Sustainable Design for Small Landscapes

Julie WeisenhornUniversity of Minnesota Extension

Department of Horticultural Science

“… A small plot of ground well ordered, turns to greater advantage

than a large one neglected …”

- Leonard Meager

The New Art of Gardening, 1697

Designing small spaces may feel

less overwhelming … but more restrictive.

Sustainable Design

• Designing for plant health and longevity;

• Creating “outdoor rooms”;

• Important in design regardless of size or cost.

Five Considerations of Sustainable Design

1. Functional

2. Maintainable

3. Environmentally sound

4. Cost effective

5. Visually pleasing

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

Design Principles

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.

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.

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

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.

Variety vs. Collection

Design Principle

4. Balance

• Formal vs. informal, symmetrical vs. asymmetrical

Design Principle

5. Emphasis

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

Design Principle

6. Sequence

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

Design Principle

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

Plant Selection

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

Plant selection

Plant type

Plant selection

Select plants based on mature size

Plant selection

Form

Plant selection

Form: Go Vertical

Trellising & Espalier

Plant selection

Texture, Mix & Match

Plant selection

Seasonal Interest

Color

Color

• Warm: Focal point, draws attention

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

expands

Design tips for small landscapes

Design tips for small landscapes

1. Design elements to serve more than one purpose

Design tips for small landscapes

2. Interplant ornamentals with edibles

Design tips for small landscapes

3. Consider views

Design tips for small landscapes 4. Use tall plants as backdrops

Design tips for small landscapes 5. Design turf areas for maintenance

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

Design tips for small landscapes 6. Avoid dividing the property

Design tips for small landscapes 7. De-emphasize narrow areas

Design tips for small landscapes 8. Locate details & variety close-up

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

Sustainable Design for Small Landscapes

Julie WeisenhornUniversity of Minnesota Extension

Department of Horticultural ScienceEmail: weise019@umn.edu