Part Two of a Six Part Series

By Kathi Thistlethwaite, Colorado Master Gardener

In the first article in this series, we discussed basic design principles and the need to be intentional when designing a garden. In the next two issues we’ll be discussing the design composition elements of order, unity, proportion and repetition, beginning with order and unity in this installment. Incorporating these elements will make the design process enjoyable and help create a visually pleasing space.

All design, regardless of the medium (painting, drawing, photography, etc.), contains these concepts of composition. They are just applied in different ways. In addition, garden design also includes the use of different types of plants within the elements.

Principle of Design: Order 

Humans prefer order. Organized spaces make us feel comfortable and in control. Order refers to the layout of a space and is achieved through balance. Balance is the concept of equal visual attraction and weight, usually around a real or imaginary central axis. Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and many design elements such as form, color and texture affect it. Order can also be achieved by massing features or elements into distinct groups and arranging them around a central point.

Balance is applied to plant selection as well. For example, consider the visual weight of plants such as evergreens and plants that provide winter interest. Plants with showy or colorful stems can be visually appealing. Balancing both is optimum as the illustration below demonstrates.

Principle of Design: Unity

Unity refers to the sense that everything is connected and works together to create the whole. Unity links elements and features and creates harmony and consistency throughout the space.

An easy way to create unity is to use a specific design theme/style. Another technique is massing, or as the French would say, “En Masse.” A sense of order is created when the elements can be identified as groups. Yet another technique is to edit the space; that is, remove clutter or nonessentials to simplify the space so important features or a focal point stands out.

In summary, unity is achieved when all the parts of a design feel like they are meant to go together…intentionally.

When massing, plant in odd-numbered groups. This helps create unity. Even numbers visually divide a grouping in half, causing the eye to look through the plants. Three of a kind (vs. two or four) is not easily split in half and is seen as one group. Consider the mature sizes of the plants when determining how far apart they will be placed and the density of the desired results.

Both of these photos are examples of massed plantings with a variety of plants, colors, sizes and textures which give the gardens order and unity.

Happy gardening!

NEXT INSTALLMENT: Principles of Design: Scale/Proportion and Repetition 

PREVIOUS INSTALLMENT: https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/2024/09/07/designing-your-dream-garden/ 

NOTE: All articles in this series and past issues of The Garden Buzz newsletter can be found at https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/cmg-newsletter-archive/

Online resources:

• Plant Select: www.plantselect.org Design ideas and downloadable designs that show plant combinations
• CSU Extension: www.extension.colostate.edu Native plant garden guides with plant lists, planting plans and designs
• UFL Extension: ENH1188/EP449: Landscape Design: Arranging Plants in the Landscape (ufl.edu)