Traditional landscapes are ordered and respectable. In the Dennis’ 7 Dees Traditional Landscape Design Guide, we detail the principles of traditional design, the materials that should be used to create the framework of the look, and the plants that are essential to creating a clear and unmistakably traditional viewpoint.
Houses with formal or colonial architectural styles are particularly well-suited to traditional landscaping. However, landscape style doesn’t necessarily have to match the style of your home. In the Pacific Northwest, traditional landscaping looks great when paired with Victorian, Tudor, and Craftsman-style homes. Traditional landscaping adds sophistication and a layer of organized intention to any style of architecture.
Traditional Style Plants
- With formal, symmetrical plantings in strong lines, traditional gardens utilize green hedging plants to tie the landscape to the home.
- Abundant blooming annuals, roses, and flowering shrubs serve the traditional landscape and elevate each planting space beyond its static foundation to create a dramatic and regal garden.
- Flowering vines reach up structured trellises and over arbors to further define zones in the garden or features of the house.
- Topiary is used to accentuate the corners of beds or to highlight containers.
Traditional Color Palettes
When designing a traditional landscape, color must be with clear intention.
- To create an opulent, dramatic planting, use flowers in a saturated Jewel Plant Palette filled with amethyst purples, sapphire blues, ruby reds, and emerald greens.
- For a plant palette that feels more collected and peaceful, rely on a Chic Plant Palette of calming whites, ivories, and blush against rich green.
Traditional Landscape Materials
Materials and plants in a traditional landscape should be classic and timeless, not tied to the trends or fads of the moment.
- For hardscapes, rely on concrete pavers, bricks, or poured walkways.
- Adornments should stand the test of time, like wrought iron, concrete urns, and tasteful statuary.
Traditional Landscape Maintenance Tips
Traditional landscapes are labors of love, where hedges are meticulously pruned twice a year, roses are deadheaded, and bedding annuals are rotated out each Spring and Fall. The attention to detail present in the traditional landscape is what sets it apart from other, less formal styles.
Whether cared for professionally by a Residential Maintenance Company or tended by a homeowner, the time spent properly pruning shrubs and hedges and looking after all plants is essential. The additional time and care required for a traditional landscape is always well spent and pays back dividends by increasing curb appeal, property value, and by creating an organized and calming environment where everything is just in its place.
Creating Your Ideal Traditional Landscape
Our Traditional Landscape Design Guide is the perfect starting point for creating your own traditional landscape, whether you do the work yourself or rely on the experts.
Follow the principles outlined in the guide to ensure you have structured your garden to get the most out of this formal style. Use our comprehensive plant lists to make sure the plants you select will work well together in similar conditions and help bring the style to life. Utilize our color palettes to ensure that the blooms of your plants are cohesive, beautiful, and don’t clash or look haphazard.
Our Residential Construction team can design, oversee and install any landscape style, and are particularly skilled at working in traditional landscapes. You can trust our award-winning Landscape Designers and skilled installation crews to help you bring your dream traditional landscape to life. Book a free consultation and start your transformation today!