Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture PDF

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f i fi 157 720 (07) Housing'Aa^nistraUon taw-Library J. IpSj J. J gllti: J International Correspondence Schools, Scranton, Pa. Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture V By KARL B. LOHMANN, B.S., M.L.A. Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects 6417-1 Edition 2 International Correspondence Schools, Scranton, Pennsylvania International Correspondence Schools, Canadian Ltd., Montreal, Canada  A si / ik 1 eP f> ^ /Q- Fundamentals of YOUR TECHNICAL EDITOR , 1 This text, “Fundamentals of Landscape Landscape Architecture V ; Architecture,” has been technically edited by ; David T. Jones, Director of the School of. J Architecture and the Building Trades, in m. ''*** ^ Yl which the instructional service for tliis text *S Provided. l*1 editing this text, Mr. Jones’ aim has been to ensure that the material pre­ sented to the student meets the high standards of technical accuracy, ready application, com­ By pleteness, and readability to which every ICS text must conform. KARL B. LOHMANN, B.S., M.L.A. Mr. Jones is a graduate in architecture of the University of Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Institute of Archi­ Member, American Institute of Planners tects, the Pennsylvania Society of Architects, and the Construction Member, American Society of Planning Officials Specifications Institute. He has had extensive experience in the field of architecture. Serial 6417-1 © 1963, 1961 by International Textbook Company Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved v, International Correspondence Schools j ICS *A Scranton, Pennsylvania/ International Correspondence Schools Canadian, Ltd. Montreal, Canada i  /m , 7r'OC \ WSfr- ! 9/9 What This Text Covers... r-rrr Here is an outline of the instruction text you are about to study.. 'mtf T) Refer to this outline while you are studying. It will give you a helpful general view of the contents of the text. You might also i Fundamentals of check off each, item of the outline as you complete the corresponding i section in the text. Later you can use the outline to help find i Landscape Architecture those parts of the text to which you would like to refer again. 1. Underlying Principles Pages 1 to 9 Underlying Principles A brief description of landscapes in ancient times points Importance of Landscape Architecture up the factors that must be considered in landscape design. Various landscape terms are defined here. 1. Landscape architecture is concerned with the arrange­ ; ment of land, water, plant forms, and structures, for their best 2. Land and Water Pages 10 to 19 Proper use of land and water in landscaping calls for a use and greater enjoyment. It deals with land-planning prob­ knowledge of topography, soil, drainage, and surfaces. lems such as building sites, gardens, outdoor-living areas, Water can be utilized as streams, ponds, lakes, dams, pools, playgrounds, and parks. It requires a knowledge of design and fountains. and construction that overlaps in the fields of architecture, 3. Vegetation Pages 20 to 43 engineering, horticulture, botany, and other branches of the Plants, shrubs, and trees offer a variety of sizes, textures, arts and sciences. and colors for landscape designs. A lawn forms one of the The field of landscape architecture is known by such other best ground covers, but requires careful preparation and maintenance. names as landscaping, landscape gardening, landscape design, landscape planning, landscape engineering, landscape con­ 4. Enclosures Pages 44 to 56 tracting, and landscape nursery work. Landscapes are bounded by floors, walls, and. ceilings, You can realize the importance of landscape architecture which may be either natural or man made. Walls may be used to ensure privacy, to hold back earth, or to serve by comparing buildings that have been adequately landscaped seating purposes. with those in which the landscaping has been neglected. Such comparison will show that a poor arrangement of the land­ 5. Circulation Pages 57 to 59 scape can greatly decrease the value of a well-designed build­ Flow of movement in landscaping can be directed by ter­ races, walks, and paths. Automobile traffic must be ing. Proper landscaping, on the other hand, can provide a provided for. beautiful setting for a building. It can add to the comfort of 0. Layout of House Grounds...............................Pages 80 to 72 1 the occupants by providing shade and windbreaks and by The grounds of a house are laid out to include the living screening off undesirable views. and service areas. The landscaping should define the i different areas. Purpose of This Text 7. Neighborhood Landscaping Pages 73 to 79 I 2. The purpose of this text is to give you a working knowl­ Such initial considerations as access, and planting for wind­ edge of the principles and problems underlying the practice breaks, shade, and privacy, are explained here. The cluster of landscape architecture, and of its applications, primarily as plan for a community is illustrated. they relate to domestic architecture. 