Landscaping around mature homes in Virginia is a delicate art that requires a deep understanding of the property's history, architecture, and the unique challenges presented by time. Virginia boasts a rich tapestry of old houses and land, each with a story to tell. When approaching landscaping for these venerable properties, one must carefully balance preserving the era's character with modern horticultural practices. Let’s see what we can come up with in this comprehensive blog. Preserving the Character of the Era with Expert Landscaping One of the paramount considerations in landscaping around older homes is keeping the era's character. This entails a thorough understanding of the architectural style and period in which the home was built. It also requires help from local landscaping professionals. For instance, Colonial, Federal, Victorian, and Antebellum homes each have distinctive features that should be complemented by appropriate lawn care. Here is what you need to know:

• Plant Selection: Choose plants that were prevalent during the era when the home was built. For example, if the house is from the Colonial era, consider using native Virginia species like dogwood and American holly.
• Heritage Varieties: Seek out heritage varieties of plants and trees that would have been available during the period. These heirloom plants add authenticity to the landscape.
• Period-Appropriate Hardscaping: Select hardscaping materials such as brick, stone, and wood that were commonly used during the era. This includes pathways, driveways, and walls.
• Traditional Garden Features: Consider adding traditional features like formal parterre gardens, boxwood hedges, and wrought iron fencing, which were popular in historic landscapes.
• Respect for Original Design: If existing landscape elements date back to the historic era, try to preserve and restore them rather than replace them.