Key Elements of Landscape Design for Creating Stunning Outdoor Spaces
                     The 5 Essential Elements 
of Landscape Design 
TEranxsfoprm lyoaur iountdoeor sdpace into a harmonious sanctuary by mastering 
the fundamental principles that professional landscape designers use. 
Whether you're redesigning your entire yard or refreshing a garden bed, 
understanding these five key elements will help you create a landscape that 
feels both cohesive and captivating.
Why Landscape Design 
Matters
A thoughtfully designed landscape does more 
than just look pretty—it creates an outdoor 
extension of your home that enhances your 
quality of life. When executed well, landscape 
design can:
• Increase property value by up to 20%
• Create functional outdoor living spaces
• Support local wildlife and ecosystems
• Reduce energy costs through strategic 
placement
Element 1: Line — Guiding the Eye and 
Movement
Structural Straight vs. 
Liinnees shape pathways, garden beds, fences, and CSturarigvhet dlines create formality, order, and efficiency
edges, directing how we move through and —perfect for modern or formal gardens. Curved 
experience a space. They create the skeleton of lines evoke softness, natural flow, and invite 
your landscape design. leisurely exploration.
Element 2: Form — The 
Shape and Structure
Form is the three-dimensional shape of plants 
and hardscape elements in your landscape. 
Different forms evoke distinct emotions and 
se• rRvoeu vnadrieodu/sC fiurnccutliaorn:s S: oft, welcoming, relaxed
• Rectangular/Square: Formal, structured, 
defined
• Triangular/Pyramidal: Strong, dynamic, 
attention-grabbing
• Columnar/Vertical: Elegant, space-efficient, 
dramatic
Element 3:
Texture Adding Depth and 
Interest
Fine Texture Medium Texture
Plants with small leaves, thin Average leaf size and density 
stems, or delicate features (daylilies, roses, 
(ferns, grasses, baby's hydrangeas). Forms the 
breath). Creates a sense of backbone of most garden 
softness and often appears designs and helps transition 
further away. between extremes.
Coarse Texture
Bold, large leaves or dramatic features (hostas, banana plants, 
large-leafed shrubs). Creates emphasis and appears closer to 
the viewer.
Element 4: 
Color Capturing Attention and 
Mood
Color is the most immediately noticeable element in 
landscape design, evoking emotional responses and 
creating seasonal interest. Strategic use of color can:
•Make spaces feel larger or smaller
• Create focal points that draw the eye
• Establish harmony with your home's exterior
• Express your personal style and preferences
Element 5: Scale — Proportion and Balance
Human Scale Architectural Relative Scale
Scale
Elements should relate to Plants and features should Elements within the 
human dimensions. be proportional to your landscape should relate 
Seating areas, pathways, home. A tiny ornamental appropriately to each 
and intimate spaces tree may look out of place other. Consider mature 
should feel comfortable for next to a large two-story sizes of plants and allow 
people to use and house, while a massive proper spacing for growth 
navigate. oak might overwhelm a over time.
small cottage.
Reach Us At
Plexus Research & 
Design
914 Howell Mill Road, Suite 
4004 Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 519-7728
[email protected]
plexusrd.com