Rules and Regulations State, local, and/or community regulations may control landscape design. Storm water drainage Tree ordinances Street trees Street yard Buffer yards Street wall Parking screen and islands Trash screen
Unintended Results of Landscaping Air Pollution: Gasoline-powered landscape equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws) account for more than 5% of our urban air pollution. Chemical Toxins: Residential application of pesticides is typically at a rate 20 times that of farmers per acre.
Unintended Results of Landscaping Solid Wastes: Yard wastes (mostly grass clippings) comprise 20% of municipal solid waste collected. Most still end up in landfills. Flooding and Water Pollution: A lawn has less than 10% of the water absorption capacity of natural woodland – a reason for suburban flooding.
Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Protect natural areas Reduce turf Mulch planted areas Use native plant species Reduce energy consumption – Low maintenance landscaping Environmentally friendly materials Use Xeriscaping techniques Courtesy EPA
Xeriscaping Landscaping philosophy that seeks to minimize the need for water . 1. Proper planning and design 2. Soil analysis / improvements 3. Appropriate plant selection 4. Practical turf areas 5. Efficient irrigation 6. Use of mulches 7. Appropriate maintenance Xeriscaping in Colorado
Water Use Zones PLANTING TYPE WATER USE Native Plant Low Cactus Garden Low Herb Garden Moderate to Low Fruit Trees Moderate Flower Garden High Vegetable Garden Moderate to High (depends on crops) Wildflower Meadow High (germination) Low (once established) Lawn Moderate to High Group plants by water use zones
Repetition Balance Emphasis Unity Principles of Design Concepts used to organize the elements of a design
Repetition Use of the same element over and over Repetition is achieved when the same line, shape, color, texture, plant, or material is used throughout the landscape Principles of Design
Principles of Design Balance A sense of equality that can either be symmetric or asymmetric. Formal Balance – A symmetrical design in which the design can be divided into two identical halves. Informal Balance – An asymmetrical design that can not be divided into identical halves but that provides an overall sense of equilibrium.
Principles of Design Emphasis The result of focusing attention on one aspect of a design. Emphasis is constructed by creating a visual path from at least one vantage point to the focal point. Focal Point – The object of attention Vantage Point – The place from which the focal point is viewed
Emphasis What is the focal point? Image by the Environmental Protection Agency
Principles of Design Unity The impression that the separate parts of the design belong together or are part of a whole.
Principles of Design Unity Unity is created by A consistent style (Japanese, formal, etc.) Visual pathways Consistent color scheme Repetition of lines, plants, and hardscape
Concept (Master) Plan Delineate spaces Hardscape Planting beds Turf areas Landscape Design Process Locate plants by broad classification Deciduous or coniferous Tree or shrub Groundcover Turf Use straight lines or smooth curves