| Symmetry and harmony go hand in hand and are | | | | the use of a lot of non matching elements in the |
| a basic tenet of all major art forms including | | | | design. This gives the appearance of clutter and |
| design. The principles of landscape design also | | | | an untidy look when the area starts to grow. One |
| include the use of balance in everything. While it | | | | rule of thumb is to start with a design which is |
| may be a bit deeper than this, this concept is | | | | minimalistic. This means that you plan for less and |
| simpler to interpret for newcomers to | | | | only include a few matching sets of plants around |
| comprehend and fully grasp the idea. Perfection is | | | | the garden and keep everything else to a |
| often synonym to symmetry in the western | | | | minimum. You can then take your time and |
| world. However, some Asian traditions do not | | | | consider further landscaping ideas and additions |
| enjoy the use of even number of objects as it is | | | | that you can make. |
| too perfect to really represent what life is and | | | | One of the most asked questions in landscape |
| the imperfection one could face during its life time. | | | | design deals with shape. The shape of a design is |
| Imperfection will give a more natural and rugged | | | | unique and will at the end of the day comply with |
| feel and will even introduce character while | | | | all your visions. If the shape is filled with clutter |
| perfection seems monotonous. | | | | however it can still turn out poorly balanced and |
| If a garden or landscape has symmetrical lines | | | | inappropriate. Harmony and symmetry can |
| and is of equal proportions then it will feel and | | | | depend on shape but generally you do not need a |
| appear to be balanced in form. In reality | | | | particular shape to get a symmetrical design. |
| symmetrical lines and shapes are not always a | | | | The process of landscape design closely follows |
| possibility and therefore there is the dependence | | | | those of other design art forms. The use of |
| on the introduction of other components to | | | | repetition, balance, harmony and symmetry are all |
| introduce this symmetry and harmonious balance. | | | | principles related to art. Architects also use these |
| Many gardens and landscapes are asymmetrical or | | | | principles in their designs. The creation of |
| abstract in nature and possess no natural balance. | | | | symmetry and balance in a landscape that has a |
| Lack of symmetry and balance can be related to | | | | flaw can be accomplished by the use of |
| the fact that there is a lack of repetition. The use | | | | consistent repetition. Even the use of one element |
| of similar elements throughout a garden or | | | | place at opposite sides can give the appearance |
| landscape can add the missing symmetry and | | | | of some unity. It can be easier to accomplish |
| assist in the unifying of the areas to each other. | | | | repetition using the softscape elements such as |
| Repeating elements such as plants, rocks, | | | | plants and ornaments but consideration of |
| matching plant sets, a color and much more can | | | | hardscape elements such as walks and driveways |
| be used to introduce symmetry. | | | | can provide great results too. |
| A common problem is many landscaping plans are | | | | |