Tree planting requires a good sense of space, and the planting of trees creates the framework of the entire site.

In addition, different planting methods are adopted according to different requirements. Generally, most of them use V, inverted V, etc. W, M, C shapes, and five-petal shapes . All premium selected seedlings are planted individually, symmetrically, or in arrays .

▌V-shaped planting diagram

Positioning techniques : First, identify the first tree in the main line of sight, then the tree closer to the main viewpoint, and finally the one further away. The angle can be adjusted to be parallel depending on the slope, avoiding right angles or equilateral angles. Choose short, stout trees in front of the main viewpoint (the red dotted line indicates the forest edge for reference).

▌C-shaped planting diagram

Positioning Technique : Using the highest point on the slope as the center, select the first tree on the main view line, and use the distance between the center and this point as the radius to draw a circle that is basically parallel to the outer arc of the terrain. Select suitable second and third points on the arc (the red dotted line is the forest edge line that can be referenced).

▌Single-skeletal mixed-type two-Qiao planting diagram

Positioning technique : Plant a skeletal tree at the high point of the slope, which should be significantly larger than the two trees. Then, based on the actual situation, arrange the two trees in a V-shape or C-shape around the skeletal tree.

Advantages : The mixed planting method makes up for the shortcomings of V and C-shaped planting, giving people a clear center of gravity and a full skyline. It reduces the number of large trees and the overall cost, which is in line with the development trend of landscaping with small and medium-sized trees as the main feature.

Disadvantages: The group's size, presence, and sense of history are not as good as the V and C groups.

▌Inverted V-shaped planting diagram

Positioning Technique: Select the highest point on the slope from the main viewpoint (not necessarily the highest point of the slope) as the center point of the W (or inverted V), ensuring the W's trajectory aligns with the outer arc. Choose the tree with the largest volume as the center point; this tree should also have the largest height and crown width.

Advantages: The framework is full and imposing, with a strong sense of layering, no major visual weaknesses, and a relatively stable center of gravity. The skyline forms an umbrella shape, which is natural and beautiful. The clusters have a large time and spatial span, making it easy to create a beautiful and substantial landscape quality.

Disadvantages: The concave area requires large shrubs and two trees to fill it, resulting in many planting layers, a long planting time, and a tendency for repetitive landscaping, leading to higher construction costs.

▌M-shaped double-slope planting diagram

Positioning Techniques: Choose the highest point of the two slopes as the starting point. When there is a significant difference in size between the two slopes, a 40/60 ratio can be used, with the intermediate transition position shifted towards the larger slope. This also applies when there is a large difference in elevation. If the smaller slope is higher than the larger slope and the size difference is obvious, then the larger slope should be used as the reference principle. The selection of tree size should be flexible and adaptable. Choose the smallest trees for intermediate transition, and for the rest, generally follow the principle of planting closer trees lower and farther trees higher from the main viewpoint.

Advantages: The plants in the same group transition naturally, making planting convenient. It increases the connection between the two slopes, breaks through the spatial limitations of a single-slope group, reduces the aesthetic fatigue caused by single-slope landscaping, and is rich in landscape effects.

▌M-shaped single-slope planting diagram

Point selection technique: The highest point in the middle should be the largest tree. The middle is left open with turf. Therefore, two outer trees are placed at the ends of the ground cover line (the larger red circle in the picture). Here we can see that the M-shaped double slope planting is a deeper and broader application of the M-shaped single slope planting.

Advantages: It offers a significant sense of depth along the Z-axis, and its comfortable sofa-like design is visually and psychologically appealing, creating a relaxed and unhurried environment. This also provides structural support for landscaping on all four sides, making it ideal for terrains enclosed by three intersections.

Disadvantages: Site selection requires mature construction experience and an understanding of spatial layout, and the understory planting and ground cover lines must be considered in advance. If experience and control are insufficient, ground cover lines can be drawn first, and the framework can be positioned in reverse. The red-circled area needs to be supplemented with large shrubs or two types of trees, requiring multiple planting layers, is time-consuming, and prone to repetitive combinations.

Case Demonstration

The image shows a planting method that combines a single-skeletal frame with two different varieties.

Alternatively, a three-frame inverted V-shaped planting method can be chosen.

