By Kathi Thistlethwaite, Colorado Master Gardener

In Part Three of our design series, we covered the design principles of proportion and repetition. This takes us to the Elements of Design. Whether you’ve been following the series or are a new subscriber, take a look at what we’ve discussed so far here. Make notes and, above all, enjoy the process.

The elements of design are the tools used to execute the principles of design. They act as a guide in plant selection and create a pleasing, “intentional” space. The elements are:

• Line
• Form
• Texture
• Color
• Smell
• Sound

Line directs the eye through a space. It is created by the edge between two materials where they meet. For example, installing pavers leading from a gas grill to an eating area visually links two functional areas, creating a comfortable flow and rhythm for cooking and dining.

Form is the outline of a space which includes the outlines of objects within the space. Form can be achieved by both hardscape features and plantings and, depending on their shape, they will define the style of the garden. More formal areas use geometric shapes while informal areas contain softer, organic edges. A brick-lined garden bed would be used in a more formal setting, while a meandering ground cover mimicking nature would lend itself to an informal setting.

Texture is how rough or smooth a surface feels. Leaf size, shape and venation provide texture and interest as do hardscape features such as wood planters or a concrete patio. Smaller leaves on plantings create a fine texture, medium-sized leaves with smooth edges are used for medium texture, and large leaves with ragged or irregular edges create coarse textures. It’s important to note that too many textures in a small area would feel chaotic rather than creating interest. 

Color: the fun part! Much of plant selection is based on color. Here are several color schemes to consider:

• Analogous – uses any three to five colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel.
• Complimentary – uses colors opposite of each other on the color wheel (blue/orange, red/green, etc.).
• Monochromatic – uses only one color. This scheme depends more on form and texture for contrast and interest.

Use the color wheel as a guide. There are many different versions of the color wheel available online. Refer to the color wheel frequently to create themes. Remember, too, that cool colors (greens, blues) are calming and make the space feel larger while warm colors (reds, oranges) are exciting and make a space feel smaller.

Smell is sometimes overlooked but can enhance the enjoyment of the garden. Certain fragrances can evoke memories and can even perfume the inside space. Think about the fragrance of a stand of iris or lilacs.

(left) Iris. Photo: Unsplash. (right) Lilac, Photo: Pexels

Sound also adds another dimension from such features as simple wind chimes or the soothing sounds of a water feature as it bubbles.

Now that garden design has been organized into smaller, connected pieces, we’re ready to apply design principles and elements of design to actual plant selection and placement. This will be covered in the fifth article. Until then, there are additional resources and access to past issues of the Garden Buzz below.

Happy Gardening!

NEXT INSTALLMENT: Plant Selection and Placement

PREVIOUS INSTALLMENT: https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/2025/01/08/designing-your-dream-garden-part-three-of-a-six-part-series/

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
• Association of Professional Landscape Designers www.apld.org