Landscape design 2019

TRIBHUWAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
THAPATHALI CAMPUS
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

SUBJECT: LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND SITE PLANNING

A REPORT
ON
STUDY OF PLANTS

SUBMITTED BY:
DHARMISARA SUBEDI
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SUBMITTED TO:
AR. YAM RAI
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
THAPATHALI CAMPUS

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Table of Contents
1. Landscape ................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Scope of the Landscape design ........................................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 It incorporates aspects of: ................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Value of landscape design .................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Landscape elements ............................................................................................................................ 4
1.3.1 Hard landscape elements............................................................................................................. 4
1.3.2 Soft landscape elements ............................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Plant Material for Landscape Design .................................................................................................. 5
1.4.1 Types of plants ............................................................................................................................. 5
2. Study of plants .......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1. Pipal tree ............................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1.1 Historical Significance ..................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Facts ............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.1.3 Uses .............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Evergreen trees.................................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.1 Evergreen Trees for Landscaping .............................................................................................. 10
2.2.2 Types of Evergreen Trees .......................................................................................................... 11
2.2.3 Evergreen trees and shrubs provide a permanent green structure. ............................................. 12
References:.................................................................................................................................................. 13

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1. Landscape
A landscape is the visible features of an
area of land, its landforms, and how they
integrate with natural or man-made features.
A landscape includes the physical elements
of geophysical defined landforms such as
(ice-capped) mountains, hills, water
bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and
the sea, living elements of cover including
indigenous vegetation, human elements
including different forms of land use,
buildings, and structures, and transitory
elements such as lighting and weather conditions. Combining both their physical origins and
the cultural overlay of human presence, often created over millennia, landscapes reflect a living synthesis
of people and place that is vital to local and national identity. The character of a landscape helps define
the self-image of the people who inhabit it and a sense of place that differentiates one region from other
regions. It is the dynamic backdrop to people’s lives. Landscape can be as varied as farmland, a landscape
park, or wilderness.

Landscape architecture is concerned with the design of outdoor space using three basic elements.

1. Landform
2. Water
3. Vegetation

1.1 Scope of the Landscape design

It includes:
1. Urban Design
2. Site Planning
3. Storm water management
4. Town or urban planning
5. Environmental restoration
6. Parks and recreational planning
7. Visual resource management
8. Green infrastructure planning and provision
9. Private estate and residence landscape master planning and design all at varying scales of design,
planning and management

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1.1.1 It incorporates aspects of:

 Botany
 Horticulture
 The fine arts
 Architecture
 Industrial design
 Geology
 The earth sciences
 Environmental psychology
 Geography
 Ecology

1.2 Value of landscape design

 Designing exterior areas to improve visual appeal and functionality.
 Quality landscape architectural design and implementation also improve the quality of life for our
people and visitors.
 Landscape design can become an element in increasing the values of the house.

1.3 Landscape elements

There are two types of landscape elements, they are:

1. Hard landscape elements

2. Soft landscape elements

1.3.1 Hard landscape elements

It includes civil work component of landscape architecture such as pavement, walkways, roads, retaining
walls, sculpture, street amenities, fountains and other built environment. The importance of soft
landscaping is well recognized but yet it can be the hard landscaping the walls, fences and surfaces)
which dictates the character of the spaces we visit. Usually hard landscape is employed in an earlier stage
of landscaping in order to get the form and space for soft landscaping later on.

Function:
 Create links between buildings
 Enclose space
 Create a ‘theme’ within a development
 Define private areas
 Give security to private areas
 Cater for pedestrian or vehicular movement
 Deter pedestrian or vehicular movement
 Assist people with disabilities

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1.3.2 Soft landscape elements

The natural elements in landscape design, such as plant materials and the soil itself. It includes process of
designing the elements of landscape that do not involve in construction. These elements include trees,
shrubs and flowers as well as container gardens, potted plants and hanging baskets.

Function:
 Plants create landscape structure which both defines spaces and serves their function.
 Plants create an enormous wealth of aesthetic characteristics, the appearance of their twigs, bark,
flower, and fruit, fragrance of flower and aromatic foliage, the physical texture of bark and
leaves.
 Planting design can help us make the best use of our environment, restore balance between
people, nature and in some extent to the wild life.
 Barriers formed with plants are needed in landscape for screening unpleasant views, for dividing
up the landscaping into spaces, for providing shelter from wind for protection against pollution
for defining boundaries.
 Provide variety of texture and color, reduce soil erosion and serve as a transition between grass
areas and shrub or flower beds.

