Landscape Design - Well Balanced Home Landscaping

By Amy Norman


Balance is a principle of all art forms, design, and even landscape design. It implies a sense of equality. There is surely more to be said about it, but why make things complicated?

A garden, landscape, or any form of equal proportions would naturally feel and look balanced. And sadly, most gardens and landscapes out there are not symmetrical or well proportioned. They're asymmetrical and abstract in form and are often without any natural balance of their own. Because of this, landscaping has to rely on other factors and techniques to create that balance and harmony.

It is often the case that balance is not reached because of a lack of repetition. Repeating patterns with plants and rocks, for example, will help unify different areas into one. Even small things such as the repetition of plant groups, colors or certain pieces of dcor can create the magic.

A lack of balance is also created by placing too many or all non matching elements throughout a landscape design. This can sometimes seem cluttered and unkept when it grows in. In the beginning of your design, plan for less, place just a few matching plant groups throughout the garden, and keep decor matching and to a minimum. You can add more later.

Many of the questions people have revolve around the shape of a design. Shape is something that usually gets determined by your vision. But, even with a shape or form in mind, you can still come up with a final result that appears unbalanced. Balance isn't necessarily dependent on shape. Of course, anything can be, but it is not the usual case. So, don't let shape be your only focus.

Just like all other forms of art, landscape design also follows some of the same principles common to other expressions. Repetition, unity and balance, are the ABCs of all art forms and they work together to create beauty.

Repetition in design is used by architects with doors, windows, fixtures and trims. They make an effort to use the same styles, shapes and sizes. In fact, try to imagine how strange your home would look and feel if everything in it had different shapes, sizes and styles. It would be uncomfortable and chaotic.

Landscape design is no different.

Consistent repetition can bring harmony and flow to a landscape lacking balance. Just by adding two of the same in opposite sides can create a flow that leads to balance. It is easier to achieve balance through the softscape, which includes plants, ornaments, lawn and dcor. But, if it is possible, extending the concept to hardscape (walkways, raised beds, driveways and fence) can surely drive the point home.




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