Balance plays an important role in designing your landscape. Visual stability is attained when plants are strategically placed in the garden with color, density, size and form in mind. All four of these traits carry visual weight. For instance, dark colors often appear heavier than whites and pastels while plants with fine-textured foliage strike us as being lighter in weight than those with coarse foliage.

Many homeowners are unaware of certain design styles. These important styles include formal, symmetrical, and informal, or asymmetrical designs. These are basically two roads to follow when seeking balance in the garden. Formal landscapes have symmetrical balance. No matter what the landscape scenario is, symmetry is always maintained. The viewer can determine a center line as well as right and left sides that mirror each other. This can only be possible if a focal point, such as a statue, entryway, water feature, is utilized.

The asymmetrical balance of informal garden designs isn't as readily perceived. It may seem random and natural, but it's well-organized and quite stable. One side may consist of tall forms, dark colors or rough textures. The other evens out the equation with a larger grouping of plants that are shorter, lighter colored or more finely textured. Informal designs are suitable for slopes, wooded areas or landscapes around structures lacking symmetry.

In either case, balance is necessary for your landscape to be successful. Without balance, certain plants or features will stick out like a sore thumb. A successful landscape design is a form of artwork. Let this be your masterpiece.




Reference: Miller, Luke. Garden Gate Issue 18, December 1997
Photos: www.all-starlocations.com and www.virginiaphotography.com