This "LANscape" [sic] version provides a printer-friendly link. Its sole purpose is to provide the printer-friendly alternative for the commentary. To see the actual photo gallery, please see Landscaping Pictures: Photo Gallery. Unfortunately, "printer-friendly" means all you get is text.
9.An essential element in landscape design is line, since nothing controls eye movement more readily than a straight line. The objective of utilizing line is to direct eye movement, unconsciously, in a manner that is most conducive to appreciating the landscape in question. For instance, perhaps the situation of your landscape holds the potential for a magnificent vista. In designing for such a landscape, why not take full advantage of it?
Thus in the picture above, the eye is directed along the line of the wall and straight driveway of this landscape to an ocean vista. Such a view is well worth framing -- and this landscape design frames it beautifully. The masonry wall is not only attractive in its own right, but channels eye movement right down to the sparkling waters dotted with sailboats.
10.In the prior picture we saw how large, elaborate stone masonry can serve as more than just a landscaping border. Such walls can also be used to channel the eye to a desirable vista. In the photo above the stone wall is less ambitious, but nonetheless provides the structure for a fine decorative border. Here the plants take center stage.
11.In the prior landscaping picture we looked at a decorative border along a sidewalk. An easy call for a landscape designer, right? But what about areas for which the landscape design approach is less obvious? Perhaps a hillside, or a corner nook in between the road, your driveway and the woods?
The photo above shows just such a landscape nook. The design solution employed here was to use ornamental grasses, along with other plants, and a liberal dose of mulch. The unusual blue color of the ornamental grass pictured above is striking enough to allow this landscape design to remain rather minimalistic. Many ornamental grasses are also a low-maintenance alternative, not requiring the dead-heading that flowers do.
12.The landscaping in the prior picture showed how effective ornamental grasses can be in landscaping. The picture above offers an idea for the challenge of hillside landscaping. Note how ornamental grasses are used to fill in an area that could easily frustrate your landscaping attempts. As in the prior picture, heavy mulching is an integral part of the hillside landscaping strategy applied here.
This little nook is on a hillside, just off the street. A common problem for such hillside landscaping is erosion. Mulching helps check erosion. Not only that, but mulching will keep weeds in check, as well, making for low-maintenance landscaping. As if these benefits weren't enough, mulching around the ornamental grasses will help the soil beneath remain cool, meaning you'll have to water less. And when you do water, the mulch will aid the soil in retaining that water longer.
13.The landscaping picture above shows a landscape with little in the way of frills. Mainly just a nice lawn with some well cared-for trees. One accent piece was allowed to enter into the picture -- a wooden wishing well. Wooden wishing wells are popular garden accents.
Even the wooden wishing well here is used in a very understated manner. The only reason it stands out at all is that it is the only hardscape element in this landscape design. Indeed, the little wishing well is dwarfed by the trees behind it and by the vast expanse of lawn.
