What is balance and proportion in garden design?

In garden design balance refers to the distribution of visual weight and mass of both hard and soft landscaping. This visual weight distribution can also refer to colour, texture and space. These elements should be intrinsically in balance with each other and the garden.

This can be achieved by using symmetrical or formal balance – example; identical plant forms placed either side of a path. Or another option is asymmetrical or informal balance – example; a large tree on one side of the garden can be balanced by using a pergola of similar mass on the other side.

When designing it is important to note the main view point from the house, create an imaginary central axis from this view point, and design in a way which ensure the visual mass on each side of this axis has equal weight.

Note the ultimate mature size and width of the plants chosen for a design because, as the garden matures this could affect the overall balance of the design.

A colour balance can be achieved by repeating plant choices on either side of the imaginary axis. Seasonal changes should also be considered when balancing colour.

Textural balance refers to the relationship between hard and soft landscaping; the two should work together and compliment one another. By repeating and limiting the amount of hard landscaping materials balance can be achieved.

Proportion in garden design refers to the scale of the both hard and soft landscaping in relation to the garden, and the garden (and all its elements) to the house.

The main factors to consider when thinking about proportion are; the size of the plot in relation to the house, the plot size relative to its surroundings and environment, and the relationship between the garden and the elements within it, example – a huge tree in a small garden would look out of proportion.

When designing proportion is a key principle to consider, and the human form should be the starting point of creating this proportion, an example could be the width of the path; the path should be wide enough to comfortably accommodate two adults walking side by side (minimum of 1.2 meters). The height of a pergola, as well as the height and width of the support beams should all be proportionate to each other, and allow for a person to walk underneath with ease. In the same manner a patio should be a comfortable size to fit all furniture, as well as allow for people to move around the patio and the furniture comfortably.

Balance and proportion help us to design aesthetically pleasing and interesting gardens.

Written by Kim Graham