Think Beyond Straight

A straight line is the fastest way to travel from point A to Point B. Arranging plants in a straight line might be the fastest way to landscape. Boy, landscaping is easy! Linear planting might be just as easy as coloring inside the lines.

Some people might even seek out a straight line to simplify a day of gardening. A well-defined template already exists, just follow it. In no time, a row flowers line a sidewalk leading straight from the road to the front door.

In so many cases, the rectangular shape of a house dictates how plants and trees are arranged around the foundation. The rectangular foundation is comprised of four straight lines.

In the case of the front façade, a clear line is created from one corner of the house to the other. The flat dimension of the front of a house is so evident it is most often beautified with landscaping. The first instinct might be to conceal this straight line instead of enlivening it with design. Ironically, the tendency to conceal an uninspiring front façade is to do so with a singular row of plants stretching from one end of the house to the other. The temptation of landscaping this space is to follow this same straight path. Landscaping is easy, just plant along the straight line. One straight line has become two.

For the most part, straight lines are boring. Straight lines are not visually appealing because of their dimensional flatness. Resist the temptation to follow the line; create curves and rounded edges.

Staggering and weaving plants within the linear path builds subtle movement and establishes multiple dimensions. Point A and point B might still be straight, but the path would be dominated by curves and soft edges. The direct path from A to B would no longer appear to be so straight. Visual interest would be woven into the linear plane.

More pronounced curvatures could also be integrated into the design. Take advantage of the irregular spacing of a porch extending from the foundation. Sweeping curves extending from the house to the corners of a porch would eliminate right angles and the straight edges found within them. These initial rounded edges now open the door to build more curves into the design. Layout plants in patterns within the boundaries of the space that erase any hint of straightness. The flat dimensions of the singular plane will now feature visually-appealing depth.

When the opportunity presents itself, break away from the confines of the structure. Landscape features spaced away from boundaries have no predetermined form. Free-flowing curves are almost inherent to these areas; the designer can form their own boundaries.

The same straight-line temptation exists on the vertical plane. A consistent row of two foot shrubs creates a distinct straight line that can be drawn from one bush to the next. This straight line then stretches across the static height of five or six shrubs. This same straight line would be etched in the mind's eye, across the threshold of the facade.

Create up and down movement from one plant or group of plants to the next. Plant at ground level, waist height, and stretch the boundaries above a window with an ornamental tree. A static image would be replaced with movement, changing a person's perception. The eyes will sweep up and down as they scan a landscape and the facade of a home. The straight line would now be so much more than concealed. A design full of motion would be created, leaving behind the predictable course of the straight line and static height.