1.4 Plant Material for Landscape Design

The plants are the dominant players on the stage that is your landscape. They create life in the
environment through color, texture, and aroma. In addition to beauty, plants function in the landscape
design to:

 Soften the hard edges of a sidewalk, patio or deck

 Act as a border to direct foot traffic through the landscape
 Provide balance to the structure of the home and Hardscape
 Frame a view
 Provide shade
 Provide a feeling of intimacy
 Provide a buffer for sound, wind, and privacy
 Provide seasonal color

1.4.1 Types of plants

If we consider plants, based on their height some are too short while some are too tall to climb. Besides
the height, stem thickness, delicacy also varies. For example- Short plants have greenish, soft, weak stems
and big tall plants or trees have a thick, strong and woody stem which is hard to break.

Annuals
An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds,
within one year, and then dies. Summer annuals germinate during spring or early summer and mature by
autumn of the same year. Winter annuals germinate during the autumn and mature during the spring or
summer of the following calendar year. One seed-to-seed life cycle for an annual can occur in as little as a
month in some species, though most last several months. Summer annuals sprout, flower, produce seed,

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and die, during the warmer months of the year. Winter annuals germinate in autumn or winter, live
through the winter, and then bloom in winter or spring.

Million bells Allen’s dasy Shutterstock

Perennial
A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term (per-+ -ennial,
"through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials.
Perennials, especially small flowering plants, that grow and bloom over the spring and summer, die back
every autumn and winter, and then return in the spring from their rootstock, are known as herbaceous
perennials. However, depending on the rigors of local climate, a plant that is a perennial in its native
habitat, or in a milder garden, may be treated by a gardener as an annual and planted out every year, from
seed, from cuttings or from divisions. Tomato vines, for example, live several years in their natural
tropical/subtropical habitat but are grown as annuals in temperate regions because they don't survive the
winter. However, depending on the rigors of local climate, a plant that is a perennial in its native habitat,
or in a milder garden, may be treated by a gardener as an annual and planted out every year, from seed,
from cuttings or from divisions. Tomato vines, for example, live several years in their natural
tropical/subtropical habitat but are grown as annuals in temperate regions because they don't survive the
winter.

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Based on growth habit plants are broadly categorized into three groups. They are as follows:

Herbs:
Starting from the smallest, herb is a short plant with green, delicate stem without the woody tissues.
Generally, they have few branches or are branchless. These can be easily uprooted from the soil. They
contain enough nutritional benefits and vitamins to make it a part of the diet. Tomato, wheat, grass are
few examples of herbs.

Shrubs:
Shrubs are much taller than herbs which might be of our height. Shrub is a medium-sized plant with
bushy, hard stems with branches. Although stems are hard, they are flexible but not fragile. Rose, lemon,
and henna are some of the common shrubs around us.

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Trees:
Trees are big and tall plants. They have very thick and hard stems called the trunk. This single main stem
i.e., trunk gives rise to many branches that bear leaves and fruits. Some trees are branchless like coconut
tree; they have only one main stem which bears leaves, flowers, and fruits all by itself. Banyan, mango,
cashew, are some examples of trees.

2. Study of plants
2.1. Pipal tree
2.1.1 Historical Significance
Historically, the pipal tree holds a lot of significance. It's amongst the oldest known depicted trees. The
first reference of this tree was found on a seal discovered at Mohenjo-Daro, one of the major cities of the
Indus Valley Civilization, which shows the pipal being worshiped. Remains of a pipal leaf-shaped well
were also found in the excavation where once the ancient city stood.
The pipal is one of the longest living trees, which is elaborated by the fact that the Shri Maha Bodhi tree,
located in Bodh Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar, has a known planting date of 288 BCE. This is the
oldest verified age of any angiosperm or flowering plant. As claimed by many, it was this very tree in
Gaya under which Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment, or bodhi, and
came to be known as Gautama Buddha. Even Lord Buddha has quoted: "He who worships the Pipal tree
will receive the same reward as if he worshiped me in person." It is for these precise reasons that this tree
is so sacred for the followers of Buddhism.

Hindus also hold this tree, also called Asvattha, in high regard. They believe that Lord Vishnu was born
under this tree and Lord Krishna died under it. Also, since the Vedic period, Hindu holy men have been
known to meditate sitting under this tree. Hence, it is also sacred for the followers of Hinduism.

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2.1.2 Facts
This tree is scientifically known as Ficus religiosa. It is a species of the banyan fig, native to the region
extending from the Indian subcontinent to Indo-China and Southwest China. Its leaves are cordate or
heart-shaped, with a distinctly extended tip. It is an average-sized tree and sports a large crown with
branches that spread spectacularly wide. It is a deciduous tree that grows up to 100 feet in height, with a
trunk which is almost 10 feet in diameter. The tree sheds its leaves in the months of March and April,
which sums up the spring season in and around the Indian subcontinent. The pipal bears a fruit, a small
fig, which ripens in the month of May. These figs grow in pairs just below the leaves and look like purple
berries. The bark of this tree is light gray, smooth, and peels off in patches.

