Home Landscape Design IV
By: S.V. Scott, Master Gardener

Using contrast as a landscaping technique is an easy and exciting way of adding interest to a design. There are contrasts of style, (formal, informal) as well as contrasts in texture, (shiny, dull), and color. Contrasting these elements helps to engage the eye, and prevents a landscape from becoming too predictable.

Formal, symmetrical flowerbeds spilling over with a riot of informal plantings are a hallmark of the popular English style of gardening. Formally clipped trees and shrubs, planted in an asymmetrical, naturalistic way, is characteristic of Japanese style gardens. Either of these styles may be adapted to complement your home's architecture.

Textural contrasts can be fleeting, depending heavily on seasonal changes. Smooth glossy leaves, soft felted leaves, thorny or feathery branches, evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs; try to incorporate as many textural contrasts as possible in your garden for year-round interest.

The size of the leaves in your landscape influences its overall appearance too. Lots of small, round leaves like those found on boxwood or azalea appear more formal and refined than the large, coarse leaves of cannas or elephant ears, which lend a garden a more primitive, tropical air. Consider the puckery leaves of hostas, the strap-like leaves of yuccas, and the leathery leaves of magnolias when planning your design.

Color contrasts are also changeable, seasonal effects. Think of red berries against green holly leaves, or orange maple leaves against blue October skies; these vivid contrasts provide a lot of visual excitement because they are opposite each other on the color wheel. Use red-green, blue-orange, or yellow-purple when you want your colors to pack a walloping punch. On the other hand if you want something a little more sedate, something that whispers rather than shouts; use a palate of mostly green, all texturally different, and only one or two other related colors like blue-white, white-yellow, or yellow-orange for a landscape that is tasteful and serene.

Contrasting shapes are more permanent; upright or prostrate, clipped balls or rectangles, cones, fountain-type grasses and twisted gnarly trees combined all lend their magic to the garden.

Don't forget the shapes and textures of your house and its hardscaping when contemplating design changes. The regularity of brick and block construction, of fence palings and wood siding, the smoothness of concrete, the irregularity of stone; a satisfying landscape is a blend of all these elements, some permanent and some as ephemeral as a trace of frost.

Sharp contrasts add excitement and drama; lack of contrast is calming, soothing. Using these techniques you can create the mood you want in different areas, at different seasons, for a garden that is interesting and inviting all year.