Landscaping is both a science and an art. It involves the contouring and modifying of the visual features of a land area. It also entails the science and art of gardening, landscape design and landscape architecture.
The visual features include four types. The living elements of landscaping include the flora and fauna. On the other hand, the nature elements are the shape and elevation of landforms and bodies of water. The man-made elements are structures such as fences, walls, statues, garden tables, etc. The last type is the natural element, which includes the natural condition of the area such as lighting and humidity.
The design of flora and fauna is covered by the art of gardening. Managing the growth of the plants is necessary to achieve a beautiful design within the landscape environment. Different characteristics of plants such as shrubs and vines can blend well with distinct man-made structures.
Nature elements are the rocks, stones and sand, the land elevation and shape, and bodies of water, such as lakes and ponds. The rocks, stones and sand add texture to the soft touch of the flora and fauna. Landforms and bodies of water, on the other hand, influence the general theme of the landscape design.
In reality, landscaping purely based on nature and living elements usually lacks something from the over-all concept of the design. Because of this, there are man-made elements that can be added to the whole picture depending on the general theme of the whole design.
The natural condition of the area will decide the mood of the design. Natural lighting can balance a naturally dense garden. On the other hand, the level of humidity and temperature can limit the options of what flora and fauna to incorporate into the design.
Overall, the resulting landscape design will depend on how each of the four elements was inter played into the whole picture. The single formula for good landscaping is achieving balance.
Source by Romain Levesque