Lower South
June, 2005
Regional Report
Web Finds
Basic Principles of Landscape Design
This Basic Principles of Landscape Design Web publication from the University of Florida Extension Service is an excellent reference for anyone planning a landscape design or renovation. It provides a thorough overview of many principles for designing a landscape. A readable text explains artistic considerations such as color combination, texture, form, and scale; along with design elements such as unity, balance, transition, proportion, and repetition. Then they walk the reader through a useful series of steps to creating your landscape design.
Favorite or New Plant
Aztec Grass
Aztec Grass (Ophiopogon intermedius) is not a true grass but rather a type of mondo grass or monkey grass that looks a lot like liriope. Its leaves are heavily variegated white with thin green stripes. It is quite cold hardy in the lower south and does especially well in bright shade. Its light-colored leaves help brighten up a dark green, shady area of the landscape. Use it to line a path or mass it to form a bright carpet of white foliage.
