Lexington, KY - Symmetry. Nature is filled with symmetrical leaves, flowers, insects, birds and animals. And humans, for that matter. It seems that we are highly sensitive to symmetry. In less than half a tenth of a second, humans instinctively scan a visual object for symmetrical qualities. Eye movement could not accomplish this search so quickly, which implies that we are hardwired to seek this quality. In fact, recent studies in biology show that we use facial symmetry to gauge the attractiveness and health of a potential mate.
Mate selection aside, in the decorative arts, some of us find symmetry rather predictable and boring while others find lack of symmetry bothersome. While one person might avoid hanging a painting right in the middle of the fireplace mantel, another will have a measuring tape out to make sure it's smack dab in the center. While the paths they choose are different, both are seeking a kind of balance.
Balance, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, is an essential component of good landscape design.
Symmetrical balance is achieved by arranging all elements of the landscape, plants and hardscape, as mirror images on each side of an axis. Symmetry is relatively easy to achieve and gives a formal elegance to the landscape. It can be especially appropriate for houses that are traditional or formal in character or symmetrical in shape (front door in the middle of the house with identical window placement on both sides).
An asymmetrical landscape design feels more informal than a symmetrical design. There is no simple formula for achieving asymmetrical balance. It is created by the careful placement of unequal elements. Asymmetry relies more on a "gut feeling," the designer must sense whether or not the design is balanced.
It can be helpful to think of asymmetrical balance in terms of weight. Remember those teeter-totters you used to play on as a child? If a big kid were on one end it might take three little kids on the other end to balance his weight. In a similar manner, a tree on one side of your house might be balanced by three or more shrubs on the other side.
Visual weight is not just related to size. A smaller but more interesting shrub might have more visual weight than a larger but less interesting plant. Some plants fade into the background, but this doesn't mean that they are unimportant. They link together the plants with greater visual weight, giving a cohesive look. High visual weight usually results from upright or unusual forms, large size, bright colors, bold texture and diagonal lines. Low visual weight is found in low horizontal lines, prostrate or low forms, and subdued or dull colors.
Remember that things change in the winter when deciduous plants have lost their leaves. If you wish to maintain design balance in the winter, placing evergreens in key spots will make all the difference.
What if you like more formal, symmetrical landscaping and your partner prefers asymmetry? Marriage counseling is not required. Near symmetry may allow both of you to be happy, at least more or less. (Actually, a lot of people prefer the organizing effect of some symmetry, even if their overall preference is for a more relaxed effect.) Symmetrical plantings could be used to frame the front entrance, with the remaining plants balanced by visual weight.
So, how do you find out whether your tastes are symmetrical, asymmetrical or somewhere in between? It is important to discover your personal style. You might take the time to really look at the landscaping at other homes. Study those that appeal to you, noting the features and the types of plants.
You may have noticed that many front yard landscapes draw from the same limited selection of plants and look rather similar to each other. They tend to lack interest and individuality. While it is generally a good idea for your front yard to be visually compatible with your neighborhood, it can still be unique to you. One way to achieve this is to look beyond the traditional plant palette by learning about and using native plants in your gardens.