Horticulture Principles and Practices

Rhythm and Line
Panoramic view of a landscape design is often possible from one or several strategic
viewpoints such as above or overhead (which very few people have the privilege to
experience), especially if the design is not a straight-line display of plants. An elaborate
and extensive design may incorporate several concepts into one overall picture. To avoid
a disjointed display and create a sense of flow or continuity, the different concepts or
sections of the landscape should be linked, such as by use of beds of appropriate plants.
This linkage creates movement in the design. The principle is visible on avenues and in
parks where the same kinds of trees are arranged in long rows (Figure 15–8). It is applicable
to the home landscape where the display in the front of the house can be linked to
the rear display by avoiding an abrupt ending in front. Instead, plant types are repeated
or extended from the front bed or display around the corner. This layout suggests to the
viewer that the design continues around the house.
Scale or Proportion
Scale, or proportion, is not only desired with respect to the plants in the landscape but
also in terms of their relationship with other structures and the general functionality of
the design. In choosing plants for the landscape, it is important to take into account their
size at maturity. Since inanimate objects such as sculptures and houses maintain their
Scale
The landscape design
principle that creates
proportionality among
design elements.
FIGURE 15–8 A demonstration
of rhythm and line in landscape
design.
Good choice and arrangement of plants
Poor choice and arrangement of plants;
house overwhelmed by plants
FIGURE 15–9
Scale or proportion.
15.3 Landscape Designing 485