When designing your outdoor space, you need to balance beauty with utility. Functional landscape design can make all of the difference, whether you’re looking to create a relaxing outdoor retreat or a comfortable living space for your family.
It is important to conduct a site analysis before beginning any project. A landscape questionnaire can help you get started.
- Flow
Flow is the ability for an outdoor space to flow in a natural and orderly way. This can be achieved through the use of focal points, garden rooms, or garden zones, and using patterns and geometry.
Planes of space are important in the design process because they influence where activities occur and how people move through the landscape. There are three main planes, the ground plane (Figure 19-3), the vertical plane (Figure 19-3), and the horizontal plan (Figure 19-3).
The horizontal ground plane is the path by which people walk, run, or move through the landscape. This plane is often defined by walkways, patios, terraces, decks, and lawns. It can vary in width and elevation depending on the material used.
Landscape designers must be able to understand how to move between these different planes. This can lead to better outcomes and richer environments in the landscape.
Because these connections allow for the flow and coordination of activities within and between spaces, geometric relationships between objects on a plan are essential to the design process. This is especially important when large-scale projects like city parks are involved.
Landscapes can also be affected by plants. A selection of plants based on their texture, form, and shape can add interest, diversity, and visual appeal.
These characteristics are determined in part by the growth habits and individual plants. Some plants grow quickly, others slowly, and still others take a longer time to mature and grow larger.
Regardless of the type of plants, it is important for a landscape designer to select the correct types of plant to accent a specific area of the landscape. A well-chosen selection of plants will enhance the landscape’s overall appearance by creating a cohesive framework.
It is a common mistake for too many plants to be placed in one place. This can lead to the space looking cluttered and unfinished. To avoid overwhelming the landscape, it is a good idea for the plant to be divided into multiple parts.
This is best illustrated by multiple trees being planted in one planting. When the arrangement is repeated, the repetition of trees or shrubs can create a sense of movement within the space.
- Privacy
A properly designed outdoor living space will not only improve the value of your home, it’ll also make you and your family more comfortable and happier. You can have a backyard patio or a rooftop garden. A well-planned layout will allow you to enjoy the outdoors all year.
The first step in the planning process is to determine what your family needs are. This will help you plan your budget and create a landscape that is both functional and pleasing to the eye. In addition, there are a few landscape trends to watch out for in your quest to create an outdoor oasis.
There are many choices available to you, including ornamental fountains and ponds as well as grasses and shrubs. To keep your greenery fresh, you might consider an irrigation system.
A well-designed outdoor living space is the envy of the neighborhood and will serve as the central gathering spot for your family and guests alike. Professional installation and high-end materials are essential for a stunning design. You will save time and money and your space will be spectacular.
- Lighting
Lighting is an important element in functional landscape design. It creates an inviting outdoor space that will enhance the property’s aesthetic appeal.
The right lights can highlight plant beds, accent architectural features and illuminate pathways, patios, stairs and garden edges. A well-planned lighting plan can bring your property in Putnam County, NY to life.
Trees are great candidates for uplighting because this technique highlights their unique structure. Simply place a single fixture beneath each tree, angled upwards, to create an eye-catching effect.
Crosslighting is another option, which can be used for highlighting trees with unique branch structures or colored bark. Another popular method is diffuse downlighting, which delivers a soft moonlit effect without blinding the viewer.
A well-designed landscape lighting plan will not only enhance the beauty of your Putnam County, NY property, but it will also increase safety and security. A well-lit garden gives you a greater sense of privacy and discourages potential intruders from trying to enter your home.
While the primary objectives of landscape lighting are aesthetics and safety, it’s also a valuable addition to any landscaping plan because it can increase property value. According to real estate professionals, potential buyers are most interested in landscapes with thoughtful lighting.
For example, a contemporary home in Putnam County, NY, that features layered lighting and architectural accents, like the backlit address fixture, creates an inviting entrance to the house. The fixtures are placed on the hardscape materials and tree-lined pathways, and illuminate the steps and feature plants.
The landscape uses several lighting techniques to illuminate its rich surroundings, including uplighting the spherical sculptor in the distance. It also features spotlights that highlight the sculptural plant and water feature, as well as step lighting that allows for a safe ascent up to the house.
It is easy to forget lighting when planning a Putnam County landscape. But the results can be quite impressive. This allows you to enjoy your backyard even after dark, and it also makes your property safer and more welcoming to passersby.
- Water
Water is the primary component of our environment and the fluids of all living organisms. It is present in three-quarters the Earth’s surface in solid forms such as ice and liquid, and in the atmosphere in its gaseous form, called water vapor. It is a common solvent that can be used to dissolve a variety of substances, and it is an integral part of human existence.
It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless substance made up of two hydrogen atoms linked by a single bond to an oxygen atom. It has a density around 1 gram per liter and a high specific temperature of 4,180 J/(Kkg).
The standard symbol for water is the chemical formula H2O. It is an important element in the global economy and is used to cool, heat, cook food, wash clothes, bathe, and many other purposes.
Water efficiency requires careful planning, plant selection, and irrigation. Water conservation is an important aspect of functional landscape design and should be included in any plan.
- Use Adapted plants: This will make water conservation much easier. Choose plants that are well-adapted to the climate and soil conditions of your area. This will help reduce water consumption and maintenance while still retaining their aesthetic appeal.
- Use Shade: Including shade in your design reduces water loss and keeps the landscape 20% cooler than it would be in full sun. You can easily incorporate shade into your landscape by using structures such as arbors, trees, or walls that block the sun’s rays from the soil surface.
- Establish Water-Use Zones: To help you keep your water-wise landscape healthy, divide your yard into areas that require regular or occasional watering. You can trace out your water-use areas on paper and create a plan to ensure that your landscape is balanced.
- Install Pondless Water Features: No matter how large or small your backyard is, a pondless feature can be a great addition. These low-maintenance features supply homeowners with texture, natural sound and visual interest without the need for a lot of water or the maintenance that comes with a traditional pond.