small space landscaping 2009
DESCRIPTION
Powerpoint presentation featuring some of the aspects of sustainable design in a small urban landscape.TRANSCRIPT
Sustainable Design for Small Landscapes
Julie WeisenhornUniversity of Minnesota Extension
Department of Horticultural Science
“… A small plot of ground well ordered, turns to greater advantage
than a large one neglected …”
- Leonard Meager
The New Art of Gardening, 1697
Designing small spaces may feel
less overwhelming … but more restrictive.
Sustainable Design
• Designing for plant health and longevity;
• Creating “outdoor rooms”;
• Important in design regardless of size or cost.
Five Considerations of Sustainable Design
1. Functional
2. Maintainable
3. Environmentally sound
4. Cost effective
5. Visually pleasing
Site analysis
Client Interview & Survey
• Client interview– Activities in the landscape– Timeline for installation– Budget – install and maintenance
• Site survey– Site inventory– Specific, honest evaluation of site features;
measurements• Landscape Design Questionnaire, Site
Evaluation Form
Design Principles
Design Principle 1. Unity
• A feeling of “oneness” • Mix & match plants based on texture, form• Repetition of hardscapes and plants• All aspects should complement one another, not
compete for attention;• The entire design comes together to form one
landscape.
Design Principle
1. Unity
• The entire design:– Comes together to form
one landscape;– All aspects should
complement one another, not compete for attention;
– Repetition of materials builds unity.
Design Principle
2. Simplicity
• Large masses and groups• Fewer individual species /
cultivars• Backgrounds, backdrops• Color pallets• 1-3 focal points in a small space• More important in commercial
design than residential
Design Principle
3. Variety
• Variety in plants: type, form, texture, seasonal interest;
• Variety in hardscapes: color, texture
• Variety in location: areas viewed up close, entry gardens, decks, walkways, etc.
Variety vs. Collection
Design Principle
4. Balance
• Formal vs. informal, symmetrical vs. asymmetrical
Design Principle
5. Emphasis
Integrate focal points, accent, and specimen plants in the landscape
Design Principle
6. Sequence
The repetition of textures, colors, form and materials to transition the viewer through the landscape.
Design Principle
7. ScaleThe relative size of one part of a landscape to another and to human beings using plants and hard features of various sizes.
Plant Selection
Select plants for sustainability
• Right plant, right place, right purpose• Select plants based on their elements of
design (characteristics)– plant type– Size– Form– Texture– Seasonal interest
Plant selection
Plant type
Plant selection
Select plants based on mature size
Plant selection
Form
Plant selection
Form: Go Vertical
Trellising & Espalier
Plant selection
Texture, Mix & Match
Plant selection
Seasonal Interest
Color
Color
• Warm: Focal point, draws attention
• Cool: Calm, relaxing, larger• Neutral: Transitions, softens,
expands
Design tips for small landscapes
Design tips for small landscapes
1. Design elements to serve more than one purpose
Design tips for small landscapes
2. Interplant ornamentals with edibles
Design tips for small landscapes
3. Consider views
Design tips for small landscapes 4. Use tall plants as backdrops
Design tips for small landscapes 5. Design turf areas for maintenance
• Mowing – avoid tight radii• Light & moisture requirements• Repeated traffic, equipment
Design tips for small landscapes 6. Avoid dividing the property
Design tips for small landscapes 7. De-emphasize narrow areas
Design tips for small landscapes 8. Locate details & variety close-up
Resources
• Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series (SULIS): http://www.sustalnd.umn.edu
• Gardening Information http://www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo• Rice, Graham, The Ultimate Book of Small Gardens• Messervy, Julie Moir and Susanka, Susan, Outside the Not So Big
House• Beaulieu, David, “Color Theory in Landscape Design”,
http://landscaping.about.com/od/flowersherbsgroundcover1/a/flower_photos.htm
• Luss, Gunda, “Color Techniques for Landscape Design” http://www.sustland.umn.edu/design/colortechniques.html
• Boulden, Steve, “Big Help for Small Gardens”, http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/smallgardens.html
Sustainable Design for Small Landscapes
Julie WeisenhornUniversity of Minnesota Extension
Department of Horticultural ScienceEmail: [email protected]