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COURSE CODE: HRT 202

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPING

NUMBER OF UNITS: 2 Units

COURSE DURATION: 2 Hours / Week

COURSE DETAILS:
COURSE DETAILS:

Course Coordinator: OLUBODE, O.O., B.Sc. Agric, M. Sc. Agric., PhD

Email: [email protected]
Office Location: Room 212, COLPLANT Building
Other Lecturers: OLOSUNDE, O.M. B. Agric., M. Agric.

COURSE CONTENT:

Definition of landscaping, Natural versus man-made landscape, Scope and historical sketches
of landscaping, Needs for landscaping: to enhance property beauty and value; to provide
screening effect etc. Types of landscaping: Institutional, private property, industrial, parks
and recreational area landscaping. Elements of landscaping: colour, texture, form, etc.
Principles of landscape design, selection criteria for plants and paving. Review of soft and
hard landscaping.

Practical: Identification of tropical and subtropical ornamental plants. Visit to places of interest, Plan

reading and translation.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
A compulsory course for FWM and AQ & FM students of COLERM, an external course anchored in

Horticulture Department. Students are expected to participate in all course activities and have a

minimum of 75% attendance to be able to write the final examination.

READING LIST:

Jack E. Ingels. 1994. Ornamental Horticulture: Science, operation and management. Delmer
Publishers Inc., New York, U.S.A.

Roger Bonnent. 1991. Amenity Horticulture, Macmillan Press Ltd., London.

Simond Bell. 1993. Elements of visual designs in landscape. E & Fn Spon, London.

Van der Zanden A.M. and Rochie, S.N. 2007. Landscape design: Theory and Application. Thompson
Delmer Learning, Canada.
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E
LECTURE NOTES

HRT 202 - Introduction to landscaping (2 units)

Landscaping: A division in Horticulture
A. Horticulture- science that deals with cultivation of garden crops

Horticulture is derived from two greek words “Hortus: and “colere”. Hortus means garden, colere
means to cultivate.

Horticulture deals with two major divisions:

1. Food crops Pomology- science that deals with study about fruit crops

Olericulture- science that deals with study about vegetable

crops

2. Ornamental plants Floriculture- science that deals with study about

ornamental plants

Landscape designs- science that deals with planning,

design and beautification of the environment for
human habitation.

B. Introduction:

Landscaping: The art and science of developing the outdoor environment using soft
landscaping (ornamental plants) and hard-scapes (non-plant objects) components to serve the
needs and desires of people. It serves both the aesthetic and functional purposes. The outdoor
surroundings could be designed with natural or man-made components / materials / objects.

Landscape design / Garden design: Science and art of organizing and enriching outdoor
space through the placement of plants and structures in agreeable and useful relationship with
natural environment.

Design essentially entails manner in which objects are artificially arranged in order to attain a
particular objective, usually may be not always, a functional and a visibly pleasing
arrangement.

Landscape design is more than just a cosmetic treatment to be applied to indifferent or

insensitive architectural or engineering in order to soften the harsh edges or disguise an
awkward layout.

Landscape: Layout / arrangement of ground or land in scenery. It could be natural or

artificial (man-made)

C. Natural versus man-made (artificial) landscaping

Natural landscape: A landscape that is unaffected by human activities. It may contain

components that are living or non-living or both. Thus landscape tents to vary in their degree
of naturalness. Therefore, classifications have been made into four types:
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 a natural landscape is one that is unaffected by human activity

 a sub-natural landscape is one where if human activity was removed it would go back to a
normal state
 a semi-natural landscape is one that has been drastically modified by human activity but has
some natural elements left intact
 an agricultural landscape is one that has been totally altered and arranged by human activity
- very little if any naturalness is left

Examples of natural landscape in Nigeria are; natural surrounding such as forest or desert,
rocks (Olumo rock, Zuma rock), Erin Ijesa water falls, Ikogusi warm / cold spring, plateau in
Jos, Mambila etc.

Artificial Landscape: The use of artificially made plants (synthetic or otherwise) for
landscaping of outdoor environment. Though, it will not and cannot replace the natural plants
in their effects and functions on the landscape, but could also add to the beauty of the
environment. It has the advantage of low maintenance in terms of watering, fertilizer
application, mowing incase of lawns and turfs, trimming/pruning and so on. Other items in
artificial designs include the use of art works, e.g. sculpture (UNAAB Olumo model),
concrete benches and tables, water bodies such as water fountains, artificial springs, etc.

D. Scope and historical sketches of landscaping

Scope: Landscape by its very nature encompasses all other specialist sections of Amenity
horticulture in one form or the other. It includes the design, construction, maintenance and
management of landscape features. Knowledge of floriculture, landscape architecture, and
engineering are usually important.

History: Landscaping is an important sector which has expanded and still expanding in
recent years in Nigeria. Despite this development, it is by no means comparable to what is
obtainable in the developed countries in terms of development, quality, patronage and boom
experienced in the landscape horticulture industry.

In Nigeria, from the time immemorial, people consciously or unconsciously add

physiographic and environmental characteristics to the land around them either for aesthetic
gratification and or environmental enrichment and protection.

