Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's explore the design principle, REPETITION, and how it can guide your designs.♥︎ 

THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

The PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN are the guidelines we follow to create a landscape composition that resolves a client’s needs, while also being aesthetically pleasing.These principles help achieve harmony, balance, and visual appeal in the final design. These are not rigid rules but rather flexible guidelines that designers use to create visually pleasing and effective outdoor spaces.

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The principles of design are a beautiful way to help make decisions about shapes, color, material, and overall framework of a garden space. When these principles are ignored, designs can feel chaotic, unorganized and visually unappealing.

REPETITION

Repetition involves the intentional use of recurring elements, such as plants, materials, colors, shapes, or patterns, to create a sense of unity, rhythm, and visual interest in the landscape. I feel repetition is one of the easiest ways to focus your design.

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Repetition is a powerful tool that can enhance the overall cohesion of a landscape. If you repeat elements, you’ll unify your design quickly. It's important to note that too much repetition can be boring, while not enough can feel chaotic.

EXPRESSING REPETITION

Below are some examples of how you can repeat elements in the landscape to unify it. What would you add to this list?

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Plant Selection. Repeating the same type of plant in groups (or massings) can create a strong sense of unity and a cohesive look. 

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Hardscape Materials. Repetition can be applied to hardscape elements such as paving, structures, furniture, containers, and fencing styles. Consistency in the choice of materials and their arrangement can tie different areas of the landscape together.

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Color Palette. Repeating specific colors can create a sense of visual continuity. For example, using the same flower colors in different garden beds can tie the landscape together and create a harmonious look.

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Shapes + Patterns. Repetition of shapes or patterns, whether in plantings, pathways, or decorative elements, can create a cohesive design theme.

LET'S DO THIS! 

Let me know how you've incorporated repetition into your landscape designs by replying to this email or tagging me on Instagram @paper.garden.workshop.

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If you're in Iowa, please join me for a two-hour in-person workshop - PLANTING DESIGN 101 - for the Washington County Master Gardeners on February 23, 2025. Let's enjoy a cool winter day to start garden dreaming.

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If you're looking for additional online educational resources, check out our COURSES page to stay up-to-date.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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All my best, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.