Simply adding a repetitive shape from the left group immediately pulls the design back together. The focal point has changed, as has the shape of the magic triangle, but that's OK since the eye still considers this one unit because of the relationship of the semi-circular shape on the right to those same shapes on the left. Proportion plays part here as well; a much smaller rounded shape on the right would not have the same effect; the eye wouldn't flow down from the point of the triangular shape and across as smoothly.
The same basic design principle works just as well in a border as against a house. In addition to the circular, triangular and rectangular shapes, I've added the elliptical shape from the title graphic. Here, also, within a large triangular shape is a smaller one with a minor focal point as prelude to the major one formed by the large triangle. You don't want to be pedantic about the "magic triangle", but if you keep in mind that every mass needs a focal point as well as a relation to the next element of your design, you can't go wrong. Note that both focal points are off center. Unless you are framing an architectural feature or a vista, asymmetry works better than symmetry in the garden.
Applying Theory
You can play around with shapes by cutting them out of construction paper at various sizes and moving them around until you come up with a grouping that pleases you. Once you've go that, tape it down to another piece of paper so you can remember it.
Get a photograph of your house or border. Take it to a copy shop and have it enlarged to use as a base for your design. Either get several copies made or a roll of tracing paper. Now, take the shapes you were working with and place them on the enlarged photocopy. If they are too big, cut out the same shapes at a smaller size so that you can reproduce the arrangement that pleased you at a scale that is at least semi-realistic in relation to your house or border. If you're still pleased with the idea, you have the basis for your planting plan.
Either tape your group of shapes to your photocopy or roll out the tracing paper and trace the outline of the shapes and the outline of your house or border. If your grouping doesn't look as well in relation to your house or garden as it did by itself, cut more shapes and keep on moving them around and re-combining them until the result pleases you.
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