Copyright ©2020

TLE (AFA LIM) – Grade 9

Quarter 1 – Module 3.
Understanding the Importance and Principle of Design and
Landscaping
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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer : Nympha B. Sabularse
Editor : Yveth Fulgueras Viacrusis
Reviewer : Dr. Niña S. Ciron
Illustrator : Eric Sun A. Roman
Layout Artist : Iluminada B. Sarsozo

Tagapamahala : Name of Regional Director

Name of CLMD Chief
Name of Regional EPS In Charge of LRMS
Name of Regional ADM Coordinator
Name of CID Chief
Name of Division EPS In Charge of LRMS
Name of Division ADM Coordinator

2
QUAR TER 11
QUARTER

Module 3.
Understanding the Principle of Design and Landscaping

1 Principles of design
2. Select appropriate plant for landscaping
3. Prepare landscape plan

Content Standard Performance Standard

The learner demonstrates an The learner independently

understanding of the underlying applies the principles of
principles and theories of landscaping in improving the
landscaping, as well as the aesthetics of the land, and creates
principles of design. and interprets landscape plans

Introduction
This module deals with the basic concepts and principles of design and
landscaping. It includes how you are going to select plants for landscaping.
This module will also teach you how you can prepare landscape plan for a
given area.

LEARNING COMPETENCIES/OBJECTIVES
1 Discuss the different principles of design
2. Select appropriate plant for landscaping
3. Prepare landscape plan

1
 Definition of Terms

Design- refers to the manner in which the different components are arranged
to achieve a particular purpose. It also involved in all aspects of land use.
Forms or shapes - refers to the visual impact of the total mass of an object
such as a plant or group of plants.
Sizes - is the volume defined by physical boundaries such as walls, trees,
shrubs, ground surface and the sky or canopy of plants above.
Texture - refers to the patterning of the components of the landscape: coarse
or fine, rough or smooth.
Harmony - refers to the way different parts of the landscape fit together.
Overall, most designers strive to achieve harmony.
Unity - is achieved by grouping, placing or arranging in such a way that
several individual components appear to have a sense of oneness.
Contrast - is in opposition to harmony and should not be overdone.
Scale and proportion - refers to proper sizing or scaling of components in
relation to each other and to the total landscape.
Balance - refers to equilibrium, which can be either symmetrical or
asymmetrical.
Rhythm or sequence - is a conscious repetition of equal or similar
components in the garden. It is usually created by repetition and transition
Emphasis - focuses the attention of the eyes on some dominant features of
the design and help the garden personal and interesting.

Multiple Choices:

Instruction: Read the questions/statement carefully and select the best

answer by writing only the letter in your quiz notebook. Take a photo of your
answer then send it to your teacher.

1. This refers to the manner in which the different components are

arranged to achieve a particular purpose. It also involved in all aspects
of land use.
a. Design c. harmony
b. Rhythm d. Proportion

2
2. Which of the following elements of design can be used for harmony or
contrast?
a. Sizes c. Color
b. Line d. Texture
3. This refers to the patterning of the components of the landscape: coarse
or fine, rough or smooth.
a. Line c. Color
b. Forms d. Texture
4. This refers to the way different parts of the landscape fit together.
a. Harmony c. Unity
b. Rhythm d. Contrast
5. Which of the following principles of design concerns with proper sizing
or scaling of components in relation to each other and to the total
landscape?
a. Harmony c. Unity
b. Contrast d. Proportion
6. These are more plants used as prominent feature in the garden.
a. Ground cover c. specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. foundation plant
7. A plant of special beauty or unusual quality growth, allowed to
develop into full natural beauty and demands space to be effective are
classified as;
a. Ground cover c. Specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. Foundation plant
8. Frog grass is an example of
a. Ground cover c. specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. foundation plants
9. It is defined as an activity concerned with developing landscaping
amongst competing land uses while protecting natural processes and
significant cultural and natural resources.
a. Landscape planning c. site clearing
b. Landscape drawing d. soil preparation
10. This plan shows the layout and desired functions of plants
a. Master plant list c. Preliminary planting plan
b. Concept/functional plan d. none of the above

Read the Information Sheet 3.1 very well then find out how much
you can remember and how much you have learned by doing the self-
check 3.1.

3
 Design refers to the manner in which the different
components are arranged to achieve a particular
purpose. It also involved in all aspects of land use.

ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN:

a. Forms or shapes - refers to the visual impact of the total mass of an
object such as a plant or group of plants.
b. Sizes - is the volume defined by physical boundaries such as walls,
trees, shrubs, ground surface and the sky or canopy of plants above.
c. Color - can be used for harmony or contrast. Generally (but not always)
designers use contrasting colors sparingly. In general pale, cool colors
(blue, green, white, silver and pastel shades) create a relaxing
atmosphere in the garden, while hot, vibrant colors (reds, yellows,
orange, bright pink) demand attention and subconsciously encourage
activity.
d. Line - can be either fixed or moving. Fixed lines are borders of paths,
fences, walls, the outline of a building, the shape of a statue and the
edge of a lawn. Moving lines are the edge of a shadow and the outline
of a fast-growing plant.
e. Texture - refers to the patterning of the components of the landscape:
coarse or fine, rough or smooth. Texture is significant when considering
scale, particularly in more intimate, smaller areas. There is texture in
plants, wood, stone, gravel, and even in water as the wind blows over
its surface.

A good design must not only be beautiful but also functional,

economical, safe, durable and have a positive impact on the environment.

The application of the principles varies, depending on the imagination

and sensitivity of the designer. The principles are:
a. Harmony - refers to the way different parts of the landscape fit
together. Overall, most designers strive to achieve harmony.

4
 b. Unity - is achieved by grouping, placing
or arranging in such a way that several
individual components appear to have a
sense of oneness. A desirable appearance
needs to be achieved from all points of view.
A repetitive pattern can be used to create
unity.
c. Contrast - is in opposition
to harmony and should not be
overdone. Occasional contrasts
are used to create an eye
catching feature in a garden; for
example, contrasting foliage
texture, color or form provides a
focal point in the garden.

d. Scale and proportion - refers to

proper sizing or scaling of
components in relation to each
other and to the total landscape.

e. Balance - refers to equilibrium, which can be either symmetrical or

asymmetrical. With symmetrical balance there is duplication on
either side of an imaginary line of
landscape components in terms
of line, form or colour
.Asymmetrical balance involves
dissimilar placement of different
objects or masses on either side
of the same sort of imaginary line,
but in a way that equilibrium still
exists.

f. Rhythm or sequence - is a conscious repetition of equal or similar

components in the garden. It is usually created by repetition and
transition

g. Emphasis - focuses the attention

of the eyes on some dominant features of
the design and help the garden personal
and interesting.

5
 The landscaping process remains the same and is usually divided into
three separate yet related phases.

a. The landscape design phase

b. The implementation phase
c. The maintenance phase

1. Visithttps://www.slideshare.net/surashmiekaalmegh/elements-of-design-1-
68185594?qid=d378c033-e243-4022-962d-
b22eabb93d3a&v=&b=&from_search=1
2. Read and study thoroughly the content of each presentation. Make it
as your guide in preparing your scrap book.
3. Follow the following steps in preparing your scrap book.
a. Take pictures or collect photos (at least 10) of landscape designs
showing the different principles of design. For each photo, identify
the different principles of design applied/used in the design.
b. Send it to your teacher. Mark it as file name Practice Task No. 2.1.
c. Each photo labeled correctly with the appropriate principle of design
corresponds to 2 points.
d. The activity calls for 20 points.
e. Good luck and happy learning.

6
 Self-Check 3.1

Direction: Match column A with Column B. Write the letter of your choice in
your test booklet. Take a photo of your answer then send it to your teacher.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1. Harmony a. a conscious repetition of equal or similar

components in the garden
2. Emphasis b. refers to equilibrium, which can either
symmetrical or asymmetrical
3. Design c. refers to the way different parts of the
landscape fit together.
4. Balance d. focuses the attention of the eyes on some
dominant features of the design and help the
garden personal and interesting.
5. Rhythm e. refers to the manner in which the different
components are arranged to achieved a
particular purpose.

7
 LEARNING OUTCOME 3.2

Read the Information Sheet 3.2 very well then find out how much
you can remember and how much you have learned by doing the self-
check 3.2. and the practice task given.

The landscape design phase is done during

rainy season in preparation for the
implementation phase which is better done
economically during dry season. Planting should
be scheduled just before or when the rainy season has started.

The landscape architects are responsible for the creation of the

landscape design, various plans and drawings drawn in appropriate scales.
The complete final landscape design drawings technically referred to as the
landscape working drawings.