6417  1 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture : 2 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 3 A knowledge of landscape architecture, which helps people : to achieve a better way of life through the fullest use of the villas followed the slopes, with three or four terraces faced 1 out-of-doors, is especially important to the architect, land- with stone and equipped with balustrades and steps. The scape architect, draftsman, homeowner, landscape contractor, lower level contained the flower garden proper and the prin­ gardener, nurseryman, and realtor. cipal approach, the second levels contained the house, and the upper levels included the woodland. Water was used to Landscaping in Ancient Times achieve spectacular effects. i 3. To understand the principles and problems underlying The Spanish gardens of the Renaissance were also notable. i the present-day practice of landscape architecture, you should They occupied lofty sites and had arcaded courts. They made i be aware of some of the achievements of the past in this field. use of channels, fountains, and jets of water, rows of potted I These achievements have accompanied the development of plants and tile decorations. Palms and orange trees framed ! architecture through the ages. more distant vistas. : The gardens of ancient Egypt reflected climatic, physical, Some of the Renaissance gardens of France achieved great and religious influences. The gardens of a high official, for distinction. The grounds at the Palace of Versailles were instance, usually occupied a square of land and were sur­ among the most distinguished and spectacular. They were rounded by lofty walls. The dwelling houses within the walls developed in the so-called grand manner, with no stinting of were carefuly hidden away and shaded by trees, and the money, labor, or talent. Among their most outstanding fea­ grounds were enlivened by ponds, waterfalls, and green bor­ tures were an intricate pattern of cross-connecting avenues, ders. In the middle of the gardens were vineyards and rows an amazing display of statues, cascades, and fountains, and a of trees. canal a mile or more in length. The gardens of the Persians were rectangular and enclosed The basic characteristic of the Renaissance garden' was its by high mud walls. They were divided by intersecting raised formality; it was balanced and orderly. Its planes, patterns, paths and low fences, and embellished with little tunnels and and shapes were those of geometry, not of nature. blue-tiled pools, pavilions, kiosks, and canopied summer houses. Outdoor features in the early Greek cities included baths, Chinese and Japanese Influences stadiums, open-air theaters, porticoes, and colonnades. 5. From the Orient, the landscape artist accepted two The monasteries of the Middle Ages in Europe were important concepts. The first is that nature itself is beautiful grouped around central courtyards that were framed by col- and good. Chinese painting reflects this attitude toward onnades and enriched with central fountains, beds of flowers, nature. To the Chinese painter the untouched landscape is the and statues of the Christian saints. noblest subject matter. Renaissance Gard ens The second concept is that if native forms are the most beautiful, they are to be copied literally. Thus man-made.i ^vi^as of Renaissance Italy were distinguished, for forms are abandoned in favor of naturalistic ones. tn fV, Were uPon and were closely adapted Chinese gardens represented or suggested actual scenes, ta ian Asides. The major lines of the plans of those hills, and streams. Paths ran through the gardens in pebbled  Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 4 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 5 patterns; doors were often circular, or octagonal. Weird, con­ j torted, water-worn rocks and petrified plant forms were used ) as sculpture, along with guardian dogs and other features of stone. Water flowed quietly, or lay calmly in lakes or ponds. i The Japanese derived their landscape inspiration from the I Chinese and included in their layouts meaningful stones and ! stone lanterns, trees, pagodas, arched bridges, and character­ 1 i I istic fences and gates. i While much of the spirit of the informal and naturalistic garden came from the Far East, it was developed markedly in eighteenth-century England. In the United States the informal garden did not become popular until after 1800. : g jHfflBSPw * ^ tjofio onnn ^41 ^5 *a s 2 < t i Landscape Design in the United States 6. Landscape design in