2.1.3 Uses
 Raw juice of the leaf of this tree is very effective in arresting excessive bleeding. 50 ml of juice or
1 tablespoon of dry leaf powder taken with water can work wonders towards this cause. This
recipe, when consumed with equal quantity of tender leaves, coriander leaves, and sugar, can act
effectively against dysentery.
 Pipal leaves are also used for the treatment of mumps and boils. The leaf daubed in ghee or butter
can be bandaged over the affected part.
 A popular remedy for excessive urination in jaundice patients is soaking a piece of pipal bark in
water overnight and consuming the water the following morning.
 Juice extracted from the leaves of this tree when they are held close to fire can be used as ear
drops.
 The leaves are effective against many heart diseases. For this, soak the leaves overnight in water,
distill the water the next morning, and then store it. About 15 mg of this solution can be
administered thrice daily. It is known to be effective in the treatment of heart palpitation and
cardiac weakness.
 Juice from the root bark of pipal is effective against gout and stomatitis, heals ulcers, and
enhances granulations. Chewing the roots is known to prevent gum disease.
 Pipal is an excellent remedy for the neck disease scrofula, that causes swollen lymphatic glands.
A paste prepared by mashing its roots under water is applied on the affected region of the neck.
 Pipal leaves have been used against bruises and wounds for years. Finely ground leaves mixed
with jaggery are made into pills. One pill taken daily with milk is an effective pain killer.
 The fruit of this tree is also useful in treatment of many diseases. Powdered dried fig fruit is
extremely beneficial against asthma.

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 Bark of this tree can be used to manufacture tannin, which is used for leather treatment. Dark red
dye is extracted from the bark.
 Dried pipal leaves are used for decoration purposes. The leaves are collected, cleaned, dried, and
then painted with gold acrylic color in order to preserve them for the future.
 The leaves are also used as camel and elephant fodder because of their nutritional and medicinal
values.

2.2 Evergreen trees

Evergreen trees and shrubs retain their foliage and remain green year round. However, not all evergreens
are the same. By distinguishing common evergreen tree varieties, it will be easier to find one that fits your
particular landscape needs. Evergreen Trees for Landscaping Most evergreen trees are needle bearing
while evergreen shrubs also include broadleaf varieties. In addition, their growing characteristics vary
greatly among species. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the differences between them before adding
these plants to the landscape.

2.2.1 Evergreen Trees for Landscaping

Most evergreen trees are needle bearing while evergreen shrubs also include broadleaf varieties. In
addition, their growing characteristics vary greatly among species. Therefore, it’s important to recognize
the differences between them before adding these plants to the landscape.

Needled evergreen trees make great additions to the landscape, especially when scattered amongst other
plantings. They have an extraordinary range of shapes and sizes and are well adapted to many soil types
and growing conditions. That said some evergreen tree varieties thrive better in certain locations and
temperatures than others.

The most preferred use of these trees is for ornamental purposes. However, some varieties can offer
suitable shade or screening too. Distinguishing the differences between popular evergreen trees will make

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it easier to find a suitable tree that not only fits your particular landscape needs but also serves its
intended purpose.

2.2.2 Types of Evergreen Trees

Pine Trees
Pines are probably the most notable of evergreen tree types. While most of them have long, needlelike
foliage and are cone bearing, not all pine trees are the same. Each has their own unique characteristics to
contribute. Some of the most common varieties include:

Eastern White Pine: This fast-growing species reaches 80 feet or more. It makes an ideal choice for use
as a specimen planting or for screening and shade.

Pinyon Pine: This is one of the slow-growing pines, reaching only 12-15 feet in height. It is a great tree
for growing in pots, rock gardens, and shrub borders.

Monterey Pine: This evergreen tree grows quickly and reaches anywhere from 80-100 feet tall without
pruning. It’s considered a finicky pine and not tolerant of arid conditions or cool temperatures.

Allepo or Mediterranean Pine: Unlike Monterey, this pine tree thrives in poor soils and drought-like
conditions. It also tolerates heat and windy conditions. It’s a fast-growing tree between 30-60 feet.

Red Pine: This tree has interesting reddish-colored bark. The Japanese red variety is an excellent slow-
growing pine suitable for small areas.

