In recent columns on garden renovation, we have focused on planning, removing unwanted plants and hardscape, and analyzing the garden’s soil. This column takes a closer look at objectives for the landscape.
Earlier, we wrote, “Envision how you will use the landscape: outdoors living, with parties, barbecues, etc.; recreation for children or adults; growing fruits and vegetables; or simply enjoying horticultural displays. Write it down.”
The intended uses are basic in landscape planning, but more specific objectives might be relevant to a given property. Here are two examples.
Block an undesired view
Many homes are close to other homes, public buildings or commercial establishments, and garden renovators might wish to block the view of adjacent structures or activities. Blocking a view has creating privacy as its corollary.
This objective can be accomplished by installing one or more shrubs or trees to interrupt a sight line between a favored spot on the landscape and the undesired view, or between a spot where privacy is wanted and a place where an off-site viewer might be.
This strategic act will succeed most quickly if the renovator installs large plants, but that can be very expensive. The garden renovator should be patient enough to install plants of affordable size, and savvy enough to select shrubs or trees that are fast-growing but otherwise garden-worthy. Visit ongardening.com for ideas.
Resist any inclination to install a shrubbery wall to block the view to and from the public sidewalk and street. This landscaping device announces, “A recluse lives here.” Adjustable window coverings are better alternatives.
Frame a desired view
The viewshed of some homes might include a field or forest or mountain or ocean or some other scene that pleases the eye. It might be the natural environment or a built structure. In such happy situations, the first landscaping objective should be to retain or reveal the view. This might require removing poorly placed trees or shrubs, and not installing plants that would grow to obscure the view.
The second objective should be to develop landscaping that draws attention to the viewshed and to its best features. This might involve framing the view from a selected observation area, which might be inside the residence or on a deck or patio. Just as a picture frame separates a picture from it surroundings, carefully positioned trees can highlight a desired viewshed.
In time, an undesired view could become unobjectionable, and new construction could block a desired view. Whatever happens, your viewshed rights stop at the property line, so manage your landscaping accordingly.
Next: Working with uneven topography.
Tom Karwin is a UC Master Gardener and vice president of the Friends of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. He gardens in Santa Cruz. Send feedback to gardening@karwin.com. Visit ongardening.com for info on garden coaching and more on landscape renovation.
Framing a view
When framing a garden view, here are some things to consider:
• The goal of framing a view is to draw attention to an object or scene.
• Framing the view can achieved by opening a sight line to the desired subject and screening out surrounding distractions.
• Views inside or outside the garden may be framed.
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