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Intermediate25 min
Landscape Design Principles
Focal points, balance, scale, color theory, and line - create landscapes that look professionally designed.
“Amateurs plant what they like. Professionals plant what creates a composition. The secret is nobody can tell the difference until the amateurs' gardens look like a ransom note.”
What you'll learn
Focal pointsBalanceScale & proportionColor theoryLine & flow
Every landscape needs a focal point - a tree, sculpture, water feature, or dramatic plant grouping. Everything else supports it. Without a focal point, the eye wanders and the design feels unsettled.
Scale: match plant mature size to the space. A 4-foot shrub in front of a 20-foot wall is invisible. A 20-foot tree in a 10-foot bed is a future headache. Check mature sizes before planting.