5 Timeless Landscape Design Principles Every Homeowner Should Know

At Hawke Landscaping, we believe that every great landscape starts with thoughtful design. Whether you're planting a small garden or building a full outdoor living space, applying time-tested design principles can mean the difference between a landscape that simply "fills space" and one that truly feels right.

Here are five essential design principles we use in every project to help you make the most of your outdoor space:

1. Choose Plants That Grow Into the Space

One of the most common landscaping mistakes is planting based on how things look today — not how they’ll grow over time. Choosing trees, shrubs, and perennials with their mature size in mind is important to the design. This prevents overcrowding, reduces maintenance, and allows the landscape to age beautifully. When you plan ahead, your landscape stays healthy and functional for years to come.

2. Order and Unity: The Rule of Three

Landscapes feel more comfortable when there’s structure and repetition. One of our go-to strategies is using the “Unity of Three” — repeating a design element (like a plant type, color, or material) at least three times across the space. A quantity of three is not easily split and therefore seen as one group. This simple technique creates rhythm and harmony without feeling repetitive. It helps tie everything together and gives the landscape a cohesive, intentional look.

3. Balance

Balance is about making sure no part of your landscape feels too “heavy” or too “empty.” We use both:

• Symmetrical balance (like matching trees on each side of a walkway)

• and asymmetrical balance (using different elements that still feel visually equal).

Even in naturalistic designs, balance keeps the landscape grounded and pleasing to the eye.

4. Proportion and Scale

Your landscape should feel like an extension of your home — not an afterthought. That’s where proportion and scale come in. A large house with tiny shrubs in front will feel awkward. A small patio with huge boulders can feel crowded. We size all elements — from plants to patios — so that they fit together naturally and match the surrounding space.

5. Dominance and Focal Points

Every landscape needs a focal point — something that catches the eye and anchors the space. It could be a specimen tree, water feature, sculpture, or even a well-designed seating area. We design with dominance in mind, ensuring that the focal point stands out without overpowering the rest of the space.