Landscape Design Styles

Landscape frames our homes. Our home architecture determines our landscape design styles. Landscape design focuses on both integrated overall landscape planning of a property and the specific garden design of landscape elements and plants within it. The practical, aesthetic, horticultural and environmental sustainability are also components of landscape design. It is often divided into hardscape design and softscape design.

The beginning concept of new landscape design projects most always stem their styles based on the style of home, personal and family needs and the personality of owner when possible.The best landscape designs are the ones that have been carefully thought out with attention paid to the details. Before planning a landscape, it is important to decide what style would best fit your home and lifestyle.

While there are several different landscape design styles that are quite popular and used a lot in most landscaping and garden designs, they are not limited to strict and selected lists of types and themes.

1) Japanese

Traditional Japanese gardens are designed for peaceful contemplation. They draw heavily on Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist philosophies and strive to provide a spiritual haven for visitors. The primary focus of an oriental garden is nature. The elements of Japanese garden mimic or symbolize natural elements. The more natural and harmonious a garden is, the more conducive it is to contemplation.There are four essential elements used in Japanese garden design: rocks, water, plants, and ornaments.

2) Modern

Modern landscaping is known for its streamlined aesthetic and sleek sophisticated style. Overall the garden will feel controlled and organized. Typically, the focus is heavier on hardscape and structures than it is on plants. Modern plants are usually green and selected for shape and texture. Pops of color are then added with furniture cushions, planters or a painted wall.One of the main goals of modern design is to create contrast. It is important to be selective when creating contrast, too much can be overwhelming and make the space seem disjointed.

3) Tuscan garden style

Tuscan garden tends to be formal near residence and they extend into the landscape becomes more informal. One of the respected values of Tuscan garden is that they are sustainable. Tuscan garden often uses natives and plants that are suited to their climate. This means that plants thrive in the area with little water and maintenance, because plants are encouraged to grow in their natural growth, this reduces maintenance.

4) Mediterranean garden style

Mediterranean gardens are best known for their casual elegance. Inspired by the coastal areas of Spain, Italy and France, this style of garden combines relaxed materials and plants with formal accents and designs. Terra cotta pots, tiered fountains, statuary, Roman columns and bocce ball courts are all hallmarks of Mediterranean gardens. The plant palette of a Mediterranean landscape is made of plants that provide texture, color and structure.

5) Cape cod style

Cape Cod, the cape in eastern Massachusetts is the birthplace of the Cape Cod design style that has spread throughout the country. The homes are meant to blend into the landscape, however, still stand out with their charming character.

6) Formal Landscape

The Formal Style follows symmetrical patterns, straight lines and precise geometric shapes with orderly, well-pruned plants. You will often find topiary design in these landscapes. This landscaping style requires a lot of maintenance.

7) English Garden Style

English landscape style is known influence that shifted from formal, symmetrical gardens to looser, irregular style. The English garden was a turn of the century ideal and changed many aspects of landscape to the community.This style was inspired by painting and its design was influenced through many disciplines such as history, philosophy and science. English garden always has a lake mostly man-made but appeared natural basins with edges meandering and irregular. This style values nature and encourages visitors to wander through the gravel paths.

 

Landscape styles evolved from observation of local natural landscapes, and attempts to mimic them at their best in one’s own home or locale. The American Southwest evolved a style that reflects the dry cliffs and arroyos of its countryside.  the Japanese Zen Garden is reflective of the Japanese countryside at its best.

When you are designing or planning your landscape take few of thing into consideration. Consider the design of your home. Take local natural resources and conditions into account. Are you the type that likes to spend a lot of time working in the yard or do you simply enjoy and relaxing in it?