Landscape Design Landscape Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of balance uses mirror-image arrangements on both sides of an axis?
- Symmetrical (formal) balance (Correct answer)
- Asymmetrical balance
- Radial balance
- Random balance
Correct answer: Symmetrical (formal) balance
Symmetrical balance places identical or near-identical elements on both sides of a central line.
Question 2: A homeowner wants a low-maintenance landscape in a dry climate. Which approach fits best?
- Xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants (Correct answer)
- A large turf lawn
- Tropical moisture-loving plants
- Daily flood irrigation
Correct answer: Xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants
Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and efficient watering to minimize maintenance in dry climates.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a 'mass planting'?
- To create bold visual impact and simplify maintenance with groups of one plant (Correct answer)
- To showcase a single rare specimen
- To maximize the number of species
- To eliminate all open space
Correct answer: To create bold visual impact and simplify maintenance with groups of one plant
Mass plantings group many of the same plant for strong visual impact and easier care.
Question 4: When designing for a small yard, which technique helps it feel larger?
- Using diagonal lines and borrowed views (Correct answer)
- Filling it with large dense trees
- Adding tall solid fences on all sides
- Using only one giant focal feature
Correct answer: Using diagonal lines and borrowed views
Diagonal sightlines and borrowing distant views visually expand a small space.
Question 5: What does 'texture' refer to in plant selection?
- The visual and tactile coarseness or fineness of foliage and surfaces (Correct answer)
- The plant's bloom color
- The soil drainage rate
- The plant's water needs
Correct answer: The visual and tactile coarseness or fineness of foliage and surfaces
Texture is the perceived coarseness or fineness of leaves, bark, and surfaces.
Question 6: Which line type in a landscape tends to create a calm, restful feeling?
- Horizontal lines (Correct answer)
- Sharp diagonal lines
- Jagged zigzag lines
- Steeply vertical lines
Correct answer: Horizontal lines
Horizontal lines suggest stability and rest, creating a calming effect.
Question 7: Why are 'curved bed lines' often used in informal landscape designs?
- They create a natural, relaxed, flowing feel (Correct answer)
- They are required by building codes
- They reduce plant growth
- They guarantee symmetry
Correct answer: They create a natural, relaxed, flowing feel
Gentle curves mimic nature and give informal designs a relaxed, flowing character.
Landscape Design Landscape Fundamentals 3
Which type of balance uses mirror-image arrangements on both sides of an axis?