THE BLOCKING METHOD
Plant Compositions in Broad Strokes
The Blocking Method (or Backward Process) is a planting design tool that helps you create a planting border in elevation by naturally incorporating key design principles like repetition and variety. Instead of focusing on individual plants, this method encourages you to think in terms of plant groupings or massings. You’ll use rectangles to represent these groupings as you design, rather than drawing each plant one by one.
When designing a planting composition around architecture—like a house or shed—it often feels natural to include different heights and forms, as you’re accentuating a building with windows, doors, and structure. But when creating a planting border without a building framework, the design can feel less anchored. The Blocking Method provides that essential visual framework, allowing the planting plan to stand strong and shine on its own.
Let's do this!
GOODNESS FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Below you will find several items to help you learn more about the BLOCKING METHOD. From written words to video to applied activities to our Design Library to group discussions. Explore our topic from different angles and gain a new perspective. Click on the images below to download a PDF of your Garden Design Guide and Activity. Further down you will find a video and links to our community, plus a live Monthly Meetup too!
VIDEO: Blocking Method Demonstration
The video below shows how to approach both activities this month. The first is simply practicing how to fill plants into blocks and the second activity focuses on designing in elevation and plan view simultaneously.
RESOURCES in our DESIGN LIBRARY
The resources below are a wonderful way to help expand your knowledge of the BLOCKING METHOD. I placed "Designing in Elevation" first, because I think that is the most important one to review for this month's topic.
DESIGNING IN ELEVATION
When you view your design in elevation (as if you’re standing in front of it) it’s easier to understand the space and be able to visualize yourself in it. This is a great tool when choosing plants for the front yard.
DRIFT PLANTING
A drift planting is when plants are arranged in groups or clusters that "drift" across a garden space in natural, flowing patterns. It is considered one of the planting models.
PLANTING MODELS
Planting Models are a great way to start conceptualizing patterns for the layout of a planting bed before jumping into the details of plant selection. This month learn a bit more about mixed borders.
TEMPLATE LIBRARY
This special bonus is tucked into our membership's main page. It includes templates - for furniture, plants, paving and much more - that you can trace directly or simply use them as inspiration.
OUR COMMUNITY
Don't forget to hang out with us this month.
Check in to share your activity. Try it yourself and/or learn from the submissions of your peers. No need to stress. Just enjoy!
BLOCKING METHOD ACTIVITIES
We have two activities this month. Choose one, both or simply learn from your peer submissions.
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ACTIVITY ONE: Explore the Blocking Method in Elevation
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ACTIVITY TWO: Draw Elevation to Plan with the Blocking Method
Do you have a question?
Do you have a question on this month's topic or another design question? Let's all learn together!
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Click below to add it to our community.
Share a win!
What have you accomplished in the last month that makes you super happy? Let us celebrate with you!
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Click below to add it to our community.
LIVE SESSIONS
We have one this month: our normal Monthly MeetUp. This will be recorded in case you can't make it (then posted right back here). Check out all UPCOMING MEETUPS here.
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Have you had a chance to meet me in a smaller group? Please sign up for a slot by clicking on the link below.
Monthly MeetUp
Let's catch up on this month's topic, plus share our activities. I can't wait to see you!
Tuesday, June 24
8 AM PT | 9 AM MT | 10 AM CT | 11 AM ET
London: 4 PM BST
Sydney: June 25 at 1 AM AEST
Let's Connect in a Small Group Session
I'm excited to invite you to a small group session where we can get to know each other better and foster connections among team members. Each session will last one hour and include up to four participants, along with myself.
Please sign up for one available time slot that suits your schedule. This is a great opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.
Looking forward to our conversation!
I'd love your feedback once you've devoured all this goodness.
Drop me a note at the email below and let me know what you loved and what could be improved. Thank you!
Please contact me at [email protected]
