Although not everybody has the same tastes, some landscaping rules must be followed to avoid common mistakes.
1. Consider all angles:
The design should be inviting and pleasing to the eye, no matter where it's viewed from. For example, the front yard should be equally appealing whether you're walking past the house, taking the path to the front door, or leaving the house or backyard. And don’t forget that your landscaping should be enjoyed from inside the house as well!
2. Respect balance:
Your landscaping must offer a certain homogeneity and harmoniously combine architecture and plants.
In the front yard, limit the number of feature plants so that the house remains the focal point. In the backyard, create distinct areas: a rest area, a vegetable garden, a playground, a dining area. If you have enough space, you can create islands that will allow you to slightly bend the rule and experiment as you wish: a cut flower garden, a pollinator garden, an edible arrangement, etc.
3. Plant in odd numbers:
1, 3, 5, 7… Odd-numbered plantings should be preferred, except when you want to frame a specific element, such as flower pots on either side of a path or two shrubs at the base of an arbor leading to the garden. In this case, symmetry is key.
4. Focus on repetition:
It creates rhythm while subtly organizing the space. Avoid impulse buys, as it rarely gives satisfying results. Conversely, repetition and alternation help guide the eye through the space so the whole picture can be enjoyed. The garden can thus freely tell its story while being relaxing for the eye and the mind. The closer the repetitions, the faster the rhythm.
5. Group plants together to form clusters:
Group a variety of plants (shrubs, conifers, perennials, annuals) into well-defined planting areas rather than spreading them out.
6. Think safety and functionality:
Rethink the lighting, clean up the paths, provide easy access to the backyard...
7. Create an intuitive and harmonious connection:
Landscaping should logically connect the various elements. Paths, stepping stones, the lawn or the repetition of plants can help you achieve this and guide visitors to the front door or backyard.
Maintain your lawn carefully to obtain a uniform decor. It is also possible to create a lawn-free landscaping.
8. Be mindful of dimensions:
Be careful not to obstruct the windows, but don't leave them bare either. Allow a few lilac branches to frame them or flowering shrubs to border the bottom... A garden should be enjoyed from inside the house as well!
A front yard landscaping focuses on the overall effect. To captivate, opt for plants that are visible from a distance rather than flowers that can only be admired from up close. Several plants from the same family will have a greater impact than a wide variety of different species.
You like to experiment? A section of the backyard can be arranged to receive your favourite plants and practice your hybridization skills!
9. Create appeal year-round:
Choose plants that allow for successive flowerings and focus on plants that offer visual interest throughout the seasons (structure of trees, leaf or branch colours, fruit production, etc.).
10. Create subtle contrasts:
Limit the number of colours to avoid a cluttered effect! Instead, juxtapose shapes, heights and dimensions to create impact. Create a beautiful contrast by placing a plant with large leaves next to one with small leaves. Juxtapose yellow foliage with purple foliage. Create beautiful compositions by arranging rounded plants next to a conical shrub.
Garden design is something that takes time and experience to master. Take risks with your plantings, and if the result isn't to your liking, move them around. Remember that a garden isn't something permanent that cannot be changed. It's meant to evolve.
Over time, you’ll have the garden you dream of!