the United States has certain qual­ 3 E j IP CQ J ities in common with all the great landscape traditions of the < 7TS l ! world: Chinese, Japanese, Persian, English, Spanish, French, 5 and Italian. Originally, these traditions were localized in cer­ ! r - i 3 Imcbia 3~~]f H P in 8 j < S. tain sections of the country: the French influence was evident in New Orleans; the English, in New England; the Spanish, >< “Bsaan Om □c h in California. Today, with the development of rapid methods of transportation and communication, sectional differences in the United States have almost disappeared, so that among con­ i 8 |. ] f¥7 temporary gardens, the typical New England or California ; garden, for instance, is very rare. | i I * Vr*/ —\r.. New Expression in Landscapes 7. As you have seen, landscape design has developed along : *r-y. i ; the lines of two principal traditions, the formal and the in­ formal. The formal tradition, as shown in Fig. 1, has behind it 4 elements of order, proportion, rational planning, and beauty. It revealed an intimate formality in the earlier English gardens ; Too often, however, the formal tradition led to a slavish regard for preconceived patterns and designs, and to undue drafting- : | board influence. i ; !  FUNDAMENTAJLS of Landscape Architecture 6 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 7 which not just views but also the use of space, space relations, and new materials, as well as freedom of form, are important considerations. The design may be formal or informal, or a combination of the two. y. Perhaps the biggest change that has occurred in landscape architecture is in the concept of the relation between house and garden. Until recent years the garden was designed to walk in or through. Today the garden is designed to live in, IIIHH mini and the use of glass walls has made the garden a part of the i min l IJ Mil living area of the house. 1111111 IIIHII 1111111 The use of glass, more than anything else, is responsible for IIIHH I IlHU min* the great interest today in Japanese gardens, since the Jap­ iniiii iiiiiii anese with their sliding walls have for centuries done away I 11 /HI mi I H i : i n' IIIHH with the ironclad division between the indoors and the III. HI lilll'l IIIHIJ outdoors. »; 11 / # IIIHH In the United States the technological revolution which 11:111 iiiiiii II HHI accompanied the early twentieth century abolished pumps, hi. huh in iriHiiHiiiii IIIIUI Hum outhouses, and chicken runs, and eliminated the distinction 11111111tj iiiii. between front and back yards, thus making it possible to place the contemporary house in the midst of a garden. I Utility and Beauty 8. The business of landscape architecture is to achieve utility and beauty in the out-of-doors. This means that the layout, including construction features, must be practical and functional, and must be artistically composed. To be func­ tional, the layout must operate smoothly and conveniently and fit the topography and surroundings as well as climatic Fig. 2. Typical Informal Landscape conditions. : Beauty in a landscape usually requires the consideration of The informal type of landscape design was irregular, in" < formal, simple. An informal landscape design is shown in certain factors of architectural design. Fig. 2. The informal design reached its lowest status when H Design Factors included a careless scattering of plants and meaningless 9. Landscape architecture, like building architecture, is irregularity. concerned not only with construction but also with such Today we have a new conception of landscape design, i11. s. 1: Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture S : : factors of design as scale, unity, proportion, contrast, color, : and emphasis. ! Scale. The term “scale” as applied to a building is used to ; describe the sizes of the parts of a building, such as windows i and doors, in relation to their purposes and uses. Since build- I i : ings are built only for use by people, the scale should be selected with this fact in mind. The scale for a landscape design should be determined in the same manner. Whether the scale of a design is large or small, is, therefore, determined by the relation which certain of its parts bear to the require­. m^Wm ! ments of man. ‘F i ! i Landscapes may vary in scale according to their purposes. In the garden for a residence, for instance, the parts are made small in scale. But in the landscaping for a government build­ : UliS^. s :* ! ing, the parts are made larger and more impressive. In other : ; words, the scale may be larger in public and important land­ scapes than in domestic landscapes. In any design, however, i ! the scale should be uniform throughout. i ¥ ; Unity. Any landscape design must have unity; that is, the different parts of the design must be united and should express Fig. 3. Contrasts in Color and