Focal point landscaping is an attention grabbing, feature that pulls eye and draws attention. In the landscape, this is any type of feature, from big rocks to hardscaping or ornamentation. They can be walk-ways, gates, arbors, or places to sit. Some popular focal point landscaping points include…
- Unique plants. Either unusual varieties of foliage, or unique shapes or sizes
- Water areas such as ponds, waterfalls and fountains
- Boulders, terraces and other dramatic hardscape designs
- Bird feeding station or other wildlife-oriented feature
- A colorful container, or flowerbed garden
- A statue or sculpture. Can be as simple as a sundial
- Gates, arbors, a bridge, pergolas or arches
- A sitting space or another style outdoor gathering area
- A uniquely designed pathway, like a mosaic stepping stones
- Specially designed pavers, either made or store bought
Your focal point landscaping can be anything unique. It might even be a naturally-occurring feature of the existing landscape or something else you have dreamed of having in your yard.
Focal Point Purpose
Focal point landscaping initially draws attention, but it actually does far more than just attract ones eyes. A well designed point-of-interest landscape works to bring order and dimension to the yard, centralizing the attention and directing guests’ viewpoints. They can add unique character to the yard, whether it creates a sense of natural elegance, a modern touch or even introduces a bit of calm to the landscape. A good design could also help distract eyes from less aesthetically pleasing views, like drawing attention away from a neighbor’s yard, minimizing the appearance of you yard’s troubled spots or redirecting eyes away from a utility box or a bulky air conditioning unit.
Choosing the Focal Point
The focal point landscaping you choose for your landscape can depend on many factors. You will want to consider each one carefully when planning your personal design for your yard.
- Yard Size: It should be the correct sized to the yard. A very large focal point will overwhelm a small yard, creating a more crowded and cramped feeling, while a very small center piece will be lost in a large space.
- Landscape Style: They should coordinate the style of the yard. A cozy cottage garden can look great when it is focused around a elegant bird bath or romantic statue.
- Seasonal Changes: It should remain attractive and eye-catching throughout the year, even as the seasons change in nearby plants. Make your attraction so that it can be enjoyed all year.
- Viewing Angles: A good design will draw attention in a pleasing way no matter where it is viewed, even from different angles or approaches. Try to pay attention to every viewpoint, this will ensure the focal point serves its purpose where ever it is viewed.
Considered all these factors in deciding your focal point, and remember, a landscape may have one or more focal points. So long as they balance the yard and are appropriate to the yard’s design. They can be a beautiful features that will be stunning highlights in the landscape.
Designing Your Landscape
Once you have selected your beautiful focal point, it would be good to coordinate with the landscape’s overall design. This will enhance and complement the focal point and overall beauty and prominence in the yard without creating an overwhelming or displaced effect. Some easier ways to design your landscape around a focal point are…
- Pay attention to symmetry of the yard. You may want a completely symmetrical layout to lead eyes to the focal point, or you could choose a deliberately asymmetrical design that dramatically builds to the structure.
- Coordinate the rest of the landscape like colors, plants and other features to work with the design. Coordinating the colors, shapes and textures can add to the focal point while enhancing its beauty and story.
- Highlight the focal point and do not blocking it from view. Consider different views from different angles and in the different seasons. Regular pruning and other care keeps the surrounding landscape in check.
- Keep it in good condition. Plants should be properly pruned and shaped, and statues or other accents may require cleaning. Some structures may need regular repairs or repainting to keep their appearance.
- Design pathways, borders and illumination to highlight the focal point. This will draw attention to your focal point, both visually and physically. Keep your focal point centralized in the landscape, creating its purpose as your landscape highlight.
A focal point is meant to be more than just a highlight of your yard, it is the centerpiece of your landscape, sets the mood for outdoor space and showcases the beauty and elegance of your home. Having a focal point can help draw together the entire space in one eye-catching way you’ll always be proud of.
