Weaving an Attractive Landscape Design with Plants

Up to this point, we have named combinations of three to five genus species for every area within the larger landscape, focusing and selecting plants based on mature height and contrast. Now for the layout...

Although we can do this step in our heads, sketching it on paper can be very helpful and creates a shopping list for the nurseries. Start with the plant that will eventually become the largest plant at maturity and create a group or mass of 3, 5, 6, 7, etc. plants from this single genus species. Use this group once or repeat it several times through the space, making it larger or smaller but continuing to use odd numbers or multiples of three. Creating a group of 2 or 3 and then using a single plant several feet away is okay, too.

Landscape Plan

For most of us, straight lines patterns and symmetry just feels right, but it's the one-off that truly appeals to our subconscious, i.e. asymmetry, odd numbers, zigzag and triangular patterns. Also remember that Mother Nature rarely plants in straight lines. There are opportunities for straight-line and symmetrical planting near the house, patio, and very narrow beds. But, right now, we are designing for planting beds away from the house, and our goal is to weave a natural landscape of colors and texture using triangular and zigzag patterns.

Step two, take the next tallest plant for this first area and do the same. Create triangular or zigzag patterns with an odd number of plants (or multiples of 3), weaving them close to the first plant, yet always accounting for mature width. Again, use this group once or several times, depending on the mature size of the mass and the space available. Continue with the next tallest plant and so on. Poka-dot the open holes and edges with perennials and annuals and move on to plan the next area.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'