Designing a Landscape for a Historic Home: A Guide to Complementing Architecture with Period-Specific Gardens

When restoring or maintaining a historic home, attention to detail is vital. One aspect that is often overlooked is the landscape. A well-designed landscape can not only enhance the beauty of a historic home but also help to preserve its architectural integrity. In this guide we will explore a few different styles of historic homes and provide suggestions for designing a landscape that complements the architecture and era of the house.

Early American Colonial

The early American colonial style, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, is characterized by its simplicity and symmetry. Gardens in this era were often utilitarian, used for growing fruits and vegetables. Suggested garden styles for this period include a formal kitchen garden with raised beds, a herb garden, and an orchard. Colors should be muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Georgian

The Georgian style, popular in the 18th century, is characterized by its grandeur and elegance. Gardens in this era were often formal, with geometric shapes and symmetrical layouts. Suggested garden styles for this period include a parterre, knot, and rose garden. Colors should be muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Federal

The Federal style, popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is characterized by its neoclassical influences. Gardens in this era were often formal and symmetrical, focusing on geometry and order. Suggested garden styles for this period include a parterre (a knot garden) and a rose garden. Colors should be muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Greek Revival

The Greek Revival style, popular in the early 19th century, is characterized by its classical influences. Gardens in this era were often formal and symmetrical, focusing on geometry and order. Suggested garden styles for this period include a parterre, a knot garden, and a rose garden. Colors should be muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Gothic Revival

The Gothic Revival style, popular in the mid-19th century, is characterized by its romantic and picturesque influences. Gardens in this era were often informal and asymmetrical, focusing on naturalism and a panoramic style. Suggested garden styles for this period include a cottage garden, a rock garden, and a wildflower meadow. Colors should be natural and muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Queen Anne

The Queen Anne style, popular in the late 19th century, is characterized by its asymmetrical and ornate design. Gardens in this era were often informal and asymmetrical, focusing on naturalism and a picturesque style. Suggested garden styles for this period include a cottage garden, a rock garden, and a wildflower meadow. Colors should be natural and muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Tudor

The Tudor style, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is characterized by its half-timbered design and steeply pitched roofs. Gardens in this era were often informal and asymmetrical, focusing on naturalism and a picturesque style. Suggested garden styles for this period include a cottage garden, a rock garden, and a wildflower meadow. Colors should be natural and muted, and plants should be native to the area.

Craftsman

The Craftsman style, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is characterized by its simplicity and natural materials. Gardens in this era were often informal, focusing on naturalism and a picturesque style. Suggested garden styles for this period include a cottage garden, a rock garden, and a wildflower meadow. Colors should be natural and muted, and plants should be native to the area.

In conclusion, designing a landscape for a historic home is about more than choosing pretty flowers and plants. It's about understanding the architectural style and era of the house and selecting plants, colors, and garden styles that will complement and enhance the overall aesthetic. By following the suggestions provided in this guide and consulting with a horticulturist or landscape designer, you can create a beautiful and authentic landscape that will help preserve your home's historical integrity.

References

These references provide more in-depth information and specific examples of period-specific garden design for the styles mentioned in the guide and additional resources for researching and designing a historic landscape. These references also include images and case studies that can help to illustrate the concepts discussed in the guide.

"Designing a Colonial Garden" - Old House Journal https://www.oldhouseonline.com/articles/designing-colonial-garden
"Georgian Garden Design" - The Cultural Landscape Foundation https://tclf.org/landscapes/georgian-garden-design
"Federal Period Gardens" - Garden Design https://www.gardendesign.com/history/federal.html
"Greek Revival Landscape Design" - The Spruce https://www.thespruce.com/greek-revival-landscape-design-2132704
"Gothic Revival Garden Design" - The Cultural Landscape Foundation https://tclf.org/landscapes/gothic-revival-garden-design
"Queen Anne Landscaping" - Home & Garden https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/queen-anne-landscaping/
"Tudor Revival Garden Design" - The Cultural Landscape Foundation https://tclf.org/landscapes/tudor-revival-garden-design
"Craftsman Landscape Design" - Houzz https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23126375/list/craftsman-landscape-design
"A Guide to Period Garden Design" - The National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/a-guide-to-period-garden-design
"Designing a Historic Garden" - Old House Journal https://www.oldhouseonline.com/articles/designing-a-historic-garden