The Most Common Landscape Design Mistake

The most common landscape design mistake made by both professionals and garden enthusiasts is believing that the key to a fabulous design is all about the plants.  We all know that plants play a major role in good design, but there are other equally important elements to a great landscape design. 

The most common landscape design mistake is
believing the key to a fabulous design is all about the plants.

​ A landscape may have an attractive array of plant colors and textures, but if the overall layout lacks in interest, the garden may feel like an afterthought.    
 
To create a captivating design, it’s all about a well thought-out plan.  Like so many of us, we get hung up on all the details without planning the big picture first.
 
A successful landscape design is based on how you plan and layout the big picture.  When you first look upon a landscape, your eye sends you on a visual journey.  With the right use of scale and shape, you can control how the area functions, looks and feels.  
 
If you view an entire outdoor design all at once, it would be rather boring and uneventful.  A good design will visually walk you through from one element to the next.  Scale and shape are the “basic bones” of a good design that create movement and interest.  Once the bones are laid out, the rest of the landscape and planting beds magically fall into place.
 
The next time you have the urge to visit the plant nursery, ask yourself “is my overall plan in place”?  If not, I highly recommend to take the time and put a plan in place or contact your local landscape architect for design assistance.   But most importantly, have fun and enjoy!

​Author:  Susan Combs Bauer, BauerCombs & Associates, Inc.
Specializing in landscape architecture, land planning and project management for luxury residential and commercial properties.  Serving the Puget Sound area and beyond. 
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