The elements of art are tools which are used in combinations to make up design principles. These principles include unity, balance, transition, focalization, proportion, rhythm, repetition, and simplicity. Unity is obtained by the effective use of components in a design to express a main idea through a style of consistency. Unity can be accomplished by using mass planting and repetition. Unity means that all parts of the landscape fit and go together. Balance refers to the equality of visual attraction. Symmetrical balance is when one side of the design is a mirror image of the other side. Asymmetrical balance used different colors, textures and forms to get balance of visual attraction (Ingram 6.) Next a designer uses transition, gradual change throughout a landscape using textures, forms or sizes in a logical sequential order. Proportion is then used to ensure that the sizes of parts in the design are in relation to the design as a whole. When elements of a design create a feeling of motion which leads the viewer’s eye through a landscape rhythm is being achieved. Next, focalization is used to direct attention to a point in a design. Repetition can help lead to focalization and rhythm. When too much repetition is used it creates dullness. So by eliminating unnecessary detail you get the simplicity and it avoids pointless cost and maintenance. Using these principles, steps in developing a design benefit the outcome of the project.

The style that a designer and client is has chosen will also factor what plants will be used in the landscape. The style chosen for a landscape may reflect traditional concepts or it may be highly individual. A landscape with a consistent design style has a special kind of integrity and coherence. Style should be chosen by surroundings of the future project. Whether the style is traditional, contemporary, or personal, the landscape style should never be at odds with its surroundings. When thinking of style in the garden, one may think in terms of formal versus informal. Absolute formality would be represented by the reduction of all natural elements. On the other hand, absolute informality is complete naturalness as it would be found in the untouched wilderness (Cotton 16.) In order to determine exactly how formal a landscape style should be one must thoughtfully look at the work site. The site of the future landscape should accommodate the architectural style of the house. The style of the house would reflect the same time period that it was designed and built in. Also the climate of a region a landscape is being put into will have an impact in style. Different climate zones will obviously determine plants in a landscape (Lutsko 89.) A design based in New Mexico will have a southwestern style reflecting on its surroundings and climate. Instead of setting out to create a style that is supposed will please others, first try to settle with a style that will please one’s self. Different styles are also used depending on the type and size of the project. Style is really nothing more than a physical response to environmental and cultural conditions.

Planning a landscape paradise for your surroundings is a job for professional, as many technical elements are involved in a certain sequence. Making a plan is the all-important step in landscaping. While the plan is on paper, it can be changed with an eraser of a pencil. A design is developed as ideas are recorded, studied and improved. To begin developing your project a sequence of six steps should be followed. First a designer should develop a plot plan. It is easier to visualize certain aspects when it is put to scale on paper. The plot plan should include; accurate house placement, accurate lot and house dimensions with window and door placements and lastly, any existing driveways or walkways (Ingram 7.) No matter how sketchy or professional a drawing is, it will help save both time and money. Next one must conduct a site analysis. A complet

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