Japanese Black Pine: This pine has unusually dark gray to black bark. While it is a fast grower, reaching
up to 60 feet, it easily accepts pruning. In fact, it is oftentimes used as a popular bonsai specimen for pots.

Scots or Scotch pine: It may not always be well adapted to landscape settings but is commonly used as a
container plant or Christmas tree for its interesting yellow to blue-green foliage color.

Spruce Trees
Spruce trees, with their attractive short needles and hanging cones, also make excellent additions to the
landscape. Popular choices here include the following:

Norway spruce: This tree grows up to 60 feet, has attractive dark green foliage on drooping branches and
produces decorative, purplish-red cones. It enjoys cool conditions and makes an excellent choice for
windbreaks or specimen plantings on large properties

Colorado blue spruce: Blue spruce is another tall grower at 60 feet. This specimen tree is popular for its
pyramidal shape and blue-gray foliage color.

White Spruce: This is a pale green species of spruce. The dwarf variety is commonly found growing in
pots or as border and foundation plantings. It has feathery needles and is available in pyramidal or
columnar shapes.

Fir Trees
Fir trees make useful specimen plantings and have erect cones. Some of the most commonly planted firs
include:
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White Fir: This fir tree has soft, gray-green to silvery blue-green foliage. It makes a lovely contrast with
dark-colored evergreens. This species grows between 35-50 feet.

Douglas Fir: This is an attractive, fast-growing evergreen tree that gets quite large, about 50-80 feet tall.
It’s great for use as specimen, screening or group plantings. It also makes an ideal Christmas tree.

Fraser Fir: The Frazer fir has a narrow pyramidal shape and grows up to 40 feet. It, too, makes an
excellent choice for Christmas or placed in the landscape as border specimens or container plants.

Other Evergreen Trees

Other interesting evergreen trees include cedar, thuga, and cypress. Each of these trees offers their own
unique qualities too.

Cedar: Cedar tree varieties make elegant specimen plantings. Most have clustered needles with small
erect cones. They grow anywhere from 30-60 feet with dwarf types available.

Thuja: Also known as arborvitae is a commonly seen accent among many landscapes, either as a
foundation planting or screening. This evergreen has shiny, scale-like leaves and reaches up to 40 feet.

Cypress: Cypress trees have a soft, feathery-like texture and symmetrical shape. They are most often
used in creating privacy hedges and borders.

Evergreen trees make excellent choices for the landscape. They provide year-round interest, shade and
screening. Yet, not all evergreen tree types are the same, so you’ll have to do your homework in order to
find just the right one for your landscaping needs.

2.2.3 Evergreen trees and shrubs provide a permanent green structure.

Even in winter, some locations require a green element. Traditionally, the easy choice is for conifers,
however there are many other options. You may wish to consider holly, holm oak, Portuguese laurel or
various rhododendrons. Evergreen species can provide structure all year round in private gardens as well
as in public areas. They are also handy for camouflaging things you would rather not see or creating
privacy. Some evergreen plants are cultivated as trees and as shrubs. There is a choice of several
options available, depending on the planting site and the desired effect.

It is important to add a small caveat at this point: a number of popular evergreen plants such as Quercus
ilex and Quercus suber originate in warm, Mediterranean climate zones. This can have consequences for
winter hardiness in other parts of Europe. It is preferable to plant these species in sheltered places that
protect them from the effects of cold, drying wind. Patio gardens or courtyards generally offer suitable
conditions for these species. For colder places there is a very wide range of evergreen conifers.

2.2.3.1Rhododendrons: perfect, low-maintenance evergreens.

There are many benefits to using rhododendrons in gardens as well as in public spaces. They provide a
green image all year round (apart from the azalea varieties) and give the green structure a distinct shape.
They are can be used for bed planting and as they are green throughout the year, weeds have hardly any
chance to grow and there is no loss of leaf in autumn. All this makes them extremely low-maintenance
plants. Rhododendrons can also be planted in a wide range of locations as they can tolerate shade and are

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more resistant to frost than most other evergreen plants. They retain their shape, are compact, long-lived
and lend themselves very well to pruning.

2.2.3.1.1Flowers
These are all very practical reasons for using rhododendrons, but the most attractive feature of these
plants has to be the overwhelming beauty of their flowers in spring. Rhododendron is a large genus and
there is an enormous variety of flower colors and markings. In other words, there is a lot to choose from.
This also applies to size because there are species that grow to no more than a meter, whereas others can
reach four or five meters in height and width.

References:
1. Notes provided by sir
2. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/evergreen-tree-varieties.htm
3. https://gardenerdy.com/pipal-tree
4. https://www.vdberk.com/solutions/evergreen-trees-and-shrubs/#plus

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