Texture their purpose in a single harmonious composition. Where the i! landscaping supplements a building, landscaping and building ; must combine to produce a harmonious whole. ! roportion. Proportion is the relation of the shapes of the anous features and parts of a landscape design to each other. ® must be a harmonious relation, between the various and the masses of a design, as well as between the masses themselves. i Proportions cannot r" con- design f.r°poition Is cl°sely allied to scale. A landscape : scalp m' Ut- ,StaiJce’ vv^ose proportions are pleasing at intimate. cated nf C 1SaStlOUS ^ same proportions were dupli­ i cated at monumental scale. ! :  Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 9 Color. The color of the various parts of a landscape design must be harmonious, regardless of the materials used. Where the landscaping adjoins a building, the color of the landscap­ ing must be in harmony with the color of the building. Contrast. Contrast in landscape design means variety in design. It should not be so apparent as to produce unharmon- ious results or to affect the unity of the design. Contrast may occur in form, size, color, or texture. It adds variety and inter­ est to a design. A common contrast is dark against light, as, for example, dark foliage against a light building. Contrasts in color and texture are shown in Fig. 3 in the different values provided by the walk, the lawn, the flowers, and the shrubs. Emphasis. The landscape architect tries to give satisfying form to an area and to the three-dimensional parts that com­ pose it, while at the same time fulfilling various practical needs. He must consider the different ways of covering floor areas, the different types of enclosures and kinds of ceilings. All aspects must be thought of in relation to one another. After these matters have been weighed, the landscape archi­ tect may consider the details. One of his early decisions will be the relative emphasis he wishes to give to the various parts of his composition, and what part he wishes to make the center of interest. Summary 10. Landscape architecture involves much more than planting a few shrubs around a building after the building has been completed. The primary objective of landscape architecture is to achieve beauty and utility in the fullest use of the out-of-doors. It is concerned with the arrangement of natural and man-made forms, and with land-planning prob­ lems of every kind. It requires a knowledge not only of design but also of construction. The landscaping of a building should be planned when the building is being planned. The building should look as if  10 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 11 it belongs to the site, and the site should blend with the sur- roundings. Proper landscaping can provide a beautiful setting 911.3 PROPERTY LINE 908.1 for a well-designed building. By providing shade and wind­ breaks, it can make a building more comfortable. The history of landscape architecture covers centuries and has developed along the lines of two principal traditions, the formal and the informal. For an appreciation of landscape architecture, you should be aware of past achievements as well as of contemporary movements in this field. In recent years the biggest change that has occurred in landscape architecture is in the concept of house and garden. Formerly, the garden was designed to walk in or through. Today the garden is designed as a part of the living area of the house. Land and Water Nature of Landscape 11. The landscape consists of such familiar elements as ground, water, sky, and structures. The landscape architect deals with humanized landscapes, such as private gardens, the 914.7 $-912.3 public grounds adjoining buildings, and parks and such areas, -WATER MAIN CURB which have been planned for use by people. SEWER Problems of the Ground Fic. 4. A Topographic Map 12. All landscapes are subject to natural or human modifi­ cation. The landscape architect is concerned primarily with Topography the problems that accompany human modification. The land­ 13. A contour map, or topographic map, is shown in Fig. < scape architect has opportunities either to utilize existing 4. All the points on each contour line are at the same level, earth forms or to model new ones to suit the needs of man. since they are a fixed distance above a definite point, or datum. Consideration must be given to the soil, to drainage, grading i The usual datum is sea level. When the slope is gentle, the of terraces, banks, and slopes, balancing and measuring, contour lines are far apart; when the slope is steep, they are excavation and filling operations. close together. When the slope is uniform, the contour lines Actual examination of the piece of ground to be land­ are equidistant from each other. scaped is of first importance. Such an examination