using balance in design
As one of the principles of design, balance is one of the building blocks of a beautiful garden. Balance is a pleasing-to-the-eye arrangement in which the visual weight of the different plants and hardscaping is in proportion.
Symmetrical balance mirrors elements on each side of a dividing line, like the identical groups of plants on each side of this birdbath. Use symmetry to create a formal look.
Asymmetrical balance is also organized and stable, but the visual weight of the elements looks more random. In the illustration at right, the tall evergreen and mounded shrubs are balanced with the airy, open perennials and the off-center birdbath on the left. Use asymmetrical balance to create casual landscapes.
For a great selection of beautiful garden designs, check out our downloadable garden plans at right!
