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Landscape Design for Beginners Part 4

The next triad of principles for home landscape design, like proportion, transition and unity, are interrelated: namely, rhythm, balance and focalization. They all pertain to controlling a viewer's eye movement. Rhytm in general is the patterned repetition of a motif. In your home landscape design, the motif could consist of the landscaping plants used, for instance. Landscaping plants of one type could be planted in a row or hedge, effectively channeling the viewer's gaze in one direction, rather than another. The essential element here is line, since nothing controls eye movement more readily than a straight line.

The objective of utilizing such a motif is to direct eye movement, unconsciously, in a manner that is most conducive to appreciating the home landscape design in question. For instance, perhaps the situation of your land holds the potential for a magnificent vista, but your current home landscape design does not take full advantage of it. Or perhaps you have a piece of statuary in your front yard that you want to show off. But if your front yard is full of other interesting items, it might be too "busy" for that item to receive sufficient focus. These and other problems of rhythm can be solved through an understanding of balance and focalization

Balance refers to consistency of visual attraction and applies to all five of the basic elements: consistency with form, with texture, etc. Understanding balance is, in turn, important for an understanding of focalization. Focalization is the forcing of the viewer’s perspective to a focal point. While it can be achieved through various means, more intense focalization is created through the use of balanced, consistent arrangements of elements.

Let's return, then, to the two problems of home landscape design introjected above. The first is a problem of framing and can be solved by using bold, straight lines. In the photo on Part 3, for instance, a wall serves this purpose (a row of trees could also have been used). The second, a problem of drawing attention to one component in a busy front yard, could be solved by reducing clutter, opting instead for a minimalist style; and through the use either of color or of line. The statue could be surrounded with color that would direct the viewer's eye (focalization) unconsciously to that area. Using landscaping plants with flowers that are red or yellow en masse would do the trick nicely. So would an appropriate use of line. For instance, a straight path of paving stones leading up to the statuary, or bedding plants arranged so as to form a straight edging that will focus the viewer's gaze in the intended direction.

It will be seen from the foregoing discussion that the principles of home landscape design refer to nothing more ethereal than simply arranging the landscaping plants selected in combinations that bespeak a well-reasoned plan. While not pretending to be an exhaustive discussion, the above examples should nonetheless serve to allay the do-it-yourselfer's fears that home landscape design is the exclusive province of wizards with unfathomable powers. Home landscape design is the province not of wizardry, but of planning, problem-solving and a "principled" approach.

Landscape Design for Beginners Part 3

Three principles of garden design apply to the overall "feel" of the landscape: namely, proportion, transition and unity. Landscape plants should be arranged so as to conform to these principles. Proportion is the sense that the size of the individual components (the landscape plants) or groups of components in a landscape is consistent with the landscape as a whole. In other words, the idea behind proportion is very similar to that behind the basic element, scale. But the difference is that, while "scale" is a neutral term, "proportion" is based on the premise that something is either "in proportion" or "out of proportion." A garden design that is out of proportion is one that is marred by abrupt transitions or by the lack of transition. For instance, a five-foot high stone wall might elegantly set off a large home, but would make a small home look all the smaller. The landscaping of the latter suffers from a lack of transition: the height of the wall is too close to that of the house. Transision, simply put, refers to gradual change.

Conforming to a sense of proportion is, in turn, one characteristic of a landscape or garden design that exhibits unity. Unity, or "harmony" has been achieved when the viewer senses that all the landscape plants in a garden design complement each other and have been chosen with one over-arching theme in mind. The placement of landscape plants in a thoughtful manner regarding their form is one method for promoting a unified feel. For instance, small trees flanking a driveway or an entrance should have the same form. Repetition also promotes unity. Like all good things, however, unity can be pushed too far. Introduce some variety, or "contrast" into a landscape, too. One way is through the use of landscape plants that vary in texture. The element, texture is subtle enough that it can be employed to inject variety into a garden design without destroying unity.

Landscape Design for Beginners Part 2

You may wonder what seemingly abstract terms like "form" have to do with backyard landscape design. You may object that you're not painting a landscape, after all; you're just putting plants in the ground. Yet it is not coincidental that backyard landscape design shares some terminology with the world of art. The backyard is your canvas; your landscape design skills will determine the beauty of the resulting picture.

The element of form is defined as the shape of a plant and the structure of its branching pattern. For a picture illustrating form, see Part 1. Trees come in many shapes (especially if pruned), including columnar and globular shapes. Likewise, tree forms range structurally from having the stiffly upright branches of Lombardy poplar trees to the droopy quality of a weeping willow. The form of individual components of a plant also needs to be considered. For example, the leaf form of one type of tree can be very different from that of another type of tree. Relative leaf size, meanwhile, helps determine plant texture.

Since texture is primarily a visual matter in landscape design, we often rely on the relative size of a plant's leaves to draw conclusions about its perceived texture. Yes, plant texture is highly relative: it refers to how the surface of the object is perceived, relative to the objects around it. Thus the plant texture of one bedding plant, for example, might be considered more or less coarse than that of an adjacent plant, due to differences in leaf size.