V-shaped case study

The red circle marks the intersection of two main viewpoints. The yellow dotted line indicates the direction of the visitor's line of sight. The red dotted line represents the distance between the forest edge and the road. Scattered trees and the clusters behind them should maintain a good spatial distance, and be visually independent with clear boundaries.

❶ The planting method is basically similar to that of trees, but the flowering shrubs are mostly arranged in groups, and the middle waistline is often transitioned with tower-shaped, short and stout plants, and the overall requirement is to achieve simplicity and neatness.

② The treatment of the curved protrusions generally follows the curve, with dense planting to close the line of sight, emphasizing layering, color, and leaf shape.And the combination of tree species.

❸ Fully profitableUse plants to decorate landscape stones, tree trunks, corners, and sharp edges of walls.

❹ When there is no reference point, you can first plant a large sphere as a reference for the stone and use it as a positioning point. Choose the position on the main line of sight to highlight the strengths or weaknesses of the landscape.

Case Demonstration

One big and three small

Sufficient profitUse plants to decorate landscape stones, tree trunks, corners, and sharp edges of walls.

Error Case Demonstration

The mortar at the edges was not cleaned in time.

There are no obstructions at the corner, the view is empty and lacks depth.

At certain nodes, select plants with high visual appeal to stand out individually , breaking the limitations of group lines and frames to create a brand-new effect. However, the separation between groups (yellow lines) and solitary plants (red circles) should be clearer.

Relationship between the location of solitary or scattered trees and the large group of trees

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Each cluster should vary in shape, volume, height, and size, with different expressive focuses, emphasizing integration with the terrain and following its natural contours. Large clusters should be planted in large terrain areas, and tall clusters should be planted in high terrain areas, fully expressing the undulating changes in the terrain.

Schematic diagram ▼

So, how should we divide open spaces with little or no reference?

Open spaces tend to be relatively isolated and lack reference points, often leading to confusion when grouping plants together. The key to successful planting lies in creating a reference system independently, drawing on experience and transplanting established models. However, such landscaping often lacks cohesion and unity, resulting in repetition or chaos.

Schematic diagram ▼

By interpreting the design intent and maintaining consistency with the overall style and tone, virtual garden paths are introduced to divide and create space. Combined with topography and landscape function, the spaces divided by these beautiful virtual lines can serve as a good reference for grouping and arranging elements (ideally, a virtual division design should be sketched on paper). This makes it easier to grasp the sense of spatial scale and the landscaping effect. The landscape creation method for virtually dividing space can refer to the planting patterns after dividing space using real garden paths.

Schematic diagram ▼

Considering the overall layout, the spatial location, shape, size, and interrelationships of the planned garden clusters should be determined by combining actual and virtual garden paths.

① Choose arc shapes appropriately based on the terrain, garden paths, and forest edges, generally ensuring smooth and complete lines. Large terrain features should primarily use large arcs, while smaller terrain features and flower borders should be arranged with fragmented patterns or varied small arcs.

❷ Be aware of sharp triangles that may appear at the junctions of color blocks. Use large obtuse angles or small obtuse angles for the junctions whenever possible.

❸ Choose plants with dense foliage, short growth, and tolerance to pruning for edging.

❹ Seedlings should be planted at an angle, downwards, along the slope.

5. When planting ground cover along the slope, plant it at a downward angle, prioritizing the outer edges. The angle of inclination should decrease from the outside to the inside. When planting, select seedlings by size and follow the principle of planting shorter seedlings in front and taller seedlings in the back.

6. The front row of ground cover should have a smooth curve and should not expose the soil. Ideally, it should be an evergreen variety with dense foliage, strong sprouting ability, and tolerance to pruning.

❶ All-terrain, non-discontinuous terrain commonly uses ground cover curves such as figure-eight, semi-figure-eight, C, butterfly, and plum blossom shapes. These are mostly suitable for medium to large terrains.

❷ For regular rectangular or triangular terrain, use a starting point breakup method.Floral patchwork style (suitable for small terrains or flower borders).

❸ When planting closer to the center, multiple S-shaped or Ω-shaped arcs with small radii are often used, which are suitable for small to medium-sized terrains.

❹ On small terrain features, the curves should be exaggerated, with obvious variations and flexible lines. Planting patterns with small variations in curvature are not recommended.

❺ When the forest edge line is close to the inside, a multi-S small radius arc is used.

⑥ When dealing with narrow and elongated rectangular terrain, broken arcs and multiple S-shaped small-radius arcs can be used.

