Yes, any of these can be incorporated into a landscape design and be a striking focal point.
However….I'm thinking of a different kind. A focal point can be simple or it can be dramatic. Have you ever experienced a "wow" moment in the landscape…time stands still because something is affecting you very profoundly.
I'm now living in New Jersey, but prior to my move, I was visiting with my family one time. We were going out to dinner in Edgewater. Edgewater is one of those revitalized waterfront towns. So…driving along River Road that evening, I happened to look towards the river and looming out and beyond…and I mean LOOMING…was the New York City skyline, lit up in all its glory. A focal point.
It didn't have to be positioned. One didn't even think about where it was being viewed from when it was created. It didn't need a background. It wasn't too large or too small…it just was.
So how do you create a dramatic focal point in a garden?
Placement
A focal point can be placed out in wide open space. This might be the middle of the lawn, at the center of a patio, or in the middle of a low garden.
Yet it can also be located at an edge. Picture a statue in the corner of your property. To make it really stand out, create a strong background. My favorite way to do this is with evergeen trees or shrubs behind it.
Scale
If it is too large it will be overpowering. Yet if too small it will get lost. This is where judgement, creativity and taste come into play.
Focal Points - A Formal Fountain
See more project pictures at:
Focal Point Objects
- Sculptures - a simple sculpture or statue can be used in a variety of places
- Waterfalls/ponds - These can be dramatic. It can be placed nearby for everyday viewing or tucked away in a hidden spot.
- Fountains - Use electricity or for simplicity there are solar powered fountains.
- Trees - Choose for flowers, interesting bark, form or fall color.
- Benches - An outdoor bench can look nice in a corner of the garden.
- Pergolas/Temples - Very striking, but much though has to go into location.
- A distant Garden - What could be more simple?
Andrew Keys : Garden Smackdown : Boston, MA »
Carolyn Choi : Sweet Home and Garden Chicago : Chicago, IL »
Debbie Roberts : A Garden of Possibilities : Stamford, CT »
Laura Livengood Schaub : Interleafings : San Jose, CA »
Lesley Hegarty & Robert Webber : Hegarty Webber Partnership : Bristol, UK »
Pam Penick : Digging : Austin, TX »
Rebecca Sweet : Gossip In the Garden : Los Altos, CA »
Susan Cohan : Miss Rumphius’ Rules : Chatham, NJ »
Susan Morrison : Blue Planet Garden Blog : East Bay, CA »
Susan Schlenger : Landscape Design Advice : Hampton, NJ »
Tara Dillard : TaraDillard.com : Atlanta, GA »
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6 comments:
Lots of good lessons and info in here.
Loved the point about the New York skyline. That was just SO telling!
best Wishes
Robert
'It just was' That's always the trick isn't it?
Placement and scale: wise advise indeed. Thanks for your insights, Susan!
Susan,
It's hard to compete with the Manhattan skyline but your reminders about the right,and wrong, ways to use focal points are welcome reminders.
Susan I can see you're not afraid to go for it! The whole Manhattan skyline as a focal point, huh? Now why does my little bubbling fountain suddenly feel so inadequate...
Vey interesting and informative post, Susan. I agree with the other commentators that the New York skyline would bbe impossible to compete with.
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