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Sustainable design for small landscapesMASTER GARDENER PROGRAM

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“… A small plot of ground well ordered, turns to greater advantage than a large one neglected …”

- Leonard MeagerThe New Art of Gardening, 1697

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Designing small spaces may feel less overwhelming … but more restrictive.

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SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Designing for plant health and longevity; Creating “outdoor rooms”; Important in design regardless of size or

cost.

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FIVE CONSIDERATIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

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1. FUNCTIONAL

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2. MAINTAINABLE

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3. ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND

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4. COST EFFECTIVE

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5. VISUALLY PLEASING

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SITE ANALYSIS: CLIENT INTERVIEW & SURVEY

Client interview– Activities in the landscape– Timeline for installation– Budget – install and maintenance

Site survey– Site inventory– Specific, honest evaluation of site features;

measurements Landscape Design Questionnaire, Site

Evaluation Form

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DESIGN PRINCIPLES

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 1: UNITY A feeling of “oneness” Mix & match plants based on texture, form Repetition of hardscapes and plants All aspects should complement one another, not

compete for attention; The entire design comes together to form one

landscape.

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 1: UNITY

The entire design:– Comes together to form

one landscape;– All aspects should

complement one another, not compete for attention;

– Repetition of materials builds unity.

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 2: SIMPLICITY

Large masses and groups Fewer individual species /

cultivars Backgrounds, backdrops Color pallets 1-3 focal points in a small space More important in commercial

design than residential

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 3: VARIETY

Variety in plants: type, form, texture, seasonal interest;

Variety in hardscapes: color, texture

Variety in location: areas viewed up close, entry gardens, decks, walkways, etc.

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VARIETY VS. COLLECTION

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 4: BALANCE

Formal vs. informal, symmetrical vs. asymmetrical

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 5: EMPHASIS

Integrate focal points, accent, and specimen plants in the landscape

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 6: SEQUENCE

The repetition of textures, colors, form and materials to transition the viewer through the landscape.

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE 7: SCALE

The relative size of one part of a landscape to another and to human beings using plants and hard features of various sizes.

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PLANT SELECTION

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SELECT PLANTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY Right plant, right place, right purpose Select plants based on their elements of

design (characteristics)– Plant type– Size– Form– Texture– Seasonal interest

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PLANT SELECTION: PLANT TYPE

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PLANT SELECTION: SELECT PLANTS BASED ON MATURE SIZE

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PLANT SELECTION: FORM

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PLANT SELECTION: FORM: GO VERTICAL

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TRELLISING & ESPALIER

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PLANT SELECTION: TEXTURE, MIX & MATCH

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PLANT SELECTION: SEASONAL INTEREST

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COLOR

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COLOR

Warm: Focal point, draws attention

Cool: Calm, relaxing, larger Neutral: Transitions, softens,

expands

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DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL LANDSCAPES

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1. DESIGN ELEMENTS TO SERVE MORE THAN ONE PURPOSE

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2. INTERPLANT ORNAMENTALS WITH EDIBLES

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3. CONSIDER VIEWS

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4. USE TALL PLANTS AS BACKDROPS

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5. DESIGN TURF AREAS FOR MAINTENANCE

Mowing – avoid tight radii Light & moisture requirements Repeated traffic, equipment

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6. AVOID DIVIDING THE PROPERTY

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7. DE-EMPHASIZE NARROW AREAS

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8. LOCATE DETAILS & VARIETY CLOSE-UP

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RESOURCES Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series (SULIS):

http://www.sustalnd.umn.edu Gardening Information http://www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo Rice, Graham, The Ultimate Book of Small Gardens Messervy, Julie Moir and Susanka, Susan, Outside the Not So Big House Beaulieu, David, “Color Theory in Landscape Design”,

http://landscaping.about.com/od/flowersherbsgroundcover1/a/flower_photos.htm

Luss, Gunda, “Color Techniques for Landscape Design” http://www.sustland.umn.edu/design/colortechniques.html

Boulden, Steve, “Big Help for Small Gardens”, http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/smallgardens.html

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© 2011 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this PowerPoint is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to the Extension Store at 800-876-8636.

Discover more atextension.umn.edu

Created by Julie Weisenhorn, University of Minnesota Extension, Department of Horticultural Science