Hello Lisa.

Happy new year and welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! Each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. Today's inspiration is the world of GARDEN GRAPHICS. 

GARDEN GRAPHICS.

Garden graphics (or landscape graphics) is how we communicate our designs visually. The design process is filled with ideas and being able to draw (whether by hand or computer) gives us the ability to graphically represent something that we visualize in our head. Drawing is integral to the design process as it allows you to explore a flood of ideas conceptually all the way to crafting final landscape details. We use these drawings to explore ideas for our own gardens, plus when sharing final designs with a client or contractor.

GARDEN GRAPHICS CAN BE LEARNED.

When I started teaching landscape design over ten years ago I discovered that we all have the ability to draw, but sometimes our lack of confidence gets in the way. At its core, drawing is a set of skills that we can all learn. Repetition refines it (yes, lots of practice). That’s pretty cool.

Would you like to know some secrets to a great drawing?

• A straight edge and circle template go a long way. 
• A variety of line weights carries its weight in gold.
• Consistency (straight lines) paired with inconsistency (your style) is perfectly imperfect and super engaging! 

GRAPHIC INSPIRATION.

A great way to get started with garden graphics is using my DOODLE SHEETS. I provide the design, you add the details.

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Try drawing plant symbols with my PRACTICE SHEET. I provide the circles (consistency), you provide your hand-drawn style (inconsistency). Yay!

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If you want to deep-dive into the world of landscape graphics, check out my super fun course: GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. This opens once a year...which is creeping up quick (Jan 11-20, 2022).

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My free masterclass, 5 TIPS FOR SIMPLE GARDEN GRAPHICS, is another way to tiptoe into graphics. Make sure to jump into a class before January 20.

LET'S DO THIS!

Try the practice sheets above to explore drawing paving patterns and plant symbols. Mix it up by using a variety of line weights (thicker lines on taller objects, thinner on those farther away).

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On a side note...Would you like to learn what it takes to become a certified landscape designer? The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) will be offering a series of workshops over the next couple of months. Click here to learn more.

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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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Thanks for letting me visit your inbox! I look forward to meeting again in two weeks.

All my best,

Lisa

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP