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One of the first things artists learn is something that is used in every solid design... and not just for landscaping. The Elements of Design (value, color, form, shape, line, space, and texture) are vital to our process, and at least one or two of them are dominant factors in every landscape we create. Below are some examples of the Elements of Design. Click on each photo for an enlarged version.
Color
Color is produced by light of various wavelengths that strike an object and reflect back to the eyes. Color depends on light because it is made of light. There must be light to see color (a red shirt will not look red in the dark).
  
Form
Form describes volume and mass, or the three-dimensional aspects of objects that take up space. Forms can and should be viewed from many angles. When you hold a baseball, shoe, or small sculpture, you are aware of their curves, angles, indentations, extensions and edges – their forms.
  
Line
A line is a continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point. It has length and width, but its width is very tiny compared to its length. Often a line defines a space. It may create an outline or contour, define a silhouette, create patterns, movement, or the illusion of volume.
  
Texture
Texture refers to the surface quality or "feel" of an object, like smoothness, roughness, softness, etc.
  
A Final Note on Design: Focal Points
A feature, work of art or a special heirloom can be a focal point. However subdued or expressive, every good design needs one. Much like everyone has a unique personality, these features give the garden a focus and a direction that other elements lead to.
  
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