5 Elements of Landscape Design

Submitted By :
Akshay Maheshwari
B.Arch., 8th Sem.

The 5 elements of Landscape Design include:

Color

It is important to use a complementing color scheme throughout the yard. Sometimes Contrast can
create some interest and excitement It has the most visual impact in the landscape. Blues, Purples and Greens are
some calm colors and tend to move away from you. Where as warm colors like red, orange and yellow seems to
bring things closer to you.

Direction or Line Linear patterns are used to direct physical movement and to draw attention to areas in
your garden.
Line is the most important design element in your landscape and the one you will most often use in your design.
Curved lines are used for a more informal look, Straight lines give your landscape a more formal and orderly look.

 Form Form can be expressed through built objects or trees and shrubs of various shapes and sizes which
create natural patterns.
Form in the landscape is the shape and structure of your plants, hardscapes or garden structures.

 Texture Paving and building materials along with plants with varying textures can add to the atmosphere of
your outdoor area.

Texture in the landscape is defined in 3 groups. Coarse includes plants, structures and hardscapes that are bold and
large. Medium texture takes in many plants and smaller structures. Fine includes plants such as ferns and grasses and
structures that are thin and delicate.

 Scale Your outdoor design should balance the size of the buildings or established plants it surrounds, while
maintaining a comfortable human environment for the individuals who will use the area.

Scale or proportion in the landscape is simply the size of your plants or structures and how they relate to each other
and the area you are landscaping.