ABSTRACT
The spatial characteristics of plants are those that contribute to the space structure of the landscape. They include habit, crown shape, foliage density and speed of growth, and en masse they determine the spatial composition of the planted environment. When designers are designing spaces for people, the size of plants relative to the dimensions of the human figure is critical. Simply to distinguish areas on a plan by canopy height amounts to an important design stage, because it is height that determines much of the spatial framework and controls vision, movement and physical experience. Shrubs and herbaceous plants that form a higher canopy but still below knee height have further possibilities in spatial design. Ground level vegetation can be used to make two-dimensional patterns. Tree planting that grows to between knee height and eye level can have a similar design role to a low wall, fence or rail.
