| Basic Planting Design
Considerations
When selecting a particular plant for a specific
location in a landscape project a designer must be aware of a number of
physical factors about the plant and its ultimate environment. First is
the shape or form of the plant and how it relates to the surrounding
structures or other plants. Second is the root structure of the plant and
whether it can be accommodated in the planting bed or lawn area with a
minimum of disturbance to utilities, walks, or the lawn surface. Third are
the foliage, flower and fruit, and the size, shape and arrangement of
each; whether the plant is deciduous or evergreen; and the bark and
branching structure. Any of these features, if dominant in a particular
plant, can be used to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance with variety
and continuity.
The life support factors of soil, water, and light
requirements; natural climate zone; tolerance to wind, sun, pests,
insects, disease, chemicals, and pruning; and the maintenance requirements
of plants are important factors for a healthy and successful planting.
Factors quite often overlooked in the planting design process are the
ultimate size, rate of growth, and length of successful life of a plant.
Often we see plants that have been planted too close to structures or to
each other and that require frequent and severe pruning to maintain proper
size, shape, and relationships.
Specific Design Recommendations
Shade trees should be
selected and located first when doing a planting design. Keep trees in
scale with the structures, spaces, and other plants. Consider the location
of underground and aboveground utilities and avoid any potential
conflicts. For an average city or subdivision property (10,000+/- sq.ft.)
it is best to use only two or three shade trees in the public or front
yard area. Also, keep shade trees away from directly in front of the
house, windows, or landscape structures.
Ornamental trees are
some of the most valuable plants because of their size, shape, flower, and
fruit. These plants should be used more often, especially in small city
properties and public spaces. The ornamental tree category can be used to
give shade, add color through the seasons, and relieve monotony by
providing variety.
Foundation plantings
of shrubs are not always necessary around many of our modern houses and
buildings because the houses have usually been built lower to the ground
with better transitions from the ground to the building. If foundation
plantings are used they should appear natural and appropriate for the site
and the structure and should blend and act as a transition for vertical
and horizontal lines of the structures and the ground.
Select shrubs for foundation plantings to fit the
location. Avoid plants that will grow above the window ledges and block
the line of sight. For maximum effect of shrubs and shrub masses, they
should be planted at or near property lines or natural boundaries instead
of immediately adjacent to structures or houses.
Ground covers are some
of the most useful and low maintenance plants in the landscape. Most
ground covers are excellent erosion control plants. They hold the soil
with their roots and protect the surface with their foliage. Ground covers
are a good substitute for lawns to reduce mowing and other required lawn
maintenance. One problem, however, is that ground covers cannot be used in
areas of high foot traffic.
Vines should be used
more in landscapes, because of their versatility and beauty. There are two
basic types or uses of vines: as flowering or fruiting such as Clematis
and Wisteria; and as dense foliage for screening, such as Ivy and
Euonymus. Vines should be used to reduce maintenance and as a background
for other flowering plants.
The wide variety of flowers that include
annuals, perennials, roses, and the many flowering bulbs gives an
additional dimension to the designer’s palate of plants. Care should be
taken to avoid over using flowers to prevent confusion and a high level of
maintenance in the landscape. The wide variety of perennials such as
daylilies, iris, columbines, and mums can add color and life to the garden
with a minimum of care and maintenance.
Be observant & collect ideas from many sources
Observe plantings that are considered in good taste
and well designed, such as in parks, arboretums, botanic gardens, schools,
universities, and even in your neighbors’ yard. Read and study the many
books, audio-visual, and web sites on the subject of plants and planting
design. If you are still interested in learning more on the subject, take
courses at the various educational institutions in your area that can help
to increase your understanding of this complex and interesting subject.
Also, consult with your local professional landscape architect, landscape
contractor, or nurseryman for answers to your specific questions.
References
The Art of Home Landscaping
by Garrett Eckbo
Fact Sheets on Gardening & Yards
from Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Designing With Plants
by Richard L. Austin
Xeriscape Gardening - Water Conservation for the
American Landscape by Ellefson, Stephens,
& Welsh
Xeriscape Plant Guide
by Denver Water |
