What is Great Design?
Great design is more than a collection of good ideas. It is the product of a process that at its heart is comprised of both art and science.
In my opinion, when applied to the landscape, great design involves a multitude of elements. Fundamentally, the medium is dynamic, ever changing, evolving, living and breathing. It is directly influenced by not only naturally occurring factors such as light, water, temperature, soil type etc., but cultural practices such as fertilization, pruning, spraying, etc. as well. Knowledge of these elements is critical for long term success. The client will influence design by their own tastes and desires for such things as color, texture, overall form and function. Design techniques employed by the designer shape the direction and ultimate out come of the design. Budget and the materials used influence the aesthetics of the final product. Great design balances all these as well as other elements, serving as the vehicle for creating curb appeal, function, longevity, sustainability and value.
We use a combination of three basic techniques. 1) Curvilinear Lines (both in the vertical and horizontal element). 2) Terracing (of plant materials & land shaping). 3) Naturalistic Plant Selection. These are weaved together and reinforced by other techniques. When layering plant materials blend along a curve. The repeating of a design element such as color texture or form creates cohesiveness in the design. The use of inanimate objects (i.e. rocks, statues, bird baths, and art) creates interest and focalization. The undulation of grade accentuates or blends hardscape and softscape elements. The use of specimen plantings and mass plantings will capture and move the eye within the design. The correct use of plantings to stretch the X (length), Y (width) and Z (depth) axis’s will integrate structures into their surroundings.
A true master of landscape design is intuitively aware of all these elements and adapts their craft to achieve desired affects while insulating the design from structural failure over the life expectancy of the landscape. In short, a great design adds value, defines function, creates beauty and grows better over time.
Helpful Links
The Florida Irrigation Society (FIS) is a not-for-profit Society established in 1966. Our goal is to promote sound irrigation practices through awareness and education. The Florida Irrigation Society Membership consists of Irrigation Contractors, Irrigation Designers, Consultants, Educators, Equipment Manufacturers, Equipment Distributors, Municipalities, and Students.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website offers resources on water conservation, conserving energy and agriculture statistics.
FNGLA is Florida’s oldest and largest association targeting the needs of the Florida’s environmental horticulture industry, which has an estimated $15.2 billion in industry-wide sales annually. Through FNGLA’s efforts, the entirety of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry benefits! In 2012, FNGLA celebrated 60 years of industry representation.
Each year, thousands of Sarasota County residents trust Extension’s expertise to help them build a better future. Their website includes information on sustainable gardens, landscape ordinances and several gardening programs.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) means using low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how you can have a beautiful landscape that could save you time, energy and money while protecting our future.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible.