Davidson Landscaping includes adding plants, changing existing terrain, and building structures. It can also include irrigation systems and rain gardens.
Research shows that landscaping increases property value and attracts home buyers. It also provides health benefits, such as a mood boost, decreased anxiety, and increased attention span.
The use of design elements and principles in landscape design can transform an outdoor space into a captivating environment. Using design elements such as line, form, color, texture and visual weight can help you achieve your vision for your outdoor space. Design principles such as balance, contrast and repetition are also important when planning your landscape.
Contrast is one of the most essential design elements that captures attention and draws the eye. It is achieved by using contrasting colors, textures and forms. For example, pairing vibrant flowers with dark green foliage creates a striking contrast. Alternatively, soft grasses can be used with angular hardscapes to add contrast and interest to your landscape.
Form is the shape of an object or a group of objects in your landscape. It can be rectilinear, circular, or irregular and may be found in both plant and hardscape shapes. Form can be manipulated to create a variety of moods in your landscape, such as structure and formality (rectilinear), softness and naturalness (circular), power and strength (angles) or freedom and informality (irregular).
Line is an important element in your landscape that defines movement and connects spaces. It can be straight, curved or diagonal and can be utilized in both hardscape and planting elements. Straight lines have a structural and forceful character and are often associated with symmetrical balance. Curved lines have a more organic character and are usually associated with more flowing, natural landscapes. Both can be used to guide the eye throughout your landscape and create a sense of flow.
Scale is the relative size of a landscape feature or plant compared to its surroundings. For example, a small flower bed can be lost in the large lawn surrounding it, or a tall tree can overpower the surrounding vegetation. It is important to consider the scale of your landscape when choosing plants and hardscapes to ensure that they fit well with the overall design.
Unity is the cohesiveness of the different elements in your landscape and can be created through a variety of techniques. Repeating plants, colors, and textures throughout the landscape can help create a unified appearance. Incorporating a theme or style can also help create unity by unifying the different elements and features of your landscape.
Form
Form is a three-dimensional element that works with lines to create depth in the landscape. Unlike line which looks at two-dimensional structure, form considers the shape of elements like plant or hardscape elements.
Shape can be as simple as the way a plant grows or how it is trimmed. It can also be the general shape a plant has – round, upright, vase shaped or cascading for example. When multiple plants of the same form are grouped together they become a mass and then their individual forms are subordinated to the overall form of the group.
Just like scale, form can have a great impact on the design of a landscape project. Different shapes and forms evoke different emotions in the observer and can set the ambiance of a space. Rectilinear shapes can feel structured and formal, circles can be soft and informal, and irregular forms can have a strong, powerful impact.
When paired with lines, form provides an extra dimension to the landscape that makes the design pop. It gives the viewer a more substantial identity with the landscape and helps them understand where they are in the space.
The shape of flower beds, the outlines of ponds and outdoor structures, and the shapes of hedges, trees and foliage all fall under the category of form. The diversity of form helps prevent the landscape from appearing too stark and can add interest to a garden by drawing the eye across the landscape in an interesting way. A good example of this is when a shrub with an upright form is grouped together with those that are more cascading or spreading, they become a single form and draw the eye to them in a similar way that lines impact focus.
Movement
Rhythm and movement are the unsung heroes of landscaping, working quietly in the background to create spaces that feel naturally harmonious, flowing, and alive. Rhythm is the invisible force that ties different elements of a landscape together, while movement adds dynamism and catches the eye. By incorporating these principles into your design, you can transform static landscapes into dynamic, engaging outdoor spaces that encourage exploration and evoke emotion.
Creating rhythm and movement in your landscape involves the careful use of repetition, gradation, and transition. Too much repetition can become boring, so it’s important to balance your rhythmic patterns with contrasting features and occasional pauses. Also, be sure to keep the scale of your rhythmic elements and movement features in mind – larger landscapes require more formal, structured patterns, while smaller spaces can benefit from more organic, natural forms.
For example, a waterfall or swaying grasses can add movement to your landscape by providing visual interest. Waterfalls are often the focal point of a garden, but they can be complemented by other features such as water lily pools or boulder-based sculptural features. Similarly, a meandering path can create movement by drawing the eye through the landscape and highlighting key elements.
Incorporating native plants into your landscape is another way to incorporate movement and add beauty. Native trees, shrubs, and perennials grow well in the local ecosystem, requiring less maintenance than traditional turf grass or exotic plantings. In addition, native plants do not require fertilizers, pesticides, mowing, or edging, and they help to choke out unwanted weeds.
Using native landscaping can also save homeowners and landscape professionals money on maintenance costs. Compared to non-native species, native trees, shrubs, and perennials require far less annual maintenance. Non-native plants may spread beyond the boundaries of a property, where they can disturb or alter an ecosystem. However, native plant species will typically remain contained within the confines of a property and don’t interfere with the surrounding natural habitat.
Focalization
If your home landscape lacks visual punch, a focal point can add drama and interest to the space. Focal points draw the eye in and direct it, creating a sense of order in the design and establishing a hierarchy that creates an easy flow for the eyes. Focal points can include plants, garden structures, and even hardscape elements like fountains and walls. Focalization also involves utilizing the geometry of a landscape to guide lines of sight, like curves, directional paths and straight walkways.
Proportion is key when deciding on a focal point for your Chicagoland landscaping. The feature should be in proportion to the overall landscape and yard size so it doesn’t overwhelm or look out of place. It should also complement the style of the house and other landscaping features. It’s important to consider how the focal point will appear in different seasons. For example, a large red sculpture will probably lose its impact in the winter. It is possible to incorporate multiple focal points into a landscape, but it’s best to limit them to one or two major features. Too many can become a distraction, making the space feel busy and chaotic rather than inviting.
Incorporating multiple focal points into a landscape can also work to your advantage when creating a sense of movement. By using a variety of textures, shapes and colors, your eye can be drawn around the landscape in an inviting way. For example, a pathway with curved stones and plantings along the sides will make it easier for your eyes to travel throughout the space without being distracted by other areas of the property.
Focal points also help your garden and yard blend seamlessly with your interior living spaces. By incorporating a water feature or seating area within a view from your windows, you can extend the beauty of your landscaping inside your home, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. At The Signature, we used a custom metal sculpture in the pool to create a focal point that can be enjoyed both from outside and through the expansive window of this home.
