Unity in Landscape Design

Landscape design is not simply a utilitarian function. Yes, many of the plants and techniques used by those in the landscape design business do serve a purpose, but the act of landscaping is also a matter of artistry. Trees provide protection from the elements, the contours of a yard may help prevent standing water or erosion, and other parts of a landscape design plan may have other valuable purposes that can impact our “bottom lines,” but the artistic component of landscape design should not be overlooked. Experts in the field bring a strong understanding of art and its core theoretical principles to the job along with their shovels and plants.

One of the artistic principles used in landscape design in the concept of unity. Unity refers to creating a design that makes use of repetition and consistency. One can think of it as the part of the process that creates a feeling of “wholeness” in a space.

Landscape designers will use the same kind of plants and other features in various locations in a single landscape. This is the repetition previously mentioned. They will also try to construct a look that is completely consistent. Each area of the space will relate to the others in a harmonious manner. By using the theory of unity, landscape design experts can create a visual field devoid of dissonance that transmits a feeling of completeness the human eye tends to feel is attractive.

This basic artistic construct is used in many other fields, as well. With the exception of those who are trying to create a jarring and stunning piece, the concept of unity is considered a hallmark of good artistic design. Look at a Monet and you will see this theory in action. Repetition of key elements in a wholly consistent manner give his works a comforting and relaxing feeling—the same sense landscape design pros are trying to create in an outdoor space.

It is easy to think of artists as indoor workers, insulated from the outside world. Those who do masterful landscaping, however, are artists on par with anyone working with paints and an easel. Their paints are plants, trees, flowers and rocks. The outdoor space is their canvas. In creating their outdoor masterpieces, landscape design masters use the same artistic principles of their painting counterparts.