The landscape working drawing consists of the following:

a. Lay-out plan – site layout plan show the proposed development, all
existing buildings and structures, landscaping and any other structure
that is part of a development project.
b. Grading plan - shows the existing and proposed grades of the site either
in contour line or spot elevation for clarity
c. Utility plan - electrical ,water, gas, telephone are to be indicated in the
utility plan both existing and proposed
d. Planting plan (with complete plant list) - it shows the location of the
plants drawn in symbol and according to a specified scale.

8
 e. Irrigation plan - shows the distribution of irrigation lines indicating the
size of pipes, location and type of valves, control station.
f. Detailed drawings - illustrate typical planting and construction
procedures

Other documents are cost estimate, specification, and contracts.

Selecting and Placing plants in the landscape is the art and science of
arranging plant material to make a healthy, functional, and beautiful yard.
The mix of science and art is expressed in the guiding principle of “right plant,
right place,” meaning to select plants that can thrive in the growing conditions
of the site and locating them for both visual appeal and health.

Selecting and arranging plants are the last steps in the overall design
process after the site analysis is complete and the activity areas located and
designed.

STEPS IN THE SEQUENCE AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PLAN.

Step 1: Concept/functional plan

FIGURE 1. The concept/functional plan shows the layout and

desired function of plants.

Step 2: Master plant list

9
Step 3: Preliminary planting pla

FIGURE 2. Preliminary plan that shows plant beds, tree locations, and color
combinations
Step 4: Locate and draw plant beds
Step 5: Locate structural plant

FIGURE 3. Bed lines with a curvilinear form flow around the

building corners and walkway

10
 FIGURE 5. Focal/anchor plants direct views and establish a theme

Step 6: Locate focal and anchor plants

Step 7: Locate massing plants

11
 FIGURE 6 . Draw irregular “bubbles” to indicate where massing
plants will be located

Step 8: Specify plant characteristics

Step 9: Select plants and draw on the plan

FIGURE 7. Describe the type of plant and the aesthetic

characteristics of each plant mass

12
 FIGURE 8. Circles in the bubbles represent the individual plants in
the plant bed.

FIGURE 9. All the bubbles are filled with circles to represent beds with
complete plant coverage

13
Step 10: Labels and plant schedule

FIGURE 10. All plants are labeled by the total count and plant name.
(Click image to enlarge) (Figures and illustration 1 to 10,
credits to Venju Fulgar, QNAS)

KEY CONCEPTS TO REMEMBER

The key concept to remember when drawing a planting plan is to select

the right plant and locate it in the right place. Selecting plants requires
consideration of the growing requirements that match the site conditions, the
aesthetic characteristics of the plant (color, texture, form, and size), the
functional role of the plant, and the maintenance requirements of the plant.
This concept is referred to as the art and science of planting design.

14
 Drawing Plan for an Area to be landscaped at Home

a. Draw a planting plan considering the picture that

you submitted in your assignment no. 1. Consider the
steps in preparing a planting plan with its corresponding
illustrations.
b. Produce a soft copy or a picture of your drawing then
send it to your teacher for evaluation.

Basic
Little or
Excellent Good Requiremen
no effort
5 pts 4 pts ts
2 pts
3 pts

Composition/Desi Excellent Good Basic Little or no

gn/Planning Requirement effort
5 pts. The artwork The artwork s
is planned is planned The
carefully; carefully; The artwork artwork
Level of understandi understandi shows little shows no
understanding ng of all ng of most evidence of understan
about concepts concepts understandi ding of the
instructions and and and ng the concepts
concepts instructions instructions concepts and and
(elements and is clearly is instructions. instruction
principles of art) demonstrat demonstrat s.
used in project. ed. ed.
Understanding of
The Rule of
Thirds.

Craftsmanship/U Excellent Good Basic Little or no

se of Materials Requirement effort
5 pts. The artwork The artwork s
shows shows good The artwork
outstanding craftsmans The artwork shows
The control, craftsmans hip, with shows minimal or
adaptations, and hip, with some limited no
craftsmans
understanding of clear attention to craftsmanshi
hip and
the chosen attention to control, p and little
attention to
medium. control, adaptation, attention to control, and
Technique adaptation, selection control, understandi
understanding. and and adaptation, ng of the

15
 understandi understandi and medium/m
ng of the ng of the understandi edia. There
medium/m medium/m ng of the is little or
edia. edia. medium/me no evidence
of a value
Reflects a Reflects a dia. The
wide range value scale value scale is scale.
of a value in the flat and
scale. shading blended.
process.

