Capturing the eye with focal points
There are many important elements to garden design: line; shape; rhythm; balance; symmetry; colour; texture and focal point but today we’ll focus on focal points: why and how to create these and what can be used to do so.
The need for a Focal Point
Overall the aim of using focal points is to grab your attention and to create a sense of order in your garden. Focal points are things in the garden that draw your eye to an item of interest and emphasise an area and in turn create order. As your eye will naturally follow lines, a strong focal point can be created where multiple lines in the garden merge ie your front door, at the end of a walkway. This can also have the added benefit of hiding other less desirable areas by distraction.
When creating focal points consider what you want to add, and where to place it. Focal points can mean adding an object (i.e. a sculpture, chair, rock, or water feature) or including a specimen plant or bold grouping of plants but the first trick is to avoid adding too much. Less is definitely more as too many focal points will create a confused space that in turn removes the value of a focal point in the first place. It also doesn't need to be large to grab your attention; it just needs to be in the right spot.
Sculptures
Sculptures and statues are a bold addition and can attract a lot of attention - this is often because they are man-made and will stand out against groupings of plants. They can be beautiful pieces of art, help tell a story, or simply add some mood to the garden. Because a sculpture is strikingly different to a more natural landscape, it is important to consider the garden around it, the scale of the sculpture and the balance created to ensure the sculpture blends with the surrounding design.
Think big concrete sculptures to bring a sense of grandeur or upcycle old statues with a lick of paint to bring a pop of colour to your garden.
Water features
Water features add a whole new layer to your garden both visually and aurally, as well as creating a whole new habitat that is inviting for local wildlife.
The soothing sounds of a water feature create a sense of tranquillity and peace, and the sound can also block out surrounding noises.
Specimen trees
A specimen tree is one planted alone, that stands out against the surrounding planting and draws your eye. This could be due to the colour, size, bark, the shape of the tree, the way the branches grow. Consider how the tree changes over the year, and if it loses its interest in some seasons you may want to consider a second specimen tree that stands out in those seasons.
Specimen trees we love are
Topiary - They are in investment but can make a statement within a simple garden design. They suit traditional symmetrical gardens, zen gardens, to contemporary mixed native gardens. The key is to make your topiary the hero by placing it in a prominent location with under planting and uplights for dramatic shadows.
Deciduous specimen trees are right at home in traditional formal gardens, liked for their variety of forms, blossom and colour throughout the year and how they allow light into your landscape during winter.
We love the hardy Cercis Canadensis, both the Forest pansy and hearts of gold varieties for the small delicate form, heart shaped leaves and spring blossom.
Rhopalostylis Chathamica - Chatham Island Nikau – this spectacular native is highly sought after and is a must for any sub-tropical garden.
Horoeka Pseudopanax Ferox toothed lancewood juvenile form - Anna’s most favourite plant. Adapted to avoid hungry Moa, its spear like form and saw like leaves are ingestible until its late Teens, then it transforms into a tall elegant mop top tree.
Dracaena Draco - Dragon Tree, straight out of Dr Zeus, it adds year round whimsical interest and can cast spectacular shadows.
The Grandeur Strelitzia Nicolai - Giant Bird of Paradise, extremely hardy with beautiful architectural structure. Out of the wind its leaves will remain perfectly formed.
If you have the space and the right location the incredibly grand & sculptural Ficus Dammaropsis - Dinner Plate Fig will steal the show in a mixed tropical garden.
A focal point is more than just a highlight of your space, it has the ability to showcase the beauty of your home and it’s the easiest way to transform your garden into one that feels more designed and intentional.
Want to design your landscape around an appropriate focal point? Talk to our team of skilled designers today and see how we can bring new life to your old landscape.
