Landscaping Around the World: America

By: Rosalie Merriner

Welcome back to Landscaping Around the World! If you’re new here, each month we take a deeper look at landscaping styles from around the globe. We started in Italy, made our way to China, traveled through Brazil, and explored many places in between. In the spirit of America’s 250th birthday, today we’re taking a closer look at one of the country’s oldest and most influential landscaping traditions: the colonial garden.

The colonial garden style is one of the earliest landscape designs found in America. Utility and efficiency were the primary goals, but over time, these practical spaces evolved into a distinct and recognizable style. Plant choices, stonework, and fencing are just a few of the defining characteristics of colonial gardens. Let’s dive in and take a closer look!

Practicality

If there is one word that best describes early colonial garden style, it would be practicality. As settlers established a new life in America, living efficiently wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity. Gardens were designed to grow plants that served a purpose. Unlike traditional English gardens, where ornamental flowers were often the focal point, colonial gardens centered around the everyday needs of their owners. Food, herbs, medicinal plants, dye-producing plants, and even materials used for soap-making were commonly grown.

Herbs

Herbs were among the most common plants grown in colonial gardens. They played an important role in everyday life and were valued for far more than just cooking. Herbs were used for preserving food, repelling insects, and creating medicines. Below are some of the most popular herbs grown in colonial gardens and their traditional uses:

• Sage