Line planting is the basic method of forming outdoor walls with plants. Depending on the species and their arrangement, a line planting can accomplish many purposes. It can provide full, partial, or no privacy. It can also modify the climate, block or frame a view, and serve as a backdrop for flowers (Figure 9-20).
Like a corner planting, a line planting should be in a cultivated bed to separate it from the lawn and provide for mulching and easier main-
figure 9-19. Three variations of the corner planting. Note that in each example the eye is drawn from the ends of the planting to the center and from the front to the rear. (Delmar/Cengage Learning)
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Block a view |
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Frame a view |
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Provide total privacy |
figure 9-20. Some functions of the line plantings (Delmar/Cengage Learning)
tenance. The height and width of the planting will depend on the size and number of plants used. As plants are chosen, the designer must know their mature size and space them far enough apart so that they can grow to maturity. Otherwise, they will have to be pruned frequently to prevent crowding.
Skillful design of a line planting requires practice and experience. If too few species are used, the planting is monotonous; if too many species are used, chaos results (Figure 9-21). Interest can be created even with a limited number of species by grouping them into masses and staggering their placement to enhance depth perception by the viewer (Figure 9-22). For example, placing lower shrubs in front of taller ones creates a stepped effect (Figure 9-23).
figure 9-22. An effective line planting consists of a few species, in massed groupings, with staggered placement. (Delmar/Cengage Learning)
