Local Expert Discusses Design for Historic Homes
Owning a home in one of Fort Myers’ historic districts is something many people dream of, and many of these properties have a tremendous amount of character. In an effort to preserve this charm and character, these areas usually have some kind of guidelines regarding construction, renovation and landscaping.
Since this is the case, when you are looking to landscape a historic home you might want to enlist the assistance of a trained professional to perfect the design and ensure compliance with these guidelines. This is where our company can come in to help, as we have many years of experience working with homeowners in Southwest Florida and have perfected the traditional Florida landscape style.
In this article, we will discuss a few tips, styles and types of landscaping to use when you are working on a home in a historic area. Hopefully this will help you begin to envision the ideal landscape design for your home, and our team will be happy to help you make it a reality.
Avoid the Resort Style
Many people automatically envision bright colors, tall palms and the general beachy vibe you feel on Florida’s beaches when they think about Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. While this style is great for newer properties on the water, the resort-style landscaping which is popular in coastal areas should be avoided in historic areas. The main reason for landscaping guidelines is so the design and plants used contribute to the character of the property, rather than draw attention away from it. The best style to use for historic homes is the traditional Florida design, with the goal of accentuating the home through well-maintained native plants and trees.
Use Local Vegetation
The unique climate and soil we have in Fort Myers plays a big role in what plants can thrive in the area, so it’s usually best to select from local plants when planning your landscape design. This is even more true in historical districts, where the goal for the area is uniformity with surrounding properties. By using local vegetation which is similar to the trees or shrubs you are replacing, you can ensure longevity for the new plants and a look which is adequate for the historical guidelines.
Add Your Personal Touch
After reading this article and doing your own research about landscaping in a historic district, you might assume you have no freedom to design a landscape to your preference if you own a historic home. While there are some plants and trees which must be avoided, this certainly doesn’t mean you can’t add your favorite plants, or a close substitution, so your property feels like home. We work with clients to ensure their designs not only comply with local guidelines, but also take into account their wants and needs.
If you want to learn more about landscaping a historic home, or you have any need for landscaping services in Fort Myers, feel free to give us a call today.
