Lesson 5: Design Spin-Offs & Tricks, Estimating
Now that you have a plan in place, it is time to look at some of the design tricks you can incorporate into your landscape. To help you out we also have information on estimating and some money saving tips.
Design Tricks
There are many techniques available that help to overcome challenges you may find in your landscaping and things that make your landscape more attractive and unique. As you are looking at incorporating these techniques remember to refer to your bubble diagram and landscape plan so you do not forget the original ideas you had for your landscape.
Think of using landscaping elements or features to create a sense of space. A garden gate or arching arbor suggest that this is an entry. By placing a gate or arching arbor at the back of a small yard it gives the illusion that this element is leading somewhere, thus making the space seem larger.
Another way to create depth and make a yard appear bigger is to use flower borders or walkways that are wider in the foreground and become narrower as they get further from the house. You can also add depth by having vertical accents such as columnar type trees aligning walkways.
Create perspective by using a larger element in the foreground. This does not have to be a 50 foot tree, but just an element that is larger than the typical features in the yard. A tree with arching braches, such as a pagoda dogwood or a weeping type tree, works well for this function.
Create privacy with the use of screens and dividers. These may be high or low and to soften the effect cover them with vines or hanging baskets.
Use a “dramatic” feature to create a focal point and lead your visitor’s eye. This can be a unique sculpture, specimen plant, or a feature highlighted with uplight lighting.
A carefully placed garden accent helps create the illusion a space is larger as the eye is drawn to and lingers on the accent piece.
Conceal or camouflage part of the garden. Creating a variety of open and hidden spaces makes a garden seem much larger than it is.
If the yard seems boring and monotonous, create interest by using contrast. Create contrast through the use of color or textures of plants. Other ways to increase contrast include placing darker materials (even plants) against lighter colored features.
Even if your yard dictates using straight sidewalks and pathways, soften the edges by using “feathery” plants such as dwarf goatsbeard, astilbes, or a finely textured plant like coral bells.
Your plants and landscape can become a magnet for wildlife. Attract birds to your yard by providing tight, compact evergreen trees for nesting. Plant shrubs such as Shadblow Serviceberry and Pagoda Dogwood for their berries, and use other bushy plantings for cover.
Seasonal dynamics. Make your landscape and yard radiate with color, texture, aroma and sound throughout the year. Plant Quaking Aspens so you hear the slight rustling sounds that are similar to the resonance of a quiet rain. Use fragrant smelling flowers, such as Bama Bound Daylilies and Lavender. Get brilliant fall colors by planting shrubs such as Burning Bushes and Serviceberries. And for winter color don’t forget to include Red Twigged Dogwoods into your landscape.
For a different type of focal point, use a fountain, sundial or armillary. These features come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be the highlight of your landscape. A well placed armillary can change a monotonous entrance into an inviting and welcoming entryway.
Take a look at the photos in the following file:
photos 2 for more examples of design tricks.
