Average looking landscapes abound. I've found that the issue more often than not lies within the starting point of ideas. Many look at Magazines or TV shows that exhibit beautiful landscapes and they wonder "why don't I see things like that around here.....or in my own yard?" The answer has to do with 'Scale'. Most start at the nursery, sometimes even building thier ideas around a single plant. Sure, the plant is pretty on it's own but what needs to be asked is: "How does this plant fit in with my overall plan?" Usually there is no plan. Most will keep adding plants to the property based upon thier observations of individual plants in the nursery.
The result is often a hodgepodge effect. The plants themselves look great at certain times in the season, but there relationship to the Architecture, the surrounding major landscape, and to eachother is rarely considered. Success is in Orchestration before decision. Where should we start? Start Big. Get as far away from the building/area as possible and consider the project first in that scale. Consider what areas need balance or more wieght on a larger scale. Shade trees and evergreen trees are considered in this stage along with outbuildings and additions to the Architecture. Often when observing at this scale, fantastic ideas arise. Not just with the landscape but with the architecture itself. Adding interest and wieght to a building is often as easy as changing the front door or adding a small portico, to change the lines of the building. It is in this phase that we ask simply: "What parts of this space are weak and or are out of balance with the major landscape, the architecture and the existing plants?" This scale must be adressed first, for the details fail if the major structures of the landscape are weak. What follows ofcourse is a progression down in scale that ends (not begins) with those beautiful little details in plants that we enjoy so much.
By Cristian Beaulieu Pres. EO landscape masterworks
http://www.landscapemasterworks.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment