balance within a landscape design
when designing a landscape, the balance between the height and visual "weight" of plantings is essential for creating a cohesive and inviting space. you don’t want to overwhelm the area with too many large or heavy-looking plants in one spot, nor do you want everything to be the same size, which would make the design feel flat. taller elements like trees serve as the backbone of the design, offering both vertical structure and visual interest. they help to anchor the space, especially when placed near key areas like a stone or clay brick patio, where they can provide shade and a sense of enclosure. on the other hand, shrubs, which sit at a mid-level height, act as a natural transition between the taller trees and the lower-growing perennials. they help fill the space without overpowering it, adding softness and texture.
the placement of these layers matters just as much as the types of plants you choose. for example, a tall, solid tree might be positioned strategically to draw attention or frame a particular view, while shrubs and perennials can soften the edges of a stone path or pea gravel patio. without proper balance, the eye might get stuck on one area, or worse, the space could feel chaotic and disorganized. layering plants of different heights creates depth and guides the viewer's eye smoothly through the landscape. this flow is what makes a design feel balanced and natural, rather than too rigid or too wild. you want the taller elements to ground the space, while lighter, airier shrubs and perennials add color, texture, and movement.
when considering visual "weight," it's not just about height but also how dense or substantial a plant looks. a large, leafy shrub can carry more visual weight than a thin, wispy perennial, so you have to think about how these elements interact. a heavier-looking plant might need to be paired with something lighter to keep things feeling balanced. this is especially important near hardscape elements like patios or pathways, where too many heavy plants could make the area feel crowded. by balancing the heights and visual weights of the plantings, you create a design that feels thoughtful, dynamic, and harmonious. each element has its place, and nothing feels out of proportion, allowing the space to feel both inviting and well-planned.