DESIGNING IN ELEVATION
The perfect first step in planting design.
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.
It’s a powerful thing.
Elevations are not just for final presentations to sell to a client. Quick elevation sketches are also important in the design process. I often start designs with an elevation drawing, then work back and forth between them and a plan view. This helps me visualize plant forms and how they work with the existing site right away.
Let's get started!
Understanding PLANT FORMS is an important aspect to designing in elevation. Every plant has an overall form and it's the artful combination of forms that create beautiful planting design. READ MORE HERE.
When creating a COMPOSITION of plant forms in elevation consider the following:
REPETITION + VARIETY
Don't forget to repeat the same species of plants by massing them (this unifies your design), plus also inject variety by varying the height and having different plant forms. It's a fine line to balance both!
FOCAL POINT
Whether you're painting on a canvas or placing plants in a landscape it's nice to have a place to initially draw your eye and let it rest. Striking forms are great in this role.
ACCENTUATE + FRAME
When architecture is part of your design (like a house or shed) use plant forms to draw attention to the front door, plus frame the house overall. Be cognizant of windows and other architectural features too.
GOODNESS FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Below you will find several items to help you learn more about DESIGNING IN ELEVATION. From written words to video to applied activities to group discussions. Explore our topic from different angles and gain a new perspective. Click on the first two images below to download PDFs. Further down you will find a video and links to our community, plus Q+A's too!
VIDEO ON DESIGNING IN ELEVATION
OUR COMMUNITY
Don't forget to hang out with everyone to share your work and chat about DESIGNING IN ELEVATION! Check in to share your activity via the CHALLENGES area. Specific links are located in each activity below.
Activity .01
PLANT FORMS IN ELEVATION INSPIRATION
For this activity, find a photo of a fabulous planting area with strong plant forms that makes you go wow! This can be an image online, a fellow designer or one of your own designs.
Activity .02
DRAWING YOUR DESIGN IN ELEVATION
Create a composition of plant forms to accentuate the entrance and frame the house in the activity. Make sure to repeat plants (massings) and don't forget to also include a variety of forms and heights.
Share a win!
What have you accomplished in the last month that makes you super happy? Let us celebrate with you!
LIVE SESSIONS
We have two this month: our normal Q+A, plus a special guest presentation. These will both be recorded in case you can't make it (then posted right back here). Visit the Q+A SCHEDULE for times and links or click below. I can't wait to see you!
FABULOUS PLANT FORMS
with Megan McConnell, Monrovia Nursery
Tuesday, August 15
11 AM PT | 1 PM CT | 2 PM ET
7 PM BST | London
4 AM August 16 | Sydney
Grab the CHAT NOTES
Monthly Q+A
Tuesday, August 29
10 AM PT | noon CT | 1 PM ET
6 PM BST | London
3 AM August 16 | Sydney
Grab the CHAT NOTES
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]
