The Introduction

Design and specification of interior landscape has become increasingly complex over the years. More choices both in plant availability (sizes and varieties) and container choices has led to far more expansive options facing designers. Expertise however, is a key factor in making the right choices as will become apparent in the following descriptions. A balance of artistic creativity and practicality needs to be made. With the right choices, the plants will be well suited to their chosen position, and will perform well with relatively minimal maintenance required. This can significantly reduce maitenance costs.

Scale, form and texture of the plant, can be selected by designers with relative ease. If these were the only criteria to consider, plant selection would be relatively simple, and the demand for specialists not high. The reality however, is complicated by the diversity and variety of the environmental characteristics required by different plant species for survival.

Some argue that “form” follows “function”, and that once the function has been identified, a selection that works to fulfill the function will automatically fulfill the aesthetic requirement. This theory has some merit, but also is somewhat limited, quality and presentation are still of paramount importance.

The starting point for many designers will begin with a theme, then move quickly on to deciding on the sale, form, and texture of planting.