Horticulture Principles and Practices

5. Existing landscape. It is important to know how many of the existing materials
on the property will be retained in the design. For example, a rocky area may be
developed into a rock garden. A mature tree or wooded area may be retained.
6. Existing functionality of the design. It is important to decide which sides offer
the best views and what elements can be enhanced, removed, or hidden. If a
client has recreational facilities (e.g., swimming pool), installing large trees on
the south and west sides of the property is undesirable because of the shade they
cast and the litter they produce.
7. Climatic conditions of the area. One should know the general climate and
microclimate of the area. Plant species to be installed depend on their adaptation
to cold weather. Local rainfall distribution and winds should also be considered.
8. Site plan. A site plan showing walkways, fences, sewer lines, and other utility lines
should be made. Buried and overhead cables should be included as well.
Preliminary Design When the customer’s needs are known and the site characteristics
have been ascertained, the designer may proceed to the drawing board to create a
drawing, starting with sketches and moving on to a scale drawing. The designer should
pay attention to the three basic functional areas of the house (Figure 15–12):
1. Public area (the entryway area [front door] that often faces the street)
2. Private living area (patio or deck)
3. Service and utility area (e.g., vegetable garden, pet house, and storage)
Public Area
The part of the house that
faces the street.
1. Public area. Most homeowners are most concerned about the public area—the
part of the house most visible to passersby and that first approached by visitors to
the property (curb appeal). This side of the house creates the first impression. It
often indicates what the visitor will see indoors. An entryway made of concrete
or brick usually leads to the door. This area could be straight from the street or
designed to curve on approach to the door. Some interest may be introduced into
the design by mounding or terracing a flat lot. Flower beds may aid in creating this
effect. The design should complement the architecture of the home. This area is
truly public and thus some communities restrict what can be done next to the street,
especially regarding the erection of walls or the installation of fences and hedges.
2. Private living area. The private living area is where decks and patios are
located. If shading is important to the homeowner, the patio should be located on
the east side of the house, so that it will receive the warmth of the early morning
sun and be shaded by the house at noon. If sunlight is desired most of the time,
FIGURE 15–12 The three
basic functional areas of a home
to consider in a home landscape
design: private area, public area,
and service area.
Patio
PRIVATE
MAIN HOUSE
SERVICE
air conditioner
trash can
Front porch
Garage
PUBLIC
Street
490 Chapter 15 Principles of Landscaping