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. Since we haven't dived into landscape design principles to date, let’s explore an intriguing one: RHYTHM.

THE DESIGN PRINCIPLE: RHYTHM

Landscape design principles are magical guidelines that help you organize the elements in a space cohesively. Depending on the source these principles can include repetition, scale, unity, balance, emphasis, order and…rhythm. 

Rhythm has always intrigued (and sometimes confused) me the most. For years I wasn’t sure how it was different from repetition (simply repeating elements), then finally it clicked when I saw an image similar to the one below. 

Yes, repetition is repeating elements over and over, but rhythm is repeating elements in a pattern that draws you into the landscape….to encourage your eye to move across a space (like a sweeping bed line) or to draw your entire body to physically move through it (like an engaging path). Rhythm is what makes your garden dynamic (in an organized, systematic way).

TO CREATE RHYTHM IN THE GARDEN:

• Repeat an element like stepping stones, strong plant forms, columns, posts, etc. in a linear or cyclical pattern.
• Make the repetitive element even more interesting by disrupting the pattern once in awhile with a different shape or color.
• Allow the repetitive pattern to lead your eye (and body!) to a focal point or to another area in the garden. Rhythm can be powerful in this way! Use it to your advantage.
• Create slow rhythm when walking on a path by spacing elements farther apart (like stepping stones), adding a curve or making an incline.
• Increase the rhythmic speed by placing items close or keeping a path straight.

RHYTHM INSPIRATION

Check out this post on Rhythm in the Garden that I wrote a few years ago to further explain this beautiful design principle.

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I love having discussions with Tommy (my musician-partner-in-crime) about similarities of rhythm in music and design. One of our recent connections: obvious (and interesting) patterns in music and design seem to engage us the most. 

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For bonus inspiration I created this Rhythm in the Garden Pinterest Board.

LET'S DO THIS! 

How can you incorporate rhythm into your garden? Try a lovely path, a detailed fence, or an intricate pattern that leads your eye or body through the landscape.

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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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Thanks for letting me visit your in-box today. I look forward to seeing you again in two weeks!

All my best,

Lisa 

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