The ❼Ω-shaped forest edge line can increase the depth, thickness, and spatial density variation of the landscape, making it a superior method for defining forest edges.

Color blocking is an important configuration method for commonly used ornamental flowers, colorful foliage plants, ornamental grasses, and other excellent ornamental varieties. It can produce natural, rich, wild, gorgeous, and lively landscape effects, and is an important landscaping technique and method.

① The application of color blocks is more suitable for miniature or small local landscapes. There are various landscaping techniques and no need to be particular about details, but you need to be familiar with the color, texture, shape, main ornamental features and spatial layer of the plants.

❷ Avoid small sharp angles between different color blocks as much as possible, and use large sharp angles or parallel interfaces instead.

❶ Land preparation: Maintain a smooth surface without obvious potholes or depressions, and ensure smooth terrain transitions.

❷  Sand spreading: Use medium-coarse river sand, 3 to 5 centimeters thick, and smooth it with a wooden board.

❸  Laying turf: Using the joint with the hard paving as a baseline, lay the turf outwards without leaving gaps. For irregularly shaped joints, use scissors to cut it to the desired shape. Note that the top edge of the turf should be about 2 cm lower than the hard paving, and leave 5 cm at the joint with the edging seedlings. After laying, make furrows.

Lawn and floor transition effect ▼

In fact, the functions of plants in a private garden should be diversified. They should not only serve an aesthetic and recreational purpose, but also provide opportunities for participation, which brings satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Designing gardens and horticultural facilities, and planting fragrant and health-promoting herbs and flowers in your own small home garden, allows you to experience the joy of DIY.

There are various shapes for courtyards: square, rectangular, wide and flat, or narrow and long. Decide what you plan to do in your courtyard—whether you want to stay, sit, lie down, or simply walk around—and determine the combination of hard paving and greenery accordingly. For the greenery, pay attention to layering, varying heights, and color combinations. Blindly planting will only make the yard look cluttered; don't let it become a "flower and grass warehouse."

Plants at the entrance

The main gate holds extraordinary significance in garden design. Plant arrangement should evoke a sense of stability and security. Common green barriers not only separate the garden from other courtyards but also subtly suggest security to family members, establishing spatial boundaries for each family area and thus creating a sense of territory. A combination of trees can then define the main feature of the entrance.

When novice gardeners are designing their gardens, it's best to limit the number of plant varieties. Focus on one or two main plant types, and then select one or two as accents. Plant choices should complement the overall style of the garden, with clear layering and simple forms. Evergreen plants are more suitable for northern regions. When arranging such combinations, subtle differences in shades of green can serve as a guideline for plant placement. Dark green euphorbias serve as a backdrop for light green and whitish ferns, while simultaneously highlighting the foliage of hydrangeas, whose colors fall somewhere in between.

When planting two or more flowering plants of the same color together, differences in plant shape and leaf shape should be used to ensure the desired landscape effect. Planting light pink chrysanthemums with phlox creates a strong romantic pink atmosphere. Of course, there are still significant differences in the shape of the flowers of chrysanthemums and phlox—chrysanthemums produce a cluster of small pink flowers on a single flower stalk—this difference becomes a highlight of the combination. In addition, differences in leaf shape, leaf size, and vein patterns are also important factors in arranging such combinations.

Furthermore, whenever a garden is divided into sections or geometric shapes are created on the ground, tall trees and shrubs become crucial design elements. Plants along garden paths should evoke a sense of peace and tranquility for those strolling through. Some paths are simply and unpretentiously designed, while others are meticulously crafted: lined with shrubs or accompanied by flowerbeds. For some designers, the design of garden paths clearly reflects the homeowner's personality. The core of this plant arrangement lies in fully utilizing differences.

Plants in the small courtyard

Vertical lines are used to their fullest extent in the landscaping of small spaces such as garden sides or terraces. Bamboo is more commonly used in smaller courtyards, and naturally deciduous plants are often favored for their graceful, upright trunks. These spaces often feature single plants, fully showcasing their shape, color, texture, and seasonal changes. Clumps and groups of plants, through the combination of shapes, lines, colors, and textures, along with appropriate scale and the integration of background elements (paving, topography, buildings, small features, etc.) from different green spaces, enhance the landscape and subconsciously regulate emotions through aesthetic appreciation.