Creativity/ Excellent Good Basic Little or no

Challenge Requirement effort
5 pts. The artwork The artwork s
demonstrat demonstrat The
es a es a The artwork artwork
Inventiveness, challenging satisfactory demonstrate demonstra
expression of level of level of s a basic tes very
ideas and production production level of little
imagination and and attention to attention
portrayed in the creativity as creativity as production, to
construction of well as well as creativity, production
project. Challenge outstanding logical and problem , creativity,
level of the problem problem solving and
project. solving solving skills. problem
skills. skills. solving
skills.

Behavior/Effort Excellent Good Basic Little or no

5 pts Requirement effort
The student The student s
put forth put forth The
Work ethic; the extraordina the effort The student student
time dedicated to ry effort to required to put forth put forth
the project inside complete complete limited effort minimal or
and/or out of the project the project required to no effort;
class. as well as well; used finish the or the
possible; class time project; use project
used class well. of class time was not
time does not completed;
extremely reflect the class time
well. students was not
ability and used well.
potential.
Your output will be rated using these rubrics.

16
 Self-Check 3.2

Multiple Choices:
Instruction: Read the questions/statement carefully and select the best
answer by writing only the letter in your quiz notebook. Take a photo of your
answer then send it to your teacher.
1. The complete final landscape design drawing are technically referred
to as;
a. Landscape working drawings c. lay-out plan
b. Planting plan d. Detailed drawings
2. This landscape working drawing shows the location of the plants
drawn in symbol and according to a specified scale
a. Lay-out plan c. Planting plan
b. Detailed drawings d. Grading plan
3. Which of the following landscape working drawing illustrate typical
planting and construction procedures?
a. Lay-out plan c. Planting plan
b. Detailed drawings d. Utility plan
4. This plan shows the existing and proposed grades of the site either in
contour line or spot elevation for clarity.
a. Lay-out plan c. Utility plan
b. Grading plan d. Irrigation plan
5. Which of the following is the key concept to remember when drawing
planting plan?
a. Select the right plant and locate it in the right place
b. Determine the right place and use the available plants
c. Determine the available plants and locate it in the right place
d. None of the above

17
 Observe the surroundings of your house. Have a photo of at least 10
ornamental plants found in your lawn/backyard. Label or identify the name
of each ornamental plants. Save the photo with a file name Assignment No.
2. Send a copy of it to your teacher. This assignment calls for 10 points.

LEARNING OUTCOME 3.3

Selecting Appropriate Plants for Landscaping

Read the Information Sheet 3.3 very well then find out how much
you can remember and how much you have learned by doing the self-check
3.3. and the practice task given.

TIPS FOR SELECTING THE RIGHT PLANTS

FOR YOUR GARDEN
1. The first thing you should consider is how
much time you have, and your level of experience as a
gardener. If you do not have a lot of time to invest on maintaining the
plants, or if you are not particularly green fingered, then hardy
perennials are probably a good choice.
2. Consider the type of soil that you have in your garden, as well as
whether the garden gets a lot of sunlight.
3. Consider the type of wildlife in the area. To support bee population in
your area, choose flowering plants based on how bee-friendly they are.

18
• Ground cover - plant used to cover the ground , thereby reducing
maintenance and erosion
• Edging - low growing plants used to define pathways and shape of
planting areas.
• Specimen plant - a plant of special beauty or unusual quality
growth, allowed to develop into full natural beauty demand space
to be effective
• Accent or focal point - are more plants used as prominent feature in
the garden.
• Barriers, screens hedges - plants that provide security and
privacy
• Foundation plants - serve different purposes depending on their
location
✓ Corner - soften vertical lines
✓ Near door – act as a frame
✓ In front of the house - hide its base and minimize its height.

