Eccograss Landscaping is the practice of creating and maintaining a beautiful outdoor space around a home. It includes adding plants, changing the terrain and constructing structures like fences, decks and walls.
Repetition adds interest to the landscape without overwhelming it. For example, curvy lines repeated throughout the design help keep it simple.
Plants are the backbone of luxury landscaping, bringing visual allure to outdoor spaces and supporting the overall functionality of landscape design. They play a vital role in architectural integration, environmental stewardship, sensory enrichment, privacy enhancement, and microclimate management.
For many people, plants are what draw them to the profession of landscape architecture. Their innate beauty and functional possibilities inspire their creative pursuits. Plants have a number of functions within the landscape, including:
Plants can frame and mask architectural features such as buildings or walls. They also serve a calming, mood-boosting purpose, which can have positive health implications. Studies have shown that simply looking at trees, plants and flowers can reduce stress levels. They can also improve attention, memory and recall. In addition, landscaping with greenery helps to clean the air and improve hydration and cardiovascular health.
Native plants provide critical habitat and food sources for wildlife and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. They can help to prevent the spread of non-native species, which are often invasive and disruptive-even detrimental-to ecosystems.
They also increase soil health and promote water infiltration, helping to protect against erosion and flooding. Additionally, they can help to decrease the amount of fertilizer and chemicals needed for lawns.
A beautiful, well-maintained yard can significantly increase your property value. Not only do lush gardens make a house look more inviting, but they can also boost curb appeal and create a welcoming feel for guests. In fact, according to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, homes with landscaped yards sell for 17% more than those without. This is largely due to the perception that homeowners care more about their properties when they have plants and flowers.
Rocks
Rocks are the foundation of any landscape and can create a stunning visual impact. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and textures that can be used to complement any style. They are also durable and weather resistant which makes them an excellent choice for gardens in areas with intense sun exposure or frequent rains. When selecting rocks, consider their size, color, and texture as well as their purpose – for example, some rocks may be better suited for drainage while others can help maintain soil moisture levels.
Landscaping rocks can be used to accentuate flowers, plants, and trees or can be layered to create a unique and eye-catching look. They can also be arranged to create walkways and to edge garden beds or patios. Some people even use them to build walls or retaining structures in their yards. Some landscapers are able to turn landscaping rocks into an artistic statement piece by arranging them in patterns or creating sculptures.
It is important to remember that landscaping rocks require regular upkeep to ensure they continue to look their best. This includes weeding and cleaning regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged with debris and pests. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace landscaping rocks if they become too dirty or damaged to maintain their appearance.
When it comes to installing landscaping rocks, it is best to hire a professional as they have the knowledge and experience required to get the job done correctly. They will be able to advise you on what type of rock is best suited for your yard and will ensure that it is installed correctly. They can also help you choose the right colors and textures to create a unique, beautiful design that will stand out from the rest.
Lighting
Landscape lighting allows you to enjoy the ambiance of your landscape after dark. It also enhances safety by illuminating pathways, steps, and other features. It can highlight special features like fountains, ponds, flower gardens, patios, pergolas, and even stately trees.
It’s important to understand the different types of landscape lighting and how they work together. Accent lighting can highlight special plants or architectural elements of your home, while down-lighting can add dramatic effects to trees, statues, and other features. Path lights illuminate walkways and other paths to ensure safe passage, while a well-placed retaining wall or water feature can be highlighted with a low-level light that highlights its texture and form.
A well-designed and professionally installed landscape lighting system will add value to your property and make it more livable all day and night. It can even help you sell your home in the future.
In addition to enhancing your home’s appearance, landscape lighting can add a relaxing feel to your outdoor living spaces, encouraging you to spend more time outdoors. You can even choose to use LED lights with a remote control, allowing you to adjust the brightness or change colors for a moodier look.
A professional design project is the best way to add landscape lighting to your home and property. A designer will consider all your needs, ensuring that the lights are in the right place and providing the desired effect. They’ll take into account the viewer’s perspective as well, so the lighting looks appealing from all angles. For example, you’ll want to avoid creating a “hot spot,” which is an unbalanced and unappealing area of bright light on your home or other features.
Design Principles
There are three important design principles that should always be considered when designing a landscape: proportion, transition, and rhythm. These principles help create a harmonious composition that is both physically and psychologically comfortable to view.
Proportion is the relative size of your plants, hardscape elements and other design features. This principle is particularly important for creating a balanced and organized landscape. It also helps in defining the space and creating a focal point.
Line is another vital design element that creates a sense of depth and movement. It is often created by arranging beds in a linear or symmetrical fashion or by using different heights of plants, trees and shrubs in the landscape. Straight lines are forceful, structural and stable and direct the viewer’s eye faster than curved lines.
Color is a powerful design tool that can create harmony, accent and unity in the landscape. However, it is important to be careful with the use of color. An overabundance of the same type of color can cause landscapes to look monotonous and boring. To avoid this, try alternating the colors of the plants or using different types of textures within one garden area.
Texture is a great way to add contrast and make objects seem bigger or smaller than they actually are. It is also a good way to create patterns that evoke a specific feeling or response from viewers. For example, you can use a mix of rough and smooth materials or dark and light colors.
Rhythm is the repetition of elements in a pattern that creates a sense of movement and direction in the landscape. It is important to balance the use of rhythm because too much can create confusion and chaos. To balance the use of rhythm, it is best to use a variety of textures and shapes in your garden.
Focal Point
Focal points capture your attention and draw the eye through a landscape, making it feel bigger and more dynamic. They can be anything from a spectacular sculpture to a dramatic waterfall, a pond or flower garden. Focal points serve many purposes in the landscape, such as adding a sense of structure and order and establishing a visual hierarchy. They can also be used to create a sense of destination, transforming the journey through the landscape into a tour with a clear starting point and ending point. Focal points can also be used to camouflage eyesores, as well as to add interest and character to a backyard or front yard.
A good focal point should stand out from the rest of the landscape, and contrast with it in color, texture, form or size. It should be the most interesting part of the design, but it shouldn’t dominate the whole space. For example, if you have a flamboyantly colored flower garden as your focal point, it is best framed by low-growing shrubs and perennials that complement but don’t overwhelm it. Focal points can even be plants, but they usually need to have something special about them that makes them stand out (such as a striking branch structure or brilliant fall foliage).
If you’re having trouble thinking of a focal point for your backyard or front yard, don’t hesitate to get creative! Just about any object can become a focal point if it’s placed at the right height for its surroundings and surrounded by complementary colors, textures and forms. If you want a more traditional focal point, try a water fountain, metal obelisk or a decorative urn. For a more whimsical touch, consider a refurbished old bicycle planted with flowers or a rustic window frame draped with ivy.
