Designing a beautiful and functional Baton Rouge landscaping starts with understanding the five basic elements of landscape design. Whether you’re updating your front yard or planning a full backyard transformation, these elements create balance, flow, and visual appeal. At Hernandez Lawnscape, we use these principles to deliver custom landscapes that thrive in Baton Rouge’s climate.
Line: Creating Flow and Direction
Guiding the Eye Through the Landscape
Lines are the backbone of any landscape layout. They guide the viewer’s eye and direct foot traffic through different areas of the yard. In Baton Rouge landscapes, lines are often used in walkways, edging, garden beds, and fences. Curved lines create a sense of softness and natural movement, while straight lines offer structure and formality.
Highlighting Features and Zones
Strategic use of lines helps define spaces for specific functions—like an outdoor dining area, flower garden, or relaxation spot. Our team at Hernandez Lawnscape uses lines to emphasize focal points and lead the eye to your home’s best features.
Form: Shaping the Structure
Outlining Plants, Trees, and Hardscapes
Form refers to the shapes of landscape components. This includes the silhouette of trees, the structure of shrubs, and even the layout of patios and pergolas. In Baton Rouge, we often design with both soft forms—like weeping willows or circular flower beds—and strong forms, such as square hedges or rectangular pathways.
Balancing Soft and Hard Elements
A cohesive design uses a combination of forms to create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Whether it’s the graceful form of a crepe myrtle or the geometric outline of a paved courtyard, Hernandez Lawnscape ensures everything works together to create harmony.
Color: Bringing the Landscape to Life
Seasonal Interest and Curb Appeal
Color is one of the most noticeable elements of landscape design. It creates mood, draws attention, and adds personality. In Baton Rouge, vibrant flowers like azaleas, hibiscus, and lantana bring year-round color that thrives in our warm, humid climate.
Using Color to Highlight or Blend
We use color to guide the eye and create depth. Bright blooms can highlight key areas, while green foliage and neutral-toned hardscapes help transition between zones. Our expert designers select color palettes that complement your home’s exterior and enhance your curb appeal.
Texture: Adding Visual Depth
Mixing Textures for Contrast
Texture refers to how surfaces feel and look—from the soft, feathery foliage of ferns to the rough bark of live oaks or the sleek finish of stone pavers. Layering textures adds depth and contrast, making your landscape more dynamic and engaging.
Adapting Texture for Baton Rouge Conditions
In Baton Rouge’s subtropical environment, we choose plants and materials that withstand high humidity and heavy rainfall while offering interesting texture. Hernandez Lawnscape ensures every element not only looks good but also lasts.
Scale: Proportions That Fit Your Space
Matching Elements to the Environment
Scale is about proportion. A large oak might look majestic in a spacious yard but feel overpowering in a compact one. Small patios or garden features also need to be sized correctly to avoid looking lost in the space.
Designing With Your Property in Mind
Our team designs with your home’s architecture and lot size in mind. By keeping everything in proportion, Hernandez Lawnscape ensures your outdoor space feels intentional, welcoming, and beautifully balanced.
