Growing MediaIs there growing media on site?Can media be brought in?How is the media contained?Do surfaces need protecting?
Types of DisplayPermanent plantingSeasonal plantingStaged container plantsPlanted in a growing mediumIndoorOutdoor
StagingStaging, benches, standsGrowing mediumSupporting structuresWaterproof membranesDisplay aids
Rocks, gravels, mulchesLabels, interpretative materialEdging
MaintenanceWateringPicking overFertilisingRotation or replacement of plantsStakingPruningMulchingPlant health
Principles of DesignUnity/HarmonyRhythm or lineBalance - Symmetry or AsymmetryDominance/Emphasis or Focal AreaScaleProportionContrast
Elements of DesignThe elements of design are components or parts of a design which can be isolated and defined in any design or work of art.
ColourTertiary colours:
Are a fusion of one primary and one secondary colour.
Are between the primary and secondary colours on the colour wheel
ColourTint:
Tint refers to a light value and is accomplished by adding white to the pure colour on the colour wheel
ColourShade:
Shade is a dark value and is created by adding black to the pure colour on the colur wheel.
Colour Schemes Monochromatic:
A monochromatic colour scheme consists of different tints and shades of one colour
Colour SchemesAnalogous:
An analogous colour scheme combines colours which are side-by-side on the colour wheel
Colour SchemesComplementary:
A complementary colour scheme combines colours directly across the colour wheel
Colour and PerspectiveWarm colours like red, orange and yellow advance an object towards the observer.
Cool colours recede, and can appear further away from the observer.
Source: ‘Basic Principles of Landscape Design’Dewayne L. Ingram
Form refers to the shape and structure of a plant or mass of plants
SpaceThe character of space around an object can distract, focus, or alter our impression.
A cluttered background tends to dimish the importance of the object, while a plain background draws attention to it.
ContrastContrast adds interest and can be achieved using various design elements
Examples
ColourFormTexture
RhythmRhythm is achieved when the elements of design create a feeling of motion which leads the viewer’s eye through the design.
Examples:
ColourLineForm
RhythmAs a creator of a plant display you will be able to evoke a feeling of ordered rhythm and purpose when the same theme, feature or pattern is repeated in a design.
LineLine is related to eye movement or flow.
Line is also created vertically by changes in plant height.
Straight lines tend to be forceful and direct the eye to a point faster than curved lines.
Curved or free-flowing lines are graceful and gentle, creating a relaxing more natural feeling.
Source: ‘Basic Principles of Landscape Design’Dewayne L. Ingram
Line is created by the way that plants fit or flow together
BalanceBalance refers to the balance of visual attraction.
Symmetrical balance is achieved when one side of the design is a mirror image of the other side.
Asymetrical balance uses different design elements to balance visual attraction
Source: ‘Basic Principles of Landscape Design’Dewayne L. Ingram
Balance refers to equilibrium or equity of visual attraction
Source: ‘Basic Principles of Landscape Design’Dewayne L. Ingram
The size of plantings compared to human scale must be considered
ProportionProportion refers to the size of parts the design in relation to each other and to the design as a whole.
Source: ‘Basic Principles of Landscape Design’Dewayne L. Ingram
One large tree may compliment an office building but dwarf a single storey house
Focal Area and EmphasisFocal Area or Focalisation involves leading of visual observation towards a feature by placement of this feature at the vanisihingpoint between lines.
Straight lines create stonger focalisation than curved lines.
Source: ‘Basic Principles of Landscape Design’Dewayne L. Ingram
Straight lines create strong focalisation when compared to curved lines
RepetitionRepetition refers to the repeated use of features like plant or objects that share an identical shape, line, form, color, and texture.
If it is used well it will give a sense of unity.
RepetitionUsing too much repetition may create a sense of monotony.
Too much variety in a display will create a cluttered,busy feel which is not relaxing.
SequenceSequence is the repetition of similar but not identical plants, surfaces, colour or objects used in a display.
SimplicitySimplicity compliments repetition and is best achieved by getting rid of unnecessary detail.
SimplicityIf a design contains too much detail or variety then it will evoke a feeling of confusion.
If a designer can reduce a display to a simple yet functional and attractive design then the objective is fulfilled.
UnityUnity is the underlying principle that summarises all of the principles and elements of design.
UnityUnity is obtained by the effective use of components in a design to express a main idea through consistent style.
Everything selected for a design must complement the central scheme and must, above all, serve some functional purpose.