Landscape Design Principles: Form Follows Function

This post was written by Mike Gulla, Neave Group landscape designer.

It doesn’t matter how beautifully a landscape is designed, if it doesn’t function properly for its users it will be underutilized and mostly useless.

This outdoor space doesn’t provide the homeowner with sufficient space for dining and entertaining. Now they are in the process of expanding the space to meet their needs.

Just think back to the last time you visited a friend for dinner on their patio, but due to its size, or lack thereof, the space felt cramped and not everyone could sit at once. Or the time you watched your neighbor’s children running around the yard and constantly tripping over an awkwardly placed block curbing or ducking branches of a poorly placed tree.

This basic landscape design principle holds true for all features of a residential landscape from designing a swimming pool to how you light a pathway.

When you begin planning your next landscape design project start by thinking about how you want your spaces to function, rather than small details like what exact paver pattern you want.

If a new patio is a feature you desire, ask yourself, “What do I want to do on this patio?”, “What size table do I want to incorporate?”, “How many people do I plan to entertain at one time?”

These are the things you should start thinking about. The intricate paving pattern will be the icing on the cake.

Once you have your vision, it’s time to work with a landscape designer who can really bring it to life. It’s important to build a strong relationship with your landscape designer so you can feel comfortable talking to him or her about your lifestyle and how you envision using your space.

The landscape design team here at Neave Group Outdoor Solutions takes great pride in how we treat our customers and we truly appreciate the relationships we’ve built over the years. If you have big dreams for your landscape, start by thinking about function, then pick up your phone and give our landscape design team a call! We’ll help you turn your dreams into reality.

From the Hudson Valley, call (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, dial (914) 271-7996, and if you’re in Connecticut, call us at (203) 212-4800. You can also fill out the web form to have us get in touch with you.

And if you want more insight as you plan your landscape, download our free Landscape Planning Guide!