Set the Landscape: Traditional
Traditional landscaping can get a bad rap in design circles. It isn’t daring; it doesn’t push the envelope; it is something that you can see everywhere. However, traditional gardens which are done well have a lot going for them. They are instantly appealing, they work well with any number of home designs and they evoke a sense of graciousness and a connection to the past.
Although traditional can take many turns, from English country estate to French styling and even to some hint of this classic cottage garden, something which joins traditional landscapes together is greenery. Lawns, or something very similar, anchor the space. Trees play a major part. Garden beds are full of shrubs and leafy green plants. Sure, there are bursts of color, but overall, green is the dominant motif.
The hardscapes are just timeless. There is a powerful sense of geometry underlying the overall space and of everything using its place.
And you know what? It works. People are attracted to traditional spaces. They are peaceful and inviting. They allow you to relax and feel at home while admiring the landscaping. And isn’t that what you really want from a space like this?
A clean and simple hardscape, and a traditional lawn and a harmonious planting bed, allows the traces of the home itself to stand out. The lamppost fits the style of the home and functions as an accent piece. Providing a patch of light to mark the beginning of the path at night isn’t advisable, either.
Donna Lynn – Landscape Designer
Filling a backyard boundary with trees, perennials and annuals is a time-honored way of concealing the borders of a lawn and making it look larger.
Windsor Firms
A mass planting of a single plant, a throwback to the days of large estates, is highly effective, especially in a traditional setting. Here the color of this annuals performs off the color of the home yet doesn’t compete with all the architectural lines.
Woodburn & Company Landscape Architecture, LLC
These landscape plantings, from garden bed to lawn to overhead blossom, match this shingle-style house perfectly. But think about it: The same landscape would work well with a variety of house designs.
WINN Design+Build
The simple geometric lines of those shrubs and trees match the architecture of the home as opposed to compete with this. A palette in shades of green is always calming and restful.
Westover Landscape Design, Inc..
This home’s design is colonial, so a straightforward traditional landscape might not set it off to benefit. On the flip side, a cottage garden, especially in this rather large space, might be too much. The solution: Combine both. The lawn, the proper paving to both sides of the home and the garden beds full of shrubs reflect a traditional approach, while the irregular pavers, the picket fence as well as the blowsy plants supporting it add a cottage touch.
Milieu Design
A garden bed that sits between the sidewalk and the home softens the proper lines of a traditional landscape. Because the more free-form plantings are restricted to a smaller area, they don’t overwhelm the rest of the space.
Richard Kramer
A paved brick sitting room that provides the ideal transition between a home and lawn is a traditional look that will function in any landscape. Adding cutout planting beds softens the border between the terrace and the home.
McDugald-Steele
A large lawn might be a traditional approach to a landscape space, but dividing it into tiered levels edged with brick gives the same sense of expansiveness whilst incorporating individuality.
Woodburn & Company Landscape Architecture, LLC
A large lawn might not be the most water-wise option, but there is no doubt that it is inviting. This lawn reminds me of this type in older films, full of friends and families.
Southview Design
Clean lines, a place to sita patch of green and symmetrical garden beds. The appearance might be simple, but it is always going to draw you in. And as this lawn proves, you don’t need a good deal of room to achieve it.
Westover Landscape Design, Inc..
Stone and wicker create a fantastic mix that’s withstood the test of time. Whether you’re at the shore, nestled in the heartland or upward from the hills, this appearance will serve you well. Simply add green edging and flowering plants, and you’re good to go.
Cathy Carr, APLD
Creating a room that’s calm, restful and inviting is exactly what a traditional landscape is about, and those are just the notes this inviting patio strikes.
Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design
In case you have kids, sometimes less is more. A place for a swing set and a playhouse, and plenty of lawn space for matches, might not win you prizes for the daring design, however this classic approach to a garden can serve your loved ones for years.
More:
Natural Garden Style
Find Your Perfect Patio Design
4 Steps to the Fantastic Garden
Garden Edging: Clean Lines for Your Landscape