When starting to create a landscape design project, do not forget about the main components of this living art, which is designing a harmonious and comfortable outside environment. It is also necessary to take into account the relationship of elements, such as unity, scale, balance, simplicity and variety, as they apply to line, form, texture, and color. Below we will give some simple and universal ideas that will help turn your property into a unique oasis that reflects and emphasizes your personal style.
1. Choose a single landscape style
An estate, landscape designed in the same style, always makes for a solid, harmonious impression. For more than a decade, the Mediterranean style, here in California has been very popular, especially since cypresses, olive trees and Italian fan palms (Chamaerops humilis) grow beautifully in our climate.
2. Focus on the facade design
The first impression is the biggest and strongest, so pay special attention to the entrance area. It should effectively embody your chosen style, whatever it is.
Choose a single color solution for landscape development in Alameda County
As with interior design, the design of the estate should be subject to a single style as well. We recommend that you consider three options:
Solid color
The simplest option for the design of the site is a monochromatic color scheme. To do this, you can combine all kinds of shades of the same scale. With this design, it is easier to make the design of the site whole and not overloaded or unfocused.
Two-tone
In this case, you need to choose one color that fits perfectly with green. The most optimal options are white, purple and grey. By choosing one of the shades, you can easily decorate the estate with suitable flowers, sculptures, benches and other elements.
Multicolored
The most popular option seems the most attractive and simple. But in this case, you can make mistakes by overdoing the variegation and brightness. In order not to turn the estate into a kaleidoscope, it is recommended to use no more than five different shades.
4. Ensure year-round flowering
For landscape development in Alameda County it is recommended to choose flowers in such a way that after the completion of flowering of one species, another immediately begins to bloom. Then throughout the season, the site will be elegant and bright.
5. Take Advantage of Your Site
Distant views of mountains and water, views of hills and woods, views over cities at night are the most important advantages of your property. Put as few obstacles and diverting lines between you and your view if you want it to retain all its drama and effect. First of all, you should not build fences without a strong need. The view of the neighboring sites can be a focal point for your estate.
6. Pay special attention to garden paths
Paths should connect all elements of the garden: a house, gazebos, a pond, recreation areas and flower beds. Combine all these elements into one single artistic vision.
Let’s briefly focus on the most popular materials for paths.
Concrete
Concrete is a great choice for paths especially in Home Developments and recreation areas. They are safe to walk on and easy to maintain. The downside though is that concrete paths can be expensive and may crack during installation.
Gravel
Gravel is a popular choice for pathways in the garden here in California. There are many types of gravels that are used, from affordable pea gravels to highend choices which vary in sizes. Gravel is also great for drainage and allowing for a permeable layer as well.
Decomposed Granite
By far the most popular paths that are installed in the garden through out California is the material Decomposed Granite or DG. This is a highly verstile element and can be used for many purposes in landscape design. For pathways it is great and also permeable. DG does require maintenance though but not much. Another nice way to use DG is to add stepping stones along with it to keep things neat and clean for walking on.
7. Design elements of landscape construction in Alameda County
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