The element of line refers to the fact that the viewer's eye movement or flow can be governed by the arrangement of plants and their borders. Eye movement is unconsciously influenced by the way plant groupings fit or flow together, both on the horizontal and vertical planes. For a picture illustrating line, see Page 3.

Enough about the basic elements, you say? Good: let's move on to the principles you'll apply to your backyard landscape design. Because the effective application of these principles in your own backyard can raise the value of your real estate signficantly.

With the basic elements defined, it is time to put them to practical use. In planning a landscape design it is necessary to work with the "principles" that stem directly from the basic elements. How effectively you implement these principles will determine the impact of your landscaping upon the viewer -be it yourself or a prospective buyer.

Since this introduction to backyard landscape design is meant as a practical guide, the goal is not to provide abstract definitions, but examples that the do-it-yourselfer can implement immediately in a backyard landscape design. In the following discussion of the principles of landscape design on Part 3, note how often the basic elements from Pages 1 and 2 appear. If you understand these five basic elements from Pages 1 and 2, then the following examples on Part 3 should demystify the process of using those elements to apply the principles of backyard landscape design....

Landscape Design for Beginners

Designing a Garden: Landscape Design for Do-It-Yourselfers

"Landscape design." Sounds rather imposing, doesn't it? And, to be sure, one could spend years studying all the ideas in the field of garden or landscape design. But what about the do-it-yourselfer who wants to give a lawn a makeover, or wishes to tinker with designing a garden? If you need to spruce up the landscape design of a house that you are about to sell, or if you simply want to enjoy an enhanced beauty in the privacy of your backyard, you could profit from a straightforward, no-nonsense look at the ideas behind designing a garden, supplemented with hands-on project guides.

Ever wonder about the secrets underlying the magic art of the landscape designer? Well, this resource translates that "magic," making it understandable for the do-it-yourselfer. Study these photos illustrating landscape design ideas and learn about the concepts the pros employ.

View pictures: Landscape Design Explained Through Pictures

Landscape Design Projects in Pictures

Or perhaps you'd rather skip the concepts and get right down to some projects that will beautify your yard? The following resources will allow you to do just that, providing precise instructions and lots of pictures:

• How to Build Garden Fountains
• How to Build Rock Gardens
• How to Plant Flower Beds
• How to Plant Hedges

Understanding the Language of Landscape Design

Whenever you put something together yourself, you are engaged in designing, however humble the project. Sometimes we take our designing skills for granted, because what we're putting together is so commonplace for us that we are no longer conscious of the designing process. For instance, you are employing designing techniques when you compose a letter to send to somebody. Your basic "elements" to accomplish such a task include vocabulary, spelling and grammar. Somewhat more complex elements, or "principles" build directly on the basic elements. Letter-writing principles include conveying your ideas clearly and coming across as a courteous, intelligent individual. Your success with these principles will largely determine whether or not your letter achieves its ultimate objective.

And so it is with landscape design. Do-it-yourselfers must first learn the basic designing elements that underlie the discipline of landscape design. These fundamental elements will then serve as building blocks for learning and implementing the more advanced principles for designing a garden in the backyard. These tried and true principles are the cornerstones of the world's picture-perfect gardens.

The basic elements of landscape design are:

• Color, as defined by color theory
• Form
• Line
  
• Scale
• Texture
  

These five elements must be considered in designing both the hardscape and softscape of your property, the latter consisting mainly of gardens, lawns, shrubs and trees. I discuss form, line and texture in this article. I explain the use of color in my article on color theory. As for scale, it is simply the size of one component relative to adjacent components.

How To Repair Sagging Fence Gates: Hanging Fence Gates

If you need to fix a sagging fence gate, it’s not hard to figure out where the problem lies. Whether a fence gate is made of wood or metal, it usually has only three main elements: the posts on either side, which support it; the fence gate panel or a pair of panels, usually framed as an oblong or square; and sets of metal hinges. The hinges attach the fence gate panel to the post and allow it to swing freely open and closed. Most fence gates have one hinge at the bottom and another at the top. If a fence gate is sagging, the problem is usually the supporting posts, the hinge connection or both.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: One to two hours

Here's How:

