Although most people evaluate the success of a landscape
development in terms of the selection and condition of the
plant
materials, most really well-designed landscapes contain a
good
balance of construction and plant materials.
Carefully designed and executed paved surfaces, fences,
walls,
overhead structures and edging materials are not only
attractive
but also reduce routine maintenance. If possible, when
selecting
building materials for the landscape, repeat materials and
colors
already used on the home. Weathered wood, natural stains,
concrete and earth tones in brick will usually blend with
existing
construction materials and relate to the natural
environment.
Accessories
Landscape accessories are details which may have no
functional
purpose, such as surfacing or enclosure, but do have
definite
visual effects. Accessories also help express individual
tastes and
preferences. Major accessories, however, should not be
afterthoughts; they should be planned as the design evolves.
Accessories add character and dimension to a garden, but
poorly
selected and placed accessories may spoil an otherwise
well designed
landscape.
Many landscape accessories are available. Much of what is
available, however, has little or no aesthetic value. To
determine
whether or not to use an accessory in the garden, ask
yourself
these questions:
-
Does it have practical use?
-
Is it
beautiful
in itself?
-
Does it fit or relate to the overall
landscape design?
Probably the most important of these three questions is the
last
one.
Garden furniture offers a real opportunity to add utility,
color and
beauty to the landscape. Comfortable and attractive items
are
now available in a wide variety of low maintenance
outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture must be large enough to
be
practical and must be in scale with its surroundings.
Built-in
furniture has the added value of being permanently in place
and
enhancing the overall design. Occasionally the surface of a
retaining wall or raised planter can serve as a seating
area. The
living terrace is the most usual place for outdoor
furniture. An
interesting piece of driftwood, tree roots or limbs,
boulders or
rocks provide interesting substitutes for good sculpture.
These
items are easily blended with the design and may be readily
available.
Birdbaths are often used in home landscapes. To be useful
they
should be shallow, not exceeding 1 1/2 inches in depth, and
contain fresh water. Bird houses and feeders should also be
selected on the criteria discussed earlier.
Other accessories, such as stained glass, relief sculpture,
outdoor
chandeliers and plant containers are finding their way into
the
well-designed landscape. A stained glass window, partially
enclosed in an outdoor area, or a burning outdoor chandelier
may
be added for interest, illumination and possible
insect-repelling
qualities. Hanging or conventional container plants can add
a
great deal of interest. With the current trend to return to
natural
materials and handmade workmanship there is an almost
limitless
variety of accessories available for our use. The temptation
to
"overdo" has never been greater. Like other fine things,
garden
accessories should be used with considerable restraint.
Outdoor lighting can add a great deal to the attractiveness
and
usefulness of the landscape. Specialists often recommend two
separate lighting systems: one for functional and safety
purposes
and another designed to be beautiful and interesting.
Dimmers,
low voltage units and other special lighting equipment have
become popular and add versatility to outdoor lighting. When
placing outdoor lighting for beauty only the effects of
lighting
should be seen; the source or fixtures are usually hidden in
the
ground or in tree branches.
Good landscaping is a major investment in time and money.
Many
people feel that they obtain double enjoyment by including
well designed
outdoor lighting to increase the hours of pleasure from
their outdoor environment.
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