Like many other aspects of our lives, landscape design is something that can be elegantly crafted into a work of art if handled properly. The appearance of your front yard can contribute as much to the value and beauty of your home as much as the interior decorating or location can, not to mention a well-crafted garden can be a place of deep tranquility and relaxation.

The Palette

As with other forms of art, there are certain elements to consider when designing your landscape, such as color tones, arrangement, textures used, and scale. Plants with colors that blend in to their surroundings, or compliment the colors used on your home, can have a soothing effect on the eyes.
Just as much, the arrangement of your plants can affect this as well.

Space

Plants organized and planted in ordered rows or sections can appease the senses more than plants placed seemingly at random. Furthermore, plants of appropriate size can also factor into the visual appeal. Plants which tower over you, or cut off visibility may lend to a feeling of confinement rather than escape, while plants that are too small may leave you feeling unimpressed.

Rhythm

Another element to consider in the theme of your landscape and in the design process is rhythm. The theme can be nearly anything, from basing your landscape around a certain group of plants, to inspirations from around the world (such as a Buddhist rock garden, for example).

The rhythm of a landscape, if properly measured, will subtly influence an observer to continuously look around and take in all details of the landscape. You should ask yourself, does the landscape flow in a logical, meaningful fashion?

Focus

Finally, the focus can affect the exact layout of the landscape, or can be some sort of centerpiece for your landscape, whether a statue, a tree, or whatever else. Everything from bed lines to walkways should purposely direct the inquisitive stares of garden onlookers to the focal points of your backyard oasis.