As a profession, landscape architecture has many benefits for both the environment and the community. It connects man-made structures with the natural world and creates designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
It takes a lot of education and licensing to become a landscape architect. But once you have that, the sky is the limit for what you can achieve.
Eco-friendly practices
Eco-friendly landscaping is designed, constructed and maintained to reduce waste and minimize negative impacts on the environment. It nurtures wildlife, protects natural resources, improves air and soil quality and contributes to healthy ecosystems.
Using eco-friendly methods for your lawn and garden can help save time, money and energy. You can use water-efficient irrigation systems like drip or soaker hoses to reduce evaporation, and choose organic mulches, which enrich the soil as they decompose. Another great way to go green is by using solar-powered lights, which reduce the need for electrical power.
You can also incorporate xeriscaping into your landscape design, which is an excellent alternative to traditional landscaping in drought-prone areas. It involves replacing non-native grasses with drought-tolerant plants that thrive in the local climate, like agave, aeonium, and sedum. Using this technique can greatly reduce homeowners’ reliance on watering and lower their monthly bills. In addition, xeriscaping helps reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals that harm our environment.
Bright colors
Color has a powerful impact on the mood and emotion of landscape design. Bright colors create a sense of movement and excitement, while cool colors create calmness and a feeling of renewal. In addition, the color of flowers and leaves can be used to add contrast to a landscape.
Plants come in a variety of shades, from soft tints to rich jewel-toned ones. The color of the plants you choose can also depend on your climate and season. If you live in a hot area, opt for perennials that produce white, silvery foliage or bright yellow flowers. These shades will accentuate the sunlight, drawing the eye even from a distance.
Color can unify a garden and connect different areas of the landscape. For example, a red bench or brightly painted birdhouse can complement and highlight the plantings in front of it. Landscapers can also use texture to make the transition between different sections of a landscape more seamless. A good rule of thumb is to select coarse texture for the background and fine or medium texture for the foreground layer.
Pops of color
Color is a big component of landscape design and can be used to highlight certain points of interest. Whether that be statues, flowers, or well-positioned furniture, a focal point can carry the eye of onlookers around your landscape. It can also be a great way to bring your brand’s colors and themes into play.
Color can also supply a landscape with mood based on its tones. Warm tones of red and orange add movement and energy, while cool colors like blues and purples create a sense of calm and relaxation. A mix of these shades can be used to create a beautiful and balanced palette, such as this one using burguny ‘Redbor’ kale, white sweet alyssum, and bloodgrass.
The visual public realm is a space for collective expression, from murals that celebrate current social movements and historical figures to seasonal displays of local horticulture. However, it must be done thoughtfully. Otherwise, it can be a distraction that detracts from the landscape’s natural beauty.
Functional art
Functional art is artwork that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This type of art is usually created for a specific purpose and showcases traditional craftsmanship. Functional art has gained popularity in recent years, as people have a desire for practicality and aesthetics. It can be found in a variety of objects, including furniture, home decor, and accessories.
Aesthetic function is also a key element of landscape design. The use of color and texture creates a sense of balance and order in the landscape. For example, the red benches in this landscape serve as a focal point and draw visitors into the space. The varying colors and textures of the plants—from purple-leafed Japanese maple to Hostas and Ferns—also contribute to the visual appeal of the landscape.
The use of poles in this landscape serves a functional purpose, as it is used to hang hammocks. This was an alternative to the original concept of a forest of real trees, as climatic conditions would have prevented them from maturing prior to the construction of surrounding homes.
