Foundational Principles

“Unforgettable gardens all share a common thread: they’ve mastered the art of blending the elements and principles of garden design.”

— Rebecca Sweet, Garden Designer & Writer

10 Elements and Principles of Landscape Design

By Rebecca Sweet, Garden Designer & Writer

I take much pride in the work that I do. I was blessed to grow up in an area and a period of time that empowered me to develop my craft of landscape design. I spend considerable time educating myself to serve the needs and wishes of my clients as their landscape vision unfolds.

One resource I use in my continuous education journey is Garden Design. In this post I share an article by Rebecca Sweet, Gardener Designer and Writer. I recently read her article, “10 Elements & Principles of Landscape Design.” The three foundational principles featured on the Hunter Landscape Services (HLS) homepage are derived from this list. I use my knowledge and expertise to enhance the work I deliver to my clients.

HLS Fundamental Landscape Principles

• Blending elements of color, texture, line, and form in garden design
• Utilizing form and shape to establish the style of the landscape, its atmosphere, and its structure
• Providing balance, proportion and scale to bring harmony to any landscaping project
• The landscape should reflect the function and use of the garden space itself.

Read the Full Article

1. Line – offers opportunities to shape landscapes and direct movement.
2. From and shape – establish style and atmosphere with shapes and organic lines
3. Mass and weight – achieves balance and harmony while aligning with the overall planting scheme.
4. Color – adds vibrancy, depth, and visual appeal guiding the eye, creating visual flow, and aesthetics.
5. Texture – influences the overall ambiance of the garden with different textures to provide specific visual effects.
6. Balance, proportion, and scale – interconnection of these 3 elements produce harmony is a garden.
7. Rhythm and echoes – creates a unifying force in the garden with repetition of materials and elements.
8. Focal points – artwork, containers, and other elements make the space sparkle by drawing the eye and infusing personality.
9. Function – ensures that the garden is beautiful and practical in its intended utilization.
10. Transition – connects different areas of outdoor space and smoothly leads people from one area to another