I've been thinking a lot about what separates a yard that's just a "collection of plants" from a truly cohesive landscape design that feels intentional and harmonious. We've all seen those spaces that just work, but it can be hard to put a finger on exactly why.
I was digging into some core design principles, and a couple really stood out as the "secret sauce":
- Unity through Repetition: This one seems simple but is so effective. The idea that repeating certain elements like using the same type of stone for a pathway and a retaining wall, or planting drifts of the same perennial in different areas is what ties the entire space together and makes it feel whole.
- Asymmetrical Balance: This is more interesting to me than perfect symmetry. It’s the art of creating balance without mirroring. For example, balancing the heavy "visual weight" of a large specimen tree on one side of a yard with a well-placed grouping of smaller shrubs and a boulder on the other. It feels more natural and dynamic.
These concepts are fascinating because they're often what you feel more than what you explicitly see.
So, I'm curious to hear from you all: What's a subtle but effective way you've used a core design principle like repetition, balance, or creating a focal point in one of your projects?
I'd love to see examples of how you put these "rules" into practice to create a space that just feels right.
by Pepeht10
13 Comments
I want to know more about the image in the post
I like odd numbers of plants or groupings unless a very symmetrical, formal garden.
Rule #1: just don’t plant things that smell like fish piss and cum
You can blend shaded areas with sunny areas by using similar textures, colors, or shaped plants. Always consider the amount of light a space gets instead of forcing a plant to struggle in a spot because it gets too little or too much sun.
Height – bigger plants in back. I fail on this one, especially when they grow at different rates. Or something needs replaced. Or you add fillers later.
The most important rule is the one most people break the most, having more than 50% of the landscape being grass.
That and plants that smell like cum.
More of a tip for homeowners than anyone experienced with design, but mature size and appropriate spacing – yes, that tiny Vitex at the nursery looks SO cute as a 2-foot tall bush with purple flowers, but don’t stick it right next to your house!
If you give individual plants more space, they’ll have more resources to reach their full potential without excessive competition. Of course there are certain styles that emphasize density, but it’s something to keep in mind.
I’m not a designer in any way, shape or form. But I do advise designers quite frequently, as a horticultural consultant. My core principles are:
* **Right Plant for the Right Location.** Match plants for environmental characteristics. Sun loving plants in sunny areas, shade lovers in the shade. Check the soil pH before planting acid-loving plants. Check soil drainage. A new library in my town planted 20 pin oaks around the property, which all died in 5 years because the soil pH was 7.8.
* **Right Plant for the Right Location, Part 2.** Know how much room you have for this plant, and learn about what the mature size of the plant will be. I’ve had designers plant full-size redbuds in the 2 foot wide bed between the house and sidewalk…within 2 years, it had to be removed because it blocked the walkway and was scraping up the siding of the house. Likewise, designers installing 12 shrubs in an area where only 5 of those same shrubs will fit when they mature in 3 years.
* **Don’t plant invasive species**. I don’t get too bent out of shape about native plants, and whether it being a cultivar ruins it being a native. But I draw the line at invasive species, like Bradford pears, English ivy, and burning bush. There are too many non-problematic plants to choose from for us to keep planting species that degrade the environment.
layering is so important and people love to skip ground cover
Layers
Spacing, color, asymmetrical or symmetrical, and proper irrigation
Maintenance: pinestraw is easier and cheaper versus mulch (is nicer) but requires pulling weeds or spraying
I always have a focal point whether its the house or an anchor plant. But i keep in mind if clownt wants a balance of low maintenance and high maintenance or low maintenance. Native plants will always be the way to go for your specific region because they will survive.
Bouncing off your idea of asymmetrical balance- this can be done with color as well. Bright white plants create more open space and is lighter in weight. While darker plants and flowers are more heavy .
Include maintenance in the design. Are they willing to do anything?
Yes? How much?
No? Consider a zero maintenance design.