is facilitated The grading of land may involve leveling, building up, by use of a topographic, or contour, map. cutting away, or a gradual passing from one plane of earth to  12 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 13 another. The object of grading is to beautify and at the same or standing in pockets. The water must be spread out or else i time to achieve a better use of the land. controlled mechanically or structurally. Some soils, however, are so open and dry as to pose no drainage problem. Kinds of Soil The drainage of an area is facilitated*by proper surfacing, 14. In planning a landscape, you must take nature into but it can be assisted by underground drain tiles or pipes laid account. To appreciate nature and its elements and to use i in lines from 20' (feet) to 40' apart and from 3' to 4' deep, them effectively in the landscape, you must understand and depending upon the kind of soil and climate. For heavy soils, j * appreciate the basic natural forms. You must realize, for the drains must be closer together. The bottoms of the : example, how vegetation is related to certain soils and how it trenches for the tile must have sufficient fall throughout their appears as particular families of plants. lengths to provide ready flow to the outlet. I There are many types of soil, which may be narrowed In general, the land near a house should slope away from j down roughly to clay, sand, and loam types. Clay soils have the house at a rate of approximately one inch per foot. As a greater capacity for holding water than other types, but are far as possible, the existing drainage relations of an area, such j rather difficult to handle. Their physical structure is improved i as the points of inflow and outflow, should be preserved. by the addition of sand, humus, weeds, manures, and grass clippings. Sandy soils are easy to work, but they leach easily. Terraces and Banks They are improved for growing purposes by the addition of 16. Terraces and banks may serve a variety of purposes, ; organic material. and may assume a variety of shapes and sizes. Terraces should I Humus consists of organic material such as peat, leaf mold, be almost level, with a pitch of not less than 1" (inch) to each and compost, and plowed-under cover crops (soy beans, 10'. Grass banks should pitch not more than 1' vertically alfalfa, and clover). A mixture of sand, clay, and humus pro­ for every 4' horizontally. Such banks, especially if they are duces a vegetation-sustaining loam. The addition of humus of a light, sandy variety, may need to be retained with roots improves the structure and character of the soil as well as its of vegetation. The contours of the slopes should have a i i water-absorbing capacity and its texture. smooth-curving flow. Drainage of the Land Levels and Slopes 15. The drainage of surface water from land often presents 17. The level, or nearly level, plane is most suitable for a problem. Good drainage is needed for the protection of the areas where people gather together, such as a terrace, or for given site; for the comfort of those who are to use it; and, not areas and courts where physical exercise and games are pursued. least, for the good of the plants to be grown upon it. Few Any grade below 3 or 4 per cent approaches a level plane. plants succeed in cold, damp, undrained soil. Most plants 1 This implies less than 3' or 4' in a vertical plane for every 100' require warmth and air at their roots. of horizontal distance. Slopes of 4 to 10 per cent make walking Any water that falls upon the area must be kept moving, and running difficult. Slopes that are above 10 per cent are ; t.iough at not too fast a pace. The land needs to be shaped steep and usually require steps for their utilization and treat-. so as to carry surface water away, and to prevent its collecting ment. A hill site for a home therefore offers complex problems. I  Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 34 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 3.5 but these are often compensated for by the sense of space that water, the adaptability of the terrain, the possible holding comes from the extended views. qualities of the lake bed, the depths sufficient to restrain objec­ The building up or cutting away of land to achieve a tionable vegetative growth in the water, and the construction desired result usually involves disturbing the topsoil. This of a water-holding dam. Possible loss of lake capacity through always happens where walks, drives, and foundation walls silting should not be overlooked, since it may become a serious are being constructed. Where cutting is necessary, the top­ j threat. Adequate controls of erosion must be established for soil should be stripped and placed to one side for future the feeding streams. replacement as needed. i i Dams Convex and Concave Surfaces 21. Dams