Traditionally, people keep garden and trees around their buildings. Though, the experience of
the colonial era did little to influence creation and preservation of beauty in the surroundings
as it was in Francophone countries.

Nevertheless, the inception of colonialism changed the trends of events as concerted effort
were made to formally landscape some public buildings, government reservation areas
(GRAs), institutions of higher learning, and sport fields which marked the beginning of
organized/formal landscaping in Nigeria. Missionaries (Christian) also established plants in
churches and schools. Some individual copied this idea and planted some ornamental plants
in their surroundings.

E. Reasons for landscaping:

Some of the reasons why landscaping is important are;

1. Aesthetic/ Beautification of environment

2. Engineering purpose
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3. Architectural purpose

4. Biological purpose

5. Ecological purpose

6. Economic purpose

7. Social purpose

8. Nutritional / Medicinal purpose

9. Environmental control in prevention of hazards

10. Urban forestry

F. Types of landscaping: 1. Private

2. Industrial

3. Institutional

4. Parks and Garden

1. Private property/residential landscaping: Landscaping of personal residential properties like a

flat, bungalow, duplex, estate etc. Usually, plants of different good qualities are used as much as
possible for the enjoyment of owner(s). It is important to landscape to the taste of the clients even if
expensive materials will be used.

2. Industrial landscaping: It involves the establishment of plants and hardscapes within the
industrial estate/area e.g Agbara industrial estate, Nigeria Breweries Ltd, Portland/Lafage cement
company, etc. When landscaping for factories/industrial centre, study kind of activities in each
section e.g manufacturing area with many peoples, vehicles and materials-grassing the whole area
dotted with spot planting will be appropriate.

Though, hotels can also be regarded as industrial landscaping because it is not meant for a
single family, but for the general public and for commercial purpose. However, in actual
execution of the project it treated like private property because of requirement for high taste.

3. Institutional landscaping: Landscaping that involves all sorts of institutions- universities, colleges,
polytechnics, hospitals, research institutes, barracks etc. Usually it is meant for all categories of
users, i.e. general public of all age category- children, adolescents, adults, women, men, students,
lecturers, non-academic staff, scientist etc. Institutional landscaping must be different from others
because it is not only for recreation, picnic but also for instructional purpose (educational)

4. Recreational landscaping: It involves landscaping recreational arenas (polo ground, parks and
gardens, football pitches, game villages etc) for adults and children. It has special inclusions such as
restaurant, water fountains, focal plants, green lawns and other areas for social like picnic,
marriages, honey moon, film shooting. Nowadays, ICT and photocopy centre have been added.

G. Use areas in Landscape designs

Using the ‘Indoor room concept’ to describe the Outdoor

1 1- Public area
2- General living room

3 2
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3- Service area
4- Private living room

Walls- hedges, avenue trees,

Ceilings- shade trees, canopies, etc.
Floors- lawns, foundation plants, concrete
floors and walk ways, roads with
interlocking blocks or asphalt.
i.) Use areas
1. Public area – usually the front part of the property accessibility to visitors

2. General living room – an area of the home that joins the public area, service room and
private room

3. Service area – accessible to only the occupants

4. Private living room – an area for rest and occupies the rear of the property and not
accessible to outsiders

ii.) Components of the outdoor room:

a. Walls - defines the limit and shapes of the out door room, direct traffic through the landscape
(hedges, avenue trees), provides full or partial privacy (), provide security (thorny plants e.g.
boungavalia spp.), etc.
b. Ceilings – defines the upper limit of the outdoor room, provide full or partial shade, provide
privacy from overhead viewers, etc.
c. Floors – defines the base line of the outdoor room, absorbs shock or impact of traffic, e.g. turfs /
lawn, paving, ground covers,

H. Site Survey and Analysis

The objects of survey refer to measurable quantities and qualities on the site. They fall into 3
primary areas:
1.) Collection of data- from 3 sources
i) site
ii) recorded data
iii) information from client, e.g. composition of the family, hobbies and special interests, and
frequency and style of outdoor entertainment

2.) Site analysis or survey (see below)

3.) Visual characteristics of the site

-After the survey, then present the bill of quantities

-Analysis: consists of breaking down of all the available matter into components

Data collection
1. Maps- large or small scale maps, land capability maps, climatological maps,
2. Photographic survey- area oblique,
3. Recorded data- from geographical maps, town planners,
4. Restrictions from local government authorities- certificate of occupancy (C of O), set backs on
lands, etc.
5. Road types- Trunk A, B or C roads, desire lines, etc.

Site survey- Use

- Triangulation methods- measurements
- Visual survey- visual observations
- Ecological survey- involves all flora and fauna available in the site, use quadrants or a
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square for ecological studies and frequency of occurrence.

- Soil Survey- engineering qualities of the site, soil type, soil fertility, soil depth, etc.

