Creating a beautiful outdoor space is a science and an art. Landscaping is not only about what looks good to the eye, but also about how to create an environment that works for your lifestyle. Professional landscape designers know the ins and outs of landscape design, from selecting the best plants for your area to creating a functional outdoor living space. Here are some of their secrets on how they become successful in their field.
Think About Function Before Form
When designing a landscape, it’s important to think about how you’ll be using it before you start planning the aesthetics. A professional designer will ask questions such as: “Do you plan on entertaining? Do you need extra seating? Do you want low-maintenance plants or ones that require more care?” Answering these questions can help guide the design process and create an outdoor space that works best for your needs.
Create Balance Through Symmetry and Contrast
Symmetry and contrast are two great ways to create balance in your landscaping design. Symmetry creates a sense of order by having elements at equal distances from each other on either side of a central point or line, while contrast helps add interest to your outdoor space by juxtaposing different colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and heights within one area. Both techniques can be used effectively in any landscaping project.
When designing a landscape, consider both symmetry and contrast when deciding which elements you want to add. For example, symmetrical landscaping designs work well with carefully placed trees, shrubs, flowers, pathways, and outdoor furniture. Contrast can also be used to create tension within a design by placing two strikingly different objects side by side such as a large boulder beside a delicate flowerbed.
Symmetry and contrast can be used in different combinations to create a cohesive design for any outdoor space. When considering the balance of your landscaping project, remember that too much symmetry or contrast can be overwhelming, so it’s important to find the right balance between these two techniques.
Choose Native Plants for Your Area
Native plants can help make your outdoor space look more natural while reducing maintenance costs because they are well adapted to local climates and soil conditions. Choosing native plants can also help attract beneficial wildlife such as birds and butterflies into your yard – something that non-native plants cannot do as easily! Professionals recommend doing research first on which native plants would work best in their area before beginning any landscaping project.
Conclusion: Landscaping is both an art form and a science – it requires creativity as well as technical knowledge in order to be successful. Professional landscape designers have learned the tips and tricks of the trade over years of experience, so if you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor living space it may be worth considering hiring one! From thinking about function before form to choosing native plants for your area, there are many simple steps you can take towards creating an amazing outdoor oasis with help from experienced professionals who know how to make it happen!