up to 30' in height may be built of earth, rock IS. Besides ground levels and slopes, there are the varia­ fill, arched masonry, or buttress and timber forms. A dam tions in ground that come into play with convex and concave constructed of earth is sensitive to the erosive action of water surfaces. The treatment of such surfaces passing from one and is subject to speedy deterioration. This type of dam can plane to another with modulated gradations that shade into be advantageously modified by the addition of rock fill. The each other provides the landscape architect with one of his cost of maintaining timber dams exceeds that of maintaining j most interesting problems.in design. These gradations are other more durable ones. important on embankments, where, instead of abruptly joining A dam should be fitted into the lines of its lake. This planes, there may be a blending of natural forms. can be done by making it irregular in plan and section, and, The necessary shaping of the surface can often be deter­ upon occasion, by laying the lower courses in natural ledges mined by eye with the use of a line and stakes. But, on other of rock. jobs, the aid of leveling instruments may be required in J staking out the plot. Shore Lines and Islands 22. In man-made lakes the original configuration of the : Use of Water ground itself may produce satisfactory shore lines. In any 19. Water is one of the most satisfying elements of design event, the shore lines should follow long, sweeping curves, the landscape architect has to work with. It varies endlessly with alternating bays and projections. In cross section they in character and emotional appeal. It can be used to provide may either lead away from the water gently, or break sud­ < j evei-changing vistas; it contrasts against and reflects foliage and sky. It offers opportunities for the preservation or creation denly into cliffs or rocky crags. Large stretches of water require sizable trees grouped boldly on or near the banks. of streams, lakes, ponds, fountains, small dams, and pools. It Shore lines can be planted with water-loving plants backed offers a medium for growing plants. by masses of shrubby growth. j To protect against erosion, and to maintain slopes at steep : Lakes angles, stones may be thrown together loosely over the sloping i 20. Either natural or man-made lakes can-serve as land- surfaces. Concrete walls or stone masonry may be utilized in J scape features. Man-made lakes depend some instances where flood and ice conditions are severe. i upon the available !  Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 17 —tl-5'f -26-0"- Slone Coping Flagstone Walk.Slone Coping.Water Level /Turf Walk I Reinforced Concrete 8" rroter- 4 H proofing ™eie Vile Drain Ti|e. Outlet Pipe (*) Large Stones.. TurL Waier Level- — Concrete- 7/' ‘ Cinders 8“ liMm 3 LOverflow Pipe Oram Outlet (b) (a) Reinforced concrete pool (h) Informal pool Fig. 7. Construction of Pools Planting of native and deep-rooted trees and shrubs—such as Fic. 5. Pool, Rock Garden, and Stone Steps black locust, honey locust, willow, sumac, matrimony vine, wmsmm ; and aspen—may be used to give special protection to slopes of lakes. If islands are to be created, they should be placed so as to simulate the results of natural forces. They should appear to be emerging hilltops or extensions of promontories that jut out over the water, or to match irregularities that occur on the adjacent shore. i Pools 23. Garden pools should be located and shaped to suit the style, size, and shape of the garden. They may be geometric or natural in shape. Two natural-looking man-made pools are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The depth of a pool will depend on the purpose for which it is intended. As a general rule, the pool should be shallow where there.are children. For growing lilies, a depth of 18" Fig. 6. Pool with Natural-Appearing Outline to 24" is required. Moving water is desirable for fish.  Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 19 18 ——'---------- - j ' !* t-J l ’ J J s^V-r—i frr-< r - t; 1 IllSfesBWlilai Eg I *-i Fig. 9. Free-Form Swimming Pool % X&j & elaborate sculptural creations. Fountains should always be in ’XT' ‘ proportion to their basins. Fig. 8. Well Providing a Focal Point Against Garden Wall Swimming Pools Pools are commonly constructed of concrete, brick, or tile. 25. Private swimming pools have become quite popular. In Fig. 7 are shown sections for two pools whose basins are Although swimming specifications ordinarily call for rectangu­ ; to be constructed of concrete. A pool should always be con­ lar proportions and for specific relations of deep to shallow i structed so that it can be drained and cleaned when desired. portions, private pools need not adhere too closely to these requirements. Whatever the type of pool, it should respect