Presentation of Information
Present your information using
1. Location plan-
2. Base plan- working plan for information gathering and records puposes.
3. Topography- hilly, sloppy, level lands, etc.
4. Geology and soil types
5. Services- utility lines, above or underground cables and pipes, etc.
6. Access and circulation- roads, water bodies, etc.
7. Micro-climate, vegetation, bare or covered.
8. Ecology- flora and fauna, dominant, co-dominant or recessive species
9. Visual characters, bad views, good views, etc.
10. Written reports

I. Elements of landscaping:

Visual art such as painting, sculpture, architecture etc are derived from line, form, texture and
space. The elements when combined could be used in a variety of ways to influence the
artist’s vision. In landscape design, as with other forms of visual arts, these elements are the
foundation of goo design.

1. Line: lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or curved. It is how they are used individually or in
combination that gives a landscape dimension. Lines can appear graceful or crude, bold or delicate.

2. Form: Form is associated with three dimensional objects, while shape refers to two dimensional
objects. Both are made from lines, but the way these lines are arranged determines the shape or
form.

3. Colour: Colour is perhaps the most complex art element, and it tend to be the most used element.
Based on the Munsell system, colour has three dimensions; hue,value and chroma.

4. Texture: It is the surface characteristics that is seen or felt. Texture can be categorized in to
coarse, medium and fine. All landscape components have their on textures. Contrasting textures add
interest to a design, but much textural contrast can result in a chaotic scene.

5. Space: In designing landscape space, it is important to differentiate between positive (occupied or

filled space) and negative (unoccupied or empty space). Space can be two or three dimensional as a
shape or a form respectively. It is important to effectively use element of space to help organize a
landscape and provide focus to specific areas.

J. Principles of landscape design

The goal in developing a landscape plan is to design a plan that will achieve unity and
harmony. The principles of landscape design are the building blocks used by designers to
create beautiful and functional landscapes. Similar to elements of art, these principles
represent the primary concern that influences landscape design. Design principles are not
rules that require precise adherence, but instead reflect a framework of universal concepts
that prove effective in creating designs.

Therefore the following principles should be considered in designing the plan;

1. Simplicity: Regardless of the scale of a landscape, simplicity should be an overriding design

consideration. Simplicity in a landscape can be created both physically and visually.
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2. Order: Order can be achieved by using consistent design theme such as formal, informal or
structured informality. Grouping plants and hard-scapes so that there are physical connections
between the elements will enhance order and create a cohesive whole.

3. Repetition: There is need for reappearance of attractive materials in several locations in the
landscape. It results in a sense of unity between the different plant species that make up the design.

4. Rhythm and line: It addresses the factors of time and movement within a landscape. Landscapes
are seldom experienced in an instant, but rather through time as a person explores the space.
Rhythm in a landscape may be visual or physical, and it can be observed in both vertical or horizontal
planes of a design.

5. Unity: It is the principle that creates link between the plants, hardscapes and house. It creates a
sense of interconnectedness within the design composition. Unity can be reinforced by using
consistent bedlines, single ground cover, massing plants together and repeating these masses
throughout the landscape.

6. Balance: The design should include a focal point or centre of interest around which the landscape
plants, structures, and open spaces are grouped or balanced. The arrangement of plants and other
objects should be in a sequence leading to or away from a focal point. The types of balance in
landscapes are symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial.

7. Proportion and scale: refers to size relationship between the different components within the
landscape. It could be relative or absolute. Relative scale is the relation of one part of the design to
the others. The major relationship that involve plant materials are; plants to buildings, plants to
other plants and plants to people. To attain correct proportion, the landscape design should be
based on mature height and spread of the plant.

8. Emphasis: focal points draw the eye to specific landscape locations when a person is viewing the
landscape as a whole. A focal point may be a specimen plant, garden accessory or water feature.

Basic Styles in landscaping

1. Corner planting- incurves, outcurves,
2. Line planting
3. Foundation planting

K. Selection criteria of material inputs

i.) Selection criteria for plants:

1. Ability to fill the role assigned it in the design

2. Ability to survive the growing conditions of the site
3. Availability and affordability by clients
4. Plant size at maturity
5. Flowering qualities
6. Foliage and tree back colour
7. Presence or absence of thorns
8. Plant rate of growth and length of life
9. Deciduous or evergreen
10. Susceptibility to pests and diseases
11. Frequency of pruning required
12. Soil preference etc

ii.) Selection criteria for paving:

1. Ability to fill the role assigned it in the design

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2. Availability and affordability by clients

3. Durability
4. Maintenance requirements

L. Review of soft and hard landscaping.

Soft landscaping: refers to the plant component of landscaping. It entails the use of plants of
all categories (palms, trees, shrubs, grasses, herbaceous plants etc) that are natural in a
landscape. The plantings of especially indigenous plant species ensure integration of
structures in to the natural environment thus appearing natural in nature, among other many
uses of plants in our surroundings.

Hard landscaping: The use of any non-plant materials in the development of a landscape.
Examples include walkways, driveways, patio, decks, walls, ponds, fences, pergolas, steps,
landscape lightings, water fountains, furniture, containers for potted plants etc. These
features, individually and in combination, make up the ground, vertical, and overhead planes
within a landscape and define outdoor living spaces.