Xanadu Taro

19
 Golden lily Torch ginger

Golden pandan Heliconia

Tobacco plant Pink ananas

20
 White angel Lantana

Candle plant Santan

Hawaiian palm Triangle palm

21
 Trinet schepllera Pandakaki dwaft

Makki Pokean tea

Piccara Kamuning

22
Miagose Acalypha

Eugenia Eugenia variegated

Sensation
Red palm

23
 T plant Bromeliads

Raphies Bigonia

Sphaty phylum Sanderiana

24
 C-nanti Mondo grass

(Photo Credits to Edgardo R. Caldit TESDA GTC and Venju Fulgar, QNAS)

From the list of plants that you made in your

assignment no. 2, and the planting plan that you prepared
in practice task 3.2, determine or select the best plant that
you can use for your planting plan. Indicate the name of
plant to where you are to install the selected plants. Take a
photo of your output and send it to your teacher.

25
 Task will be rated using the following rubrics

SCORE
CRITERIA
20 15 10 5
Planting plan follows the
steps
Proper selection and
placement of plant is
observed
Principles of design were
evident

Self-Check 3.3

Multiple Choices:
Instruction: Read the questions/statement carefully and select the best
answer by writing only the letter in your quiz notebook. Take a photo of your
answer then send it to your teacher.

1. Frog grass is an example of;

a. Ground cover c. Edging
b. Specimen plant d. Foundation plants
2. Plants that provide security and privacy are called
a. Barriers or screen hedges c. Foundation plant
b. Specimen plant d. ground cover
3. Foundation plants serve different purposes depending on their
location, When foundation plant is installed in the corner it
a. Soften vertical lines
b. act as a frame
c. Hide its base and minimize its height
d. None of the above
4. These are low growing plants used to define pathways and shape of
planting areas.
a. Ground cover c. Edging

26
 b. Specimen plant d. Foundation plants
5. These are more plants used as prominent feature in the garden.
a. Ground cover c. specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. foundation plant

Multiple Choices:
Instruction: Read the questions/statement carefully and select the best
answer by writing only the letter in your quiz notebook. Take a photo of your
answer then send it to your teacher.

1. This refers to the manner in which the different components are

arranged to achieve a particular purpose. It also involved in all aspects
of land use.
a. Design c. harmony
b. Rhythm d. Proportion
2. Which of the following elements of design can be used for harmony or
contrast?
a. Sizes c. Color
b. Line d. Texture
3. This refers to the patterning of the components of the landscape: coarse
or fine, rough or smooth.
a. Line c. Color
b. Forms d. Texture
4. This refers to the way different parts of the landscape fit together.
a. Harmony c. Unity
b. Rhythm d. Contrast
5. Which of the following principles of design concerns with proper sizing
or scaling of components in relation to each other and to the total
landscape?
a. Harmony c. Unity
b. Contrast d. Proportion
6. These are more plants used as prominent feature in the garden.
a. Ground cover c. specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. foundation plant
7. A plant of special beauty or unusual quality growth, allowed to
develop into full natural beauty and demands space to be effective are
classified as;
a. Ground cover c. Specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. Foundation plant
8. Frog grass is an example of

27
 a. Ground cover c. specimen plant
b. Accent or focal point d. foundation plants
9. It is defined as an activity concerned with developing landscaping
amongst competing land uses while protecting natural processes and
significant cultural and natural resources.
a. Landscape planning c. site clearing
b. Landscape drawing d. soil preparation
10. This plan shows the layout and desired functions of plants
a. Master plant list c. Preliminary planting plan
b. Concept/functional plan d. none of the above

1. A
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. D
6. B
7. C
8. A
9. A
10. C

28
References
1. https://www.slideshare.net/uccimultisport/tips-for-selecting-the-
right-plants-for-your-garden?qid=2e2aeeff-7fc2-4a53-863e-
acd6ed267748&v=&b=&from_search=7
2. https://www.slideshare.net/surashmiekaalmegh/elements-of-design-1-
68185594?qid=d378c033-e243-4022-962d-
b22eabb93d3a&v=&b=&from_search=1
3. QNAS Learning Module on Landscape Installation and Maintenance NC
II

GRAPHICS CREDIT

1. GABY D’ALESSANDRO, When Parks Were Radical, Image Illustrated

in Writings on Landscape, Culture, and Society, September 2016,
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/09/better-
than-nature/492716/

2. Yuanxin (Amy) Yang Alcocer, Image Illustrated in Manure &

Fertilizers: Types, Uses &
Examples,https://study.com/academy/lesson/manures -fertilizers-
types-uses-examples.html#transcriptHeader.

3. Thinking, Cartoon, Marketing, Character, Thought, Thinking Maps,

Human Behavior, Business free png, https://www.pngfuel.com/free-
png/goapz

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