At the tender age of 16 I was introduced by my mother to the fan dance — a dated, although plenty steamy, version of the striptease. She gave a running narrative as she busted her moves, called, I suppose, by some maternal instinct to provide me with critical life skills I would need as an adult. The timing of her dance tutorial was a little questionable, but the lesson I learned has served me well.

Here’s the takeaway piece from Mom's fan dance instruction: It isn’t necessarily what you show that makes something sexy/alluring/compelling; it's what you don’t show. When you get right down to it, the mere suggestion of something more to come really grabs your attention, doesn't it? Surprisingly, this principle applies to a broad range of topics far beyond fan dancing.

Try this simple trick the next time you want to enthrall and engage your audience: Don’t reveal the whole picture in a single glance — stimulate their imagination and draw them in with a tantalizing glimpse of a portion of the picture. Trust me, they'll clamor for more.

Read on for examples of how to apply the theory to the field of landscape design. Cary Bernstein Architect I don't know about you, but this framed partial view of the pool and slice of the distant mountains topped by a vast, clear sky makes me want to run outside and see what lies beyond the limits of the window frame. I wonder what's beyond the far side of the pool. I'm compelled to go out and look over the edge. Andrew Renn The sumptuous curves of this garden draw you into the composition immediately. The charming arbor draws you in deeper and promises access to the garden that can be seen in the distance. But without passing under that arch, crossing that threshold and rounding that last curve in the lawn, you'll never know what's back there.
ROOMS & BLOOMS What lies beyond this garden gate? The glimpse of red foliage draws the eye into the garden, and the lawn seems to lead beyond it to the left, inviting the viewer to explore. Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates This "humble" door is used to present the viewer with a snapshot of the water element within the walled garden. The come-hither path draws the eye to the garden wall, through the humble door and into the garden, leading to we know not where.

Intriguing, right? (Not to belabor my point, but see how you might think of this trick as the landscape design equivalent of a peep show?) Shirley Bovshow This is a joyful and beckoning path. I want to pass through the arch, skip down the stepstones, nip under that jacaranda tree and see what's back there! Exteriorscapes llc Here's another path you just have to follow.The key is to create a strong visual pull down the path without revealing its destination.

Don't have a big garden? Simply curve the path beyond view to draw the eye down the path and create the illusion that there's more garden to be discovered around the bend. Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates This suggestion of a path invites a leisurely walk in the woods.

Whether or not you heed the siren's cry, merely looking out the window and down the path provides a momentary respite from the workaday world. Donna Lynn - Landscape Designer Play to all the senses to enchant your garden guests. Add a few fragrant plants, such as the stephanotis wrapped around this column. Perfume the air with a hint of orange blossom or jasmine — just enough to make one wonder where that heavenly scent is coming from and seek its source.

Tip: Subtlety adds to the allure. Avoid overwhelming the senses with overpowering fragrance. Aquascape Add soothing sounds to your garden — the murmur of trickling water, the cooing of doves, the distant notes of a wind chime — but visually downplay the source of the sound, integrating it into plantings or tucking it just beyond the field of vision. You'll find folks are drawn to sound. Troy Rhone Garden Design Look closely at this photo. It's possible the whole composition is an illusion. Is that a glimpse of a secret garden through the "gate," or is that a divided light door glazed with mirror reflecting the greenery along the edge of the path? Nice trick, eh?

(I love the "guardian" goats flanking the door/gate. They add a whimsical touch, making what might otherwise be an intimidating facade very approachable.) Tongue in Cheek Antiques Ahhh... The breezy curtains provide a peekaboo view of this romantic sitting area. I can picture myself in this setting savoring a summery vintage and good company on a sultry candlelit evening. Count me in!

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Garden Design Essentials: Emphasis and Focal Points