Fountains the use, form, and space relations of the garden. An irregu­ < 24. Many garden pools include a fountain of some kind. larly shaped pool is shown in Fig. 9. Fountains may be free standing and serve as central orna- Summary ments in themselves, or they may be part of a terminal vista, 26. The landscape consists of such familiar elements as say at a wall or on a terrace. A well used against a garden ground, water, sky, and structures. Landscapes are subject to wall in this manner is shown in Fig. 8. change brought about by man and by nature. The landscape Fountains may be quite simple, with but a single jet, nr architect is interested primarily in landscapes altered by with additional jets operating from different points so that man. The process of grading a landscape, a man-made their streams interlace. Or they may be complex, including  Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture Fundamentals Landscape Architecture 21 20 of change, involves the consideration of plane, concave, and elements, or upon plants and flowers that are easy to manage, convex surfaces. and to avoid plantings that require laborious trimming. Water is one of the most satisfying elements the landscape arcliitect has to deal with. It provides a contrasting and Plant Forms , reflecting surface for sky and foliage, and may be used in 28. Plant forms should be chosen to fit the spaces for either formal or informal landscape designs. It becomes an which they are intended. Nowhere will you find this rule more element of landscape design in the form of lakes, pools, dams, generally violated than at the foundations of homes, where an and fountains. It offers a medium for growing plants. i overabundance of planting or meaningless vertical forms are frequently seen. The selection of plant forms is subject to the Vegetation guiding principles of good design, such as scale, balance, rhythm, unity, harmony, and proportion. General Characteristics and Uses A three-foot hemlock may look just right under the window 27. Among the most important materials used by the land­ when it is planted, but it is a forest tree, and in five years will scaper is an infinite variety of plants, including shrubs, vines, cover the window entirely. trees, grasses, perennials, and annuals. The proper use of these plants can contribute greatly to the usefulness and beauty of Textures a landscape. Depending upon the effect desired, the land­ 29. Plants vary in texture according to the size and shape scaper may group them in masses, arrange them in rows, or of their leaves. Leaf sizes range from the smallest leaves of set them out individually in isolated but strategic positions. heather and juniper to the sizable leaves of magnolias, palms, Plants have varying characteristics of flowering and fruit­ and elephant ears. Leaves may be linear, like pine needles, ing; varying degrees of suitability to soil, temperature, light, or lance, oval, or heart shaped. Individual leaves may vary too and moisture; and varying resistance to pests and disease. in their edges and points, their degree of thickness or stiffness, Plants may be used for a landscape cover or for enclosure. their veining, and their smoothness or roughness. The foliage They may be used to provide shelter and fragrance; to yield arrangement—thin, dense, even, bunched, erect, stiff, pliable, fruits, herbs, and vegetables; to enrich the landscape. The tremulous—may affect the texture. Trees may lose their leaves ! use and choice of plants is affected by the demands of design, in winter and show their branches and trunks. the physical needs of the plants, and human preferences. All these factors account for the different textures in vege­ ; With their varying habits, forms, textures, and colors, tation, ranging from soft, delicate textures to the coarse ! plants may be used to create interest and beauty as well as textures of large leaves. Textures in turn may produce emo­ to serve practical needs. tional reactions in the viewer, such as cheerfulness at the The design and maintenance of a landscape are closely sight of glossy, gay leaves sparkling in the sun. An impression related. The manner in which plants are used often depends of majesty is conveyed by thick textures, one of quiet restful­ upon the amount of care that can be given to them. Where ness by uniform textures, where leaves are small, regular, and \ care must be limited, it may be necessary at the outset to sub­ thick. Sparse, scattered, and broken textures may produce stitute paving for grass, to depend largely upon structural restless effects.  22 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 23 a a a 8 8 8a § a a a s cc 6 5 11 aa I < a e I Z Si to I! “L-fc S|« X v. a K £ -£ II > Q, v. > li z 2 3 3* a fc a 8 o 4 X a e a a O Ol a CJj g-5a a i a 8 a 8 a § a w 31 si to :* a Ms $a §§ a si a K 5 51 a UJ O a 3«^ £