Simplicity in Landscape Design

Simplicity and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art."

- Frank Lloyd Wright

This sentiment is at the heart of my approach to gardens and garden design. (Hence: Serenity in the Garden)

Simplicity is not simple...it is, in fact, quite difficult to achieve.

Simplicity of layout requires great attention to detail. For example, in the photo above, the garden designer had to address how big the squares were, how far apart they should be spaced, what size paving should be used around the turf squares and what color, what kind of turfgrass should be used and how may squares and rows should there be..... The end result is sublime and quite effective. 

Simplicity in planting design is also daunting at times. Here Robert Irwin planted up a roof garden at the Getty Center. Note the glorious shapes, their counterpoint,  the arrangement, and the bit of red to the upper left...always go for that bit of red....

and here the simplicity is in the long, slow curve of a wide walk and the stately trees that border it on both sides. Note how far the trees are from the walk - this space is critical to the overall design. Any closer and they would seem menacing. 

 I think they widened this walk - look at the additional paving pattern and the lovely pebbles in the border of the walk.  Reflexology path,  anyone?