When designing a residential landscape, (Gail Hansen de Chapman) the most important step is to put a plan on paper. Developing a master plan will save you time and money and is more likely to result in a successful design. A master plan is developed through the ‘design process’: a step-by-step method that considers the environmental conditions, your desires, and the elements and principles of design. The goal is to organize the natural and man-made features in your yard into an aesthetic, functional, and environmentally sustainable landscape.
The Design Process
The five steps of the design process include: 1) conducting a site inventory and analysis, 2) determining your needs, 3) creating functional diagrams, 4) developing conceptual design plans, and 5) drawing a final design plan. The first three steps establish the aesthetic, functional, and horticultural requirements for the design. The last two steps then apply those requirements to the creation of the final landscape plan.
The process begins with a site inventory and analysis of soil, drainage, climate conditions, and existing vegetation. This is a critical step for both plant selection and placement and locating family activities and functions. It’s important because the same climate conditions that affect the plants–temperature, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight–also affect you, the user. The next step is to make a list of your needs and desires–this helps you determine how your yard and landscape will be used. The site and user analyses will also help you establish a theme for the form and style of your design. The functional diagram is then used to locate the activity spaces on the site and from this diagram a conceptual plan is developed. The last step is a final design that includes all the hardscape and planting details that are necessary for installation. Throughout the design process there are ten important things to consider:
1. Understand your site for plant selection and activity location
2. Remember the user by considering what you want and need
3. Use a form and/or style theme to help determine shapes and organize spaces
4. Create and link spaces by designating activity areas and linking with elements
5. Consider the function of plants for both the environment and the user
6. Structure the plantings by using massing and layering techniques
7. Highlight important points such as transition areas and focal points
8. Pay attention to detail in the materials, the colors, and the surface textures
9. Take time into account for the growth and maintenance of plants
10. Protect your resources by using sustainable design practices
Your yard is a very important natural resource that adds value to your home and enjoyment to your life. It contributes to a desirable, healthy community. Several important concepts will help you create an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable design. First remember to put your ideas on paper: create a design plan. Use the design process to identify and understand your site and your needs. Use a theme to guide your decisions; professional designers always look to the existing conditions for inspiration and material and plant choices. Create spaces that serve as outdoor rooms-this is anessential concept of design-both for functionality and psychological comfort human scaled spaces are the most desirable. Use plant material to create the walls, ceilings and floors of the rooms for a physically comfortable microclimate. Remember that plants change over time, plan for this and you will find that observing the changes is one of the most rewarding aspects of your garden. In many of our urban areas private yards represent the last remnants of green space, think about how your yard fits into the big picture and what you can do to have a positive impact on the environment in your neighborhood.
Source: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep375
By: Rodel C. Dumalag | Teacher III | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan
