Generally, a Landscape Designer is an independent, self-employed professional who bridges the gap between Landscape Architecture and Garden Design. They are able to create both natural and artificial landscapes and combine nature with culture.
Using a combination of hard and soft elements can create an outdoor space that is functional and beautiful. Whether you’re landscaping a new yard or adding to your existing one, understanding the difference between hardscape and softscape will help you create an outdoor environment that is welcoming and attractive.
The hard side of landscape design involves the use of rocks, trees, and other hard elements. These elements help with erosion and water runoff. They also provide a physical structure for growth. They can be permanent or moveable.
In contrast, the soft side of landscape design is the use of plants and other living components. These add life to the garden and are also a major source of color. These living elements need constant care and maintenance to thrive.
When choosing between hard and soft elements, it is important to know which components are permanent and which are seasonal. This can determine how you’ll decorate your landscape.
The main soft scape elements are ground covers, shrubbery, and trees. Each of these has a specific purpose. For example, shrubs are used to block the view of people walking by but also to provide privacy. They can also be used as natural retaining walls. Other types of plants can add color, fragrance, and spices. Some are even able to produce fruits or vegetables.
The most important thing to consider when choosing between hard and soft elements is the overall look and feel of the landscape. A yard that’s overrun with soft elements can look like a jungle, while one that’s overrun with hard elements can look cold and commercial.
In addition, some plants are able to change their look throughout the seasons. Some flowers, for instance, will bloom and drop throughout the year. The best landscape designs blend the components in a way that’s pleasing to the eye and makes sense to the owner.
The best way to figure out which plants are right for you is to experiment with different options. You can try planting a seedling in your yard to see how it grows. You might also want to install a planter box to combine the two elements.
Using repetition in landscape design is a powerful technique to create unity in a design. Repetition can be achieved through the use of different art elements, such as color and lines, which create a visual impact. It also lends a sense of flow and cohesiveness to the entire design.
One of the most basic yet powerful concepts of landscape design is rhythm. It can be used to emphasize a particular area of the garden, insert movement, or create a mood. It has been used in the visual arts for centuries. The simplest form of rhythm is the repetition of a single line, such as a garden arbor or a series of terraces.
Another technique is to use the asymmetrical balance. This can be accomplished through the use of different colors and textures or by placing different elements on opposite sides of the garden. The use of contrast will draw attention to certain elements, such as the difference in height between a tree and a pond.
Repetition is a good design concept to have because it eliminates monotony and confusion. In addition to the use of similar colors and textures, repetition can be used to create focalization.
The use of color in landscape design is particularly powerful. By using different hues of the same color, it can show the interconnectedness of different parts of the garden. Repetition can also be used to create a ribbon of color. The use of alternating patterns, such as dark and light, can also create a three-dimensional effect.
Another important principle of landscape design is the motif. This is a simple set of lines that captures a design concept. A motif is often defined by three lines. Objects that are repeated in the landscape are often plants, trees, hardscape materials, or buildings.
The best way to implement the concept of repetition in your landscape is to mix and match. It’s also important to be intentional with the use of lines. Using too many lines will result in monotony and confusion, while too few will be overlooked. Repetition is also a great way to make the most of your landscape.
