Elements of

landscape
design
What islandscaping?
Landscaping refers to any
activity that modifies the
visible features of an area
of land, including:
1. Living elements floraor
fauna.
2. Natural elements such as
landforms, terrain shape
and elevation, or water
bodies;
3. Human elements suchas
structures, buildings,
fences or other material
objects created and/or
installed by humans;and
4. Abstract elements suchas
the weather and lighting
conditions.
Enhancing
the landscape
Process of landscape design includes concepts
and elements of landscape designing…
Elements of landscape
Natural
Manmade
Natural Manmade
Plants/vegetation Brick
Water Metal
Earth forms/landforms Plastic
Timber Glass
Stone

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
• Focal point
• Line
• Form
• Texture
• Scale
Elements of landscape
There are many varieties of plant materials such as:
• Trees
• Shrubs
• Creepers and
climbers
• Land covers .etc.

USES:
Environmental Architectural
1. Microclimate modifiers 1. Enframement
2. Conservation belt 2. Scale induction
3. Erosion control 3. Creation of plaza
4. Retains ground water 4. Defines pathway
5. Retains soil fertility 5. Welcoming look and
aesthetic appeal tothe
6. Prevents siltation building
Trees, shrubs, a n d g ro und
covers c a n be used to
emphasize t he desirable
architectural lines and
masses.
P l a n ts c a n be used to soften a n d b a l a n c e h a r s h a n d a wk wa r d
architectural angles, masses a n d materials.
Elements of landscape design- Plants
The human eye has a
tendency to follow the
outline of the objects in the
landscape.
With this idea in mind the
apparent size inaffected.

By graduating plant sizes away from the house, the

apparent size of the structureis increased.

Plants that reach large sizes at maturity are often Tall evergreen create an uninviting,inhibiting
planted too closely to the house when small. appearance to thisentrance.
When mature, they dominate and make the
house look smaller
Elements of landscape design- Plants
Creating outdoorrooms
• The development of
outdoor rooms utilizes
the same elements as
indoor architecture-
floors, walls, and
ceilings.
• The difference is that
the elements of
outdoor rooms are
composed of plant
materials that have a
changing and
dynamic, living quality.

A small side yard developed into an

intimate strolling garden.
 Plants create outdoor rooms.
Elements of landscape design- Plants
Inwardlyoriented
space is
characterized by
either complete
or nearly
complete
enclosure and a Planting beds and walks
strong central act as a breezeway
between driveway and
focal point.
entrance courtyard.

Central areas for

sitting, sculpture Inwardly focused
displays, patios, space
and hot tubs
require enclosure
for purpose of
privacy, quit,and
concentration.
Various plant types,
heights, and
combinations create
walls, partial screens,
and overhead
canopies
Outwardly oriented
rooms are enhanced
by amenities outside
the space such as
good views and
breezes.
Activities taking
place within the
front yard are more
public innature
and will requirefree
visual access on
Outwardly focused and off the site and
space little enclosure.
Elements of landscape design- Plants
Environmental role
• Pollution control
• Noise control
• Climate control

Use of windbreaks tocontrol

winter winds

embankments., deciduous and evergreen

plantings and masonry walls are used together for
effective sound control.

Use of deciduous plants to direct

summer breezes
Elements of landscape design- Plants
Elements of landscape- Plants

Creepers

Shrubs

Climbers
Covered pathways
 Elements of landscape- Plants

GROUND COVERS TREES

Elements of landscape -Water
Water is also another most important landscape element.
Water bodies improve the quality and the worth of the site.it
makes the site attractive.
There are many types of water bodies : Whether a small babbling brook
or a tumultuous cascade, water
1. Fountains features add sound, movement,
2. Pools and enjoyment into the
landscape.
3. Ponds They also provide opportunities
4. Spouts for incorporating pond and
wetland plants into your
5. Artificial waterfalls. etc. landscape design. The choice
and placement of boulders,
stonework, and plantings can
link the water feature with your
building and property, creating
a unified landscape
composition
Elements of landscape -Water
Water flows inevitably, from the source to the receiving ocean
basin. This continuity of rivulets , streams and rivers can be readily
observed.
USES:
1. Excellent land water interface gives an ecological home for the
animals and plants.
2. Water runoff reduced.
3. Microclimate created.
4. Moisture level maintained.
5. Wetland, marshes, swampy areas are conserved.
6. Maintaining vegetation intowetlands.
7. Hydrological cycle maintained.
8. Site aesthetics are enhanced
• Microclimate
created.
• Moisture level
maintained.
• Wetland, marshes,
swampy areas are
conserved.
• Maintaining
vegetation into
wetlands.
• Site aesthetics are
enhanced
ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE- LANDFORM
S l o p e d l a n d f o r m b l o c k s vi e ws & c r e a t e s spatial e d g e s .
Le ve l l a n d f o r m d o e s t h e o p p o s i t e .
Elements of landscape -Stones
• Stones are hard, impermeable, inorganic elements used
extensively in landscape architecture.
• Stones are basically used for the following:

1. Paving
2. Retaining wall
3. Stacked stone wall
4. Sitting
5. Shelters
6. Parapets
7. Bridges
8. Sculptures
9. Planters
10. Bollards
Elements of landscape -Stones
Stone, one of the oldest paving materials, offers
good, durable, wearing surface with a minimum
maintenance required.

Rubble and ashlars masonry are the two forms

of stone used forpaving.

Rubble masonry is rough stone, as it comes

from the quarry, but may be trimmed somewhat
where necessary.

Ashlars masonry is hewed or cut stone from

the quarry and is used much more often than
Rubble for the surfacing of the walls
Elements of landscape -Stones
Landscaping with stone brings in a natural element
that evokes solidness and a sense security.
Types of Landscape Stones and theiruses
Retaining Walls--There are many different types of
stones that can be used when it comes to creating
retaining walls in the lawn. One may elect to
assemble a retaining wall around a small pond, or
even a garden.
 Flagstone-- Flagstone is a very popular choice when
it comes to stones that are used for steps, or simple
ornamental design.
 Boulders --Homeowners elect to implement the use of
boulders in the decorative design of their landscaping.
Great products in the way of boulders include that of
Birchwood, Wisconsin, Granite, and even Honeycomb
Western stone.
 Elements of landscape -Stones
 Marble--Many individuals elect to use marble
when decorating their landscape. Marble can
be used to create signs, around or in garden
ponds, and even marble fountains can be
purchased in order to bring out the natural
appeal of a pond or garden area. They are
also used in sculptures.
 Natural Stone--Natural stone is often a choice
for small landscaping structures.
 Decorative Stones--Decorative stones are used
in pathways or trails to beautify the garden.
Some of them are Royal George, Walnut
nuggets, beachwood pebbles and many
more.
 Other-- Other than that there are pebbles
used for sidewalks, stepping stones used in
gardens and stone is also used as stone
lantern in Chinese gardens.
ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE- TIMBER