However, some variety in color, plant material, hardscaping textures, etc., adds interest to the landscape. Plants can be grouped according to color, texture, or form. Unity-Group plants to achieve a unifying effect in the landscape (usually in groups of 3, 5, or 7).This may require using a group of smaller shrubs to counterbalance a large tree on the opposite side. Asymmetrical balance can be achieved by using different elements to create a more informal equilibrium. Symmetrical is a more formal style of design with materials on one side mirrored on the other. Balance-Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Along with the ones listed below, remember the importance of simplicity and harmony in designing. There are several basic principles of design to consider when planning the landscape.
The watering zone designs will depend on the amount of water you wish to use for the landscape, how much money you can spend on landscape water, and what you wish to achieve aesthetically and environmentally. It is important to know the water requirements of the plants at the site to most efficiently meet these needs without wasting water. Plants adapted to the dry conditions of Utah will survive with little or no water (zone 0). Zones can be separated into zone 0 (no irrigation), zone 1 (irrigate monthly), zone 2 (irrigate twice per month), zone 3 (irrigate weekly) and zone 4 (irrigate twice per week). This will help to more accurately meet plant water needs while conserving water. When choosing plants, identify their water requirements and group those with similar irrigation requirements in the same area or irrigation zone. In order to protect a home from cold and snow, use trees and shrubs as insulators or windbreaks along the building. Conserving energyĭeciduous trees should be placed on the south, east and west sides of the building to take advantage of the potential benefits of summer shade and winter sun to heat or cool the building.Įvergreens are good insulators but limit sunlight, so try to plant them on the north side of the building. These materials can enhance the design while reducing the amount of area that needs to be irrigated and maintained. Consider the use of hardscaping materials such as patios, walks, screens, and lighting. Planning the Designīased on the environmental considerations found in the site analysis, decide where plants should be placed for optimum aesthetic value, screening of undesirable views, shade or windbreaks, and separation of areas of the yard. Take notes on such factors as seasonal effects of sun and shade, soil conditions, slopes, direction of winds, and views from various points on the site. Visit the site to look for the environmental assets and constraints that will influence the design. Use graph paper to prepare a scale map of the property and let each square represent a certain distance. This is simply a map of the building and lawn along with the location of existing structures, trees and shrubs, property lines, driveways, gardens, utility lines, contours of the land, or other possible limitations to the design. Developing a Plot Planĭevelop a plot plan of the area to be landscaped. Water is a limiting resource in Utah, so designing the landscape to efficiently use water is important.Ĭonserving water in the landscape can be accomplished by selecting low water use plants, designing and scheduling irrigation systems efficiently, grouping plants according to their water requirements, and using hardscaping materials (patios, stone paths, decks, etc.) appropriately to reduce the area requiring irrigation. Water-wise Landscaping Principle # 1: Planning and DesignĪ landscape design should meet the needs of the people who will use and maintain the area while incorporating the site’s existing environmental conditions into the design. However, Utah landscapes are often over-irrigated and a great deal of water conservation may be achieved by keeping a few water-wise landscaping principles in mind as we design, install, and manage our landscapes. Our irrigated landscapes provide us with many benefits that include beautiful surroundings, natural cooling, and the cleansing of our environment. In Utah, approximately 65% of our annual culinary water consumption is applied to landscapes.
This fact, along with our relatively high level of water consumption and our population growth, has brought water conservation to the forefront of those natural resource issues currently facing the state. If you live in Utah, you have undoubtedly heard that Utah is one of the driest states in the nation, second only to Nevada. A water-wise landscape also helps to conserve water. A water-wise landscape is one that is functional, attractive, and easily maintained in its natural surroundings.
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