1. Examine both gateposts. Check the gateposts to make sure they are level (perfectly horizontal) and plumb (perfectly straight vertically). One or both of your gateposts may not be exactly upright. You can eyeball this, or use a spirit level for greater accuracy.
2. Examine the hinges on the fence gate. On fence gates, each hinge is typically attached with two sets of lag bolts. A lag bolt (sometimes called a lag screw) is a steel screw used for wood projects. It looks like a screw, but the top is flat, thick, and hexagonal. Note the size of the bolt — 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch are common lag bolt sizes — in case you have to replace one that is rusted or missing.
3. Disconnect the bottom hinge first. Even if the hinge looks perfectly fine, go ahead and disconnect it by removing the lag bolts with a ratchet or open-ended box wrench.
4. Now, tackle the top hinge. Partially disconnect the hinge by removing only the lower lag bolt.
5. Lift and shore up the leaning post. Set stones, bricks or blocks around the post to prop it up to the desired upright position. A spirit level will give you an accurate reading. You may have to dig around the post to reset it or replace a wooden one that has warped or rotted.
6. Reset the top hinge. Once the post is level, reattach the lower lag bolt on the top hinge. Tighten it securely with a ratchet or wrench. Use blocks or stones to prop the fence gate erect or have a helper hold the fence gate steady and straight.
7. Next, reset the bottom hinge. Don’t be surprised if you have to reposition the holes in the post: The old holes no longer match up due to wear. Rather than lift the fence gate, your best option is to drill new holes so that the fence gate remains aligned. Moving the hinge just this small amount will correct the angle and prevent the fence gate from sagging. Use a drill to make new holes that are slightly smaller than the screw you’ll use to attach the hinge. For example, use a 3/16-inch drill bit for a 1/4-inch screw.
8. Replace the lag bolts on the bottom hinge. Tighten all the bolts on the top and bottom hinges and either oil the hinges or spray them with WD-40 or a similar lubricant so the fence gate will swing freely without creaking. Repeat these steps on the other gatepost if necessary.

Tips:

1. Heavy or long fence gates (such as a wooden driveway fence gates) may need additional support to keep them from sagging again. Installing guy wires — strong metal wiring that attaches fence gates to the tops of their posts — can help keep them level. You may want to check out fence gate wire kits for this purpose; these usually contain all the parts required in a single package.
2. Editor's note: A reader wrote to disagree with the advice supplied in this article for hanging fence gates, saying, "The author writes 'If a fence gate is sagging, the problem is usually the supporting posts, the hinge connection or both.' That's incorrect. The usual cause of a 'sagging gate' is the failure or the absence of a correctly installed diagonal brace." On the latter point, said reader elaborates as follows: "Based on all that I have seen and read elsewhere, the correct way to install the diagonal support to prevent sagging is from the bottom hinge side to the top latch side."

What You Need:

• Spirit level
• Ratchet or open-ended box wrench that fits hexagonal (6-sided) bolts
• Drill
• Replacement hinge or replacement lag bolts if needed
• Oil or WD-40 for the hinge

Wrought Iron Gates, Wood Gates

Types of Driveway Gates, Cost

Having trouble choosing between the different types of driveway gates, such as wrought iron gates? You may like the look of wood gates, but is a wood gate the best choice for your particular driveway? If you choose metal over wood but conclude that wrought iron gates would wreak too much havoc with your budget, what other types of metal driveway gates are available? I recently conducted an interview on the different types of driveway gates with professional landscape designer, Paul Corsetti in search of answers to such questions. A portion of the interview is contained in the following Q&A:

Q. I see a fair number of wrought iron gates in my area. What are some of the other popular types of driveway gates at this time in North America? Could you briefly discuss the pros and cons of wrought iron gates and other types of driveway gates (cost, durability, etc.)?

A. Well that all depends on the width of the driveway. If it is a large driveway width, then the material for the driveway gate has to be strong enough to span that distance, so steel or wrought iron gates would be used. In some cases a heavy gage cast aluminium driveway gate would be used to cut costs down. If the driveway is of a shorter width, then you can almost consider a wood driveway gate. With a wood driveway gate, you need to consider its durability and, and it must be designed properly and have proper fasteners, hinges and latches. The main factor to consider is whether it will warp and sag under its own weight with repeated opening and closing.

With wrought iron gates (and others made of metal), you can be assured that they will keep their structure intact for years to come as long as the pillars they are secured to are built with a proper base. Some of the wrought iron gates, etc. may, after a while, cause rust stains on light colored driveways.

Q. Tell us more about wood gates, Paul. Comparing wood gates to other types of driveway gates in terms of cost versus quality, how would you rate wood gates? Under what circumstances might a consumer find wood gates an attractive option? Conversely, are there circumstances in which one would definitely want to stay away from installing wood gates?

A. Well, for using a wood gate versus a metal or wrought iron gate, you can certainly save money in the overall cost of the project. But a wood gate is limited in terms of how much distance it can span. Once a gate goes over 42 inches in width, the need for metal brackets and cross bracing becomes a very important factor. The weight of the wood will naturally cause the gate structure to sag whereas a metal gate is held together by welds and is more stable in terms of its joints. A wood gate will bounce and twist as it swings open, and a wood gate that is longer than 5 feet will need metal bracket plates to make the joints more rigid.

Because wood is a live material and susceptible to swelling from humidity levels, the fastener joints can, over time, work their way loose if the gate structure has a longer width than usual. If a driveway is a single car width and you can design a double gate opening at maybe 4 to 5 feet in width for the two sides, then a wood gate is a great option for the cost of a gate install. It could mean the difference between a $1000 (Canadian) to $2000 wood gate install versus a $4000 to $10,000 wrought iron gate install. If you were looking to span something greater than 10 feet in width, then you’d want to consider looking at a metal gate instead of a wood gate.

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