him,
this type of landscape can help in defining the
geography of a region which cannot be done by any
other media.
He defined landscapes in two forms – an original
landscape that does not include the changes made

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by humans and cultural landscapes that include
human cultural changes.
Landscape gardens

The style of landscape gardens has been evolved in


the gardens of China for more than three thousand
years.
These gardens included the gardens of the emperors
and the members of imperial families of China to
impress as well as the gardens created by poets,
scholars, soldiers, merchants and ex-government
officials to show and run away from the world outside
China.
In these gardens, they made small landscapes to
show the accord that should be between nature and
human beings. In the early 18th century, landscape
gardens emerged in England and spread all over

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Europe after replacing the traditional large European
parks and gardens of the 17th century.
The English landscape garden was known as English
landscape parks or English gardens in simple words.
The style of these gardens was like that of the
parkland garden designed to look into nature
because they were natural landscapes with extensive
changes made by man. One can see the ideal view of
nature in these English gardens.
Architectural Landscape

Architectural landscapes include various aspects


like horticulture, botany, architecture, fine arts,
geography, industrial designs, environmental
psychology, ecology, and earth sciences.
A landscaping architect can create a wide range of
landscapes while planning public parks, parks of
corporate offices and campuses as well as designing
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residential properties as well as while managing
degraded areas like landfills, mines, and wilderness.
They can work on all types of external areas and
structures including urban, rural, big, small as well as
soft and hard to create landscapes by maintaining
their ecological values.

Types of landscaping styles to consider


English garden style

This is a landscape that features florals, shrubbery,


trees, and a body of water. Whether manmade or
natural, the body of water could be a small lake, a
pond, or a reflecting pool for smaller options.

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Other common features include a bridge, a birdbath,
and a bench which alongside sculptures and
cobblestone paths are classic accompaniments.

Tropical garden style

You do not have to jet out to exotic locations to bask


in tropical vibes. You can recreate them with your
own tropical backyard landscaping project. This style
primarily features lush greenery and bold colors.

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If you live in suitable climates, you can get palm
trees, hibiscus flowers, orchids, and jasmine which
are all representative of tropical getaways.
You can also add a hammock, a swimming pool or a
hot tub. This design style can be further levelled up
with tiki statues, torches, outdoor furniture, bamboo
accents and a fire pit.

Woodland landscaping style

If you like the idea of a cozy cabin in the woods, you


can consider a woodland-inspired landscaping style.
This is an excellent low-maintenance option that
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features forest trees, florals, and shrubs. These can
be left to grow in their own way with little manual
interference.
Oak, maple, walnut and hickory among other
hardwood trees are traditional choices for a
woodland landscape that take a long while to grow.
They can also be dormant in the winter, and you may
want to consider what your landscape will look like in
all seasons.
Softwoods such as cedar, juniper, redwood, spruce
and Douglas fir grow quicker and retain their
coverage during winter.
Other structural additions to a woodland landscape
style include stone pathways, wooden benches, and
decorative birdhouses.

Japanese garden style

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Japanese gardens draw on Buddhist, Shinto, and
Taoist principles to develop a spiritual haven. There
are four essential elements to this style which include
rocks, water, ornaments, and plants.
Japanese garden-style landscapes feature design
principles such as asymmetry, borrowed scenery,
enclosure, balance, and symbolism.
Common water features in this landscape include koi
ponds, stone basins and waterfalls. Decorative
ornaments also help to bring this landscape to life.

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Spanish landscape style

Spanish-style landscaping is popular in hot and dry


climates and is influenced by Persian and Islamic
gardens with its own unique flair.
Ceramic elements are common and can be found in
fountains, benches, walls, walkways, pools, and
decorative touches. When it comes to fountains,
Spanish-style landscaping features multiple small
pieces rather than one large centrepiece. Other
decorative elements include terracotta pots, glazed
accents and urns.
Prairie style
A prairie landscape can be created with tall grass and
herbaceous flowering plants. These are adaptable to
many environments, with examples like switchgrass
being drought-resistant and colourful. This is a less
expensive option than shrubbery and other kinds of
greenery like trees.

44
Desert style

A desert landscaping option can be a low-


maintenance option. Succulents are a hallmark
feature, with examples like cacti, aloe, and yucca
being traditional options. Some colourful desert-
tolerant plants like begonia and yellow columbine
can offer a fresh look and feel.
You can also opt for light-coloured, heat-resistant
furniture and a fire pit which both evoke the feeling
of a desert. You may also need shade like umbrellas
and gazebos which are a must if you want to make
the best of a desert landscape.

45
Landscape design comprises of many projects such
as parks, greenhouses, gardens, sports sites, and
large estates that include housing developments,
business parks, universities and so on. It is also used
to improve contaminated sites to help moderate the
loss of an environment that may result from new
development.
Landscaping can help soften spaces between
buildings, can provide a route for people, can provide
space for gardening and also help improve
environmental quality. A well maintained and
beautifully designed landscape design can attract
people to the site which helps to create a positive
impact on the property.
Landscape designs are of two types - Softscape or
soft landscape and Hardscape or hard landscape.
Softscape
The soft landscape includes all types of services
and installations of all varieties of plants, flowers,
trees, shrubs, and other organic materials. Softscape
services include landscape architecture, design, tree
46
installations, ornamental bed, landscape renovation,
and planning for estates and large residencies.

This landscape designs naturally changes and


emerges over time, driven by the climate, time of the
year and other conditions.
Careful attention should be given to
the maintenance that these elements will require to
stay in good order.
Hardscape
Hard landscape elements are hard and
unchanging, although they may be mobile and
adaptable to the environment.
Hardscape services include stonework such
as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, retaining walls, fire
pits, walkways, gazebos, fences and so on. Water
features such as fountains, ponds, dry river beds,
waterfalls are also considered as hardscapes, which
slightly affects the soft environment.

47
Some of the popular landscaping elements are
discussed briefly below:
Green Roofs
Green roofs are roofs that are purposely fitted or
cultivated with vegetation and also known by the
names living roofs and eco-roofs.

Green roofs also consist of green walls which are


very popular among landscape designs that provide
enormous visual pleasure.
Fountains
A fountain is an architectural feature that can either
pour water into the basin to create a 'waterfall
effect' or spray water into the air to create a 'jet

48
effect'. These are often used as decorative features
in gardens and public areas.

There are various types in fountains like drinking


fountains which provide drinking water in public
areas, special musical fountains which is a
combination of lights, music and moving water jets
for entertaining purposes. Splash fountains are
commonly used in public areas to create interaction
among people.
Blue Roofs
A blue roof is designed to retain or to collect the
rainwater above the roof. These roof types are
opposite to convention roof types which allow the
rainwater to drain from the roofs.
Rain Gardens
It is a small garden which is designed to withstand
the moisture extremities and the concentrations of
nutrients that are found in rainwater runoffs. This
type of rain gardens are sited close to the runoff
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source and serve to slow the rainwater as it travels
downhill.

The design and selection of plants and soil should


take advantage of rainfall and storm water
runoffs. Plants with deep fibrous roots have a great
advantage and also provide the most cleaning and
filtration benefits to the environment.

50

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