PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN 



ALL landscape work, no matter what its size or where it is located, 

 to be a success as an artistic creation must have four dominant 

 qualities, namely, Unity, Variety, Character and Finish. The 

 surest way of attaining the efifect aimed at is to be simple in treatment. 

 The true artist aims to produce the best effect by using the smallest 

 variety of kinds in as Hmited a quantity as possible. 



To be permanent, the work must be done step by step in proper 

 sequence as outHned here. 



All good views should be preserved. Sometimes they can be im- 

 proved or emphasized by "framing the picture" with trees. Never 

 fell a tree until the step is found really necessary — but then go ahead 

 and cut it down rather than mar an otherwise good effect or view. 



Unity. Prof. L. H. Bailey very aptly defines unity as applied to 

 the landscape as follows: "Every yard should be a picture, that is, 

 the area should be set off from every other area, and it should have 

 such character that the observer catches its entire effect and purpose 

 without stopping to analyze its parts. The yard (home grounds) 

 should be one thing, one area, with every feature contributing its 

 part to one strong and homogeneous effect." No one item should be 

 individually conspicuous, but all should help in creating the quiet 

 harmonious whole. 



Variety. When used in this sense we do not mean there should 

 be many kinds of plant material, but there can and should be variety 

 in sky line or contour, in texture of fohage, color, lawn surface, without 

 marring the unity of the place. For instance, while all harsh color 

 contrasts should be avoided, a dash of color here and there among the 

 green can be nicely blended and will add interest. The various 

 characteristic forms of growth, such as horizontal branches against 

 the erect or vertical, make pleasant breaks and give character as well. 



Character. This quahty consists largely of being individual or 

 "different" from other places similar in size and outHne. It is not easy 

 to define, as the character of a planting is generally the unconscious 

 "touch" of the maker. Just as the "stiffness" or "restfulness" of a 

 room is decided mainly by the appearance and placement of furniture, 



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