Create character in your garden landscape design

Garden design ideas are not only about the garden plants, but also the aesthetic relationship between different landscape design elements and how they can change the way the outdoor area is perceived. 

While the effect is extremely subtle, only occurring on a subconscious level, it is the job of nurseries and gardening enthusiasts to be aware of these relationships in order to dictate the visual impact their gardens have on the people looking at them.

Dynamic contrast in garden landscape designs

Contrast in a garden or outdoor area provide interest and depth, which can be as simple as choosing garden plants with different shapes, foliage and flower colour. Think of the effect a bunch of the same outdoor plants has on the eye. You look at the plants and see a mass of repetition. Even if the plant is beautiful to look at, there will be no sense of extended discovery.

Garden plants increase contrast

When a low, grassy or strappy-leafed plant, like a Lomandra, is placed among bushes with glossy leaves and green flowers, such as Correa baeuerlenii, it provides an interesting contrast of textures and colours. If these lower plants are placed in front of taller plants with differently shaped leaves or different colours, this contrasting effect is enhanced.

Low-lying plants like alyssum or golden buttons, when used along borders or paths, detail access areas from garden beds and provide a contrast against the taller garden plants in the landscape design.

Using the garden landscape to improve design

Contrast can also be used in hard landscaping features to bring interest and variety to an outdoor garden. Think about the different shapes of straight hard walls, curving gravel paths, square or rectangular pavers, rigid steel or timber elements, wood texture and rounded pots or stones. Employing these different shapes in different areas of the garden can add complexity to your outdoor garden spaces.

If your garden features include a lot of hard surfaces and sharp angles - such as a small contemporary courtyard - then consider how you can use garden pebbles, rounded paving patterns and pots with curved edges to soften the feel of the space.

Subtle landscape design options

The important thing about contrast is to not overdo it. Subtle differences in textures, colours and shapes add complexity, whereas too many different elements merely make a garden seem haphazard and messy.

See which landscape elements work for your garden and which don't. Employ these design contrasts judiciously and you'll immediately notice the difference.

Contact a landscape designer in your area and discover how to create character in your garden design: