What impact does overlapping plant massings have in landscape design?

Overlapping plant massings in landscape design significantly maximize the interface between groups, which can lead to several beneficial outcomes. When plant massings overlap, the areas where different plant types meet create microenvironments that can support a greater variety of species and improve overall ecological function. This interaction fosters a more complex habitat, allowing plants to benefit from one another through shared resources like moisture and nutrients, while also promoting wildlife diversity.

Additionally, maximizing the interface in this way can lead to improved growth conditions for the plants involved. Different species often have varying requirements for sunlight, water, and nutrients, and when their root systems and canopies overlap, they can help buffer each other against extremes in these environmental factors.

While the other options may also have merits in specific contexts, the primary impact of overlapping plant massings that aligns with the notion of maximizing interface is best captured by the given choice. This strategy not only enhances the visual continuity but also supports a rich interplay of life and microclimates, thereby fostering a more resilient ecological landscape.