Designing a landscape for your home may seem simple. But well-designed residential landscapes don’t happen without careful planning. A solid understanding of the basic principles of landscape design will help you create a beautiful and functional landscape for your yard.

Working with a professional landscape architect is one way to turn your dream landscape into reality. A landscape architect is an expert in landscape art, and has studied the principles of landscape design in detail. He can help create a well-designed residential landscape for your property. However, even an amateur can create a beautiful landscape with an understanding of some key design principles and concepts.

Elements of Good Landscape Design

As you begin generating ideas for your new landscape, consider factors such as color, texture, scale and balance. To create a pleasing landscape, these elements work together to create a unified whole. Some elements of good landscape design include:

• Balance: Balance refers to equality in a landscape. In a landscape, balance can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. To achieve symmetrical, or formal, balance, the two sides of design are a mirror image of each other. Asymmetrical, or informal, balance is usually more complex and abstract, and may include similar textures and colors while using a variety of shapes or hardscape elements.
• Color: Color is one of the most prominent elements in a landscape. Landscape color schemes are often monochromatic (single color), analogous (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel) or complementary (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel).
• Line: The line of a landscape directs the way the landscape is viewed. Lines may be either curvy or straight, and often consist of paths, planting beds and entryways. Straight lines are more forceful, while curved lines generally appear more natural, organic or graceful.
• Scale: Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to each other. It’s important to consider scale when choosing plants and other landscape elements. In a large space, a too-small central element may get lost, while very large elements (such as big tress) may be too large for a small garden.
• Texture: Texture describes the surface characteristics of the elements of a landscape. Landscape features that can add texture include walkways, plants, ground cover and buildings.
• Unity: Unity creates a landscape which functions as a whole. A combination of consistency (by using a single theme throughout the landscape) and repetition (by using the same plants or other elements throughout the landscape) helps to create a senses of unity in a landscape.

Other elements of landscape design include rhythm, mass, variety and form. Good use of all of these elements together helps to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape design.