3 Perspectives Of Landscape Design On Paper

By Keith Markensen

Generally speaking, three types of sketching can be employed to get a landscape picture on paper. The first type is the elevation drawing; the second is the isometric projection; and the third is the perspective.

Elevation

An elevation drawing is one that shows but one view or plane as seen from directly in front of the object. It shows height and width only and everything is drawn to the same scale. Such a drawing helps most when one is trying to visualize a foundation planting at optimum size.

Isometric

The isometric drawing is also drawn to true scale but, besides showing length and width, it gives the illusion of the third dimension. It requires more practice and a little more artistic ability than an elevation drawing or a top view plan. Though they are not at all essential, many times they help one decide which plans to execute.

Perspective

The third type of drawing - the perspective - requires a certain amount of artistic ability to start with and since it serves but little useful purpose in the hands of the amateur who wants to make his own landscape plans, it will not be discussed.

Perspective Modification

If the house is already built, a modification of the perspective sketch of the planting is filled in. This is much simpler than drawing a perspective, and is a good way for the amateur landscape designer to start.

Models

For those who are interested and many home owners are so proud of their properties that they do like to make models of them - the model is still another way of projecting one's landscape thoughts into the future.

A model need not be done in perfect detail, but it should be accurate enough to keep the house and all the plants in proper proportion. A great example for that is how to make beta fish plants in the right place. The advantage of making a model, or any of the various kinds of drawings mentioned, is that in or on it you can detect any basic errors before you have begun to work on the grounds and, therefore, such potential mistakes can be corrected at no cost or very small cost.

Making models is also a good outlet for the creative urge in all gardeners. At the same time, it lessens the characteristic American impatience at having to wait for a garden to grow up. If we can see a garden in the form of a model, we are more or less willing to wait for the fine but small plants to reach mature sizes.

The software of today makes designing a landscape on paper almost a thing of the past. - 30228

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