Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's explore the concepts of spatial design vs. planting design.

A DESIGN MIND-SHIFT

Are you open to a mind-shift regarding landscape design? I encourage you to think about designing SPACES first (spatial design), rather than focusing initially on the placement of garden components (such as plants, arbors or walks). These components are pulled in later to reinforce or link our spaces. 

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For instance, when we start placing plants without defining the space (or room) first, we suddenly have a lot of beds that surround left-over, bubblegum-like, awkward spaces (oftentimes this space is a lawn). 

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Have you considered defining a lawn shape first, then reinforcing it with plants (planting design)? We often do better with this concept when designing patios and decks (because we’ve already created a shape on the ground plane). I challenge you to think about the shape and size of an outdoor space to make sure it serves its intended use first, then move to other components, such as plants, to reinforce the space you created. This brings us to the concepts of SPATIAL DESIGN and PLANTING DESIGN.

SPATIAL DESIGN

This is the overall spatial arrangement (or structure) of your garden. Spaces (or rooms) are defined then arranged so they relate to each other in the appropriate way for a client.  To figure out spatial design one would go through a series of functional diagrams (bubble diagrams), concept drawings and a cool tool called lines of force. In the end you’re creating a series of garden rooms.

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PLANTING DESIGN

Once the spatial design is finalized, plants and other hardscape (fences, walls, etc.) elements are used to define those spaces. Planting beds are formed to reinforce the spaces (or garden rooms) you created. Planting areas should not be placed willy-nilly, but always with purpose. It is within these beds that the magic of planting design occurs. Now you can dive into the beautiful task of planting design by choosing and arranging plants that fit your site, ecological goals and aesthetic vision.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

Check out this article from Monrovia on HOW TO LAYOUT A GARDEN. It not only covers the idea of starting with the garden space, then plants, but also shows the lines of force method I mentioned earlier. 

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Learn more about GARDEN ROOMS in a past newsletter or check out this Monrovia article on HOW TO DESIGN AN OUTDOOR ROOM.

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A special place we often discuss both spatial and planting design is in our monthly membership, THE GARDEN DESIGN COLLECTIVE. This will open for enrollment again mid-September. Each month we have a new garden design guide, guest speakers, Q+As, and an awesome community. Honestly, it’s super fun and we learn so much together. 

LET'S DO THIS! 

Grab some paper and a pencil to start exploring the shape of your outdoor room (spatial design) and how you might define the edges with plants (planting design). Keep it conceptual and have fun.

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This fall we are gearing up for the opening of our inaugural DRAFTING SUPPLY CLUB course. This is a great way to learn about drawing tools and prepare for Garden Graphics Tool Kit in January. There is so much happening around here!

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Keep adding beauty into this world with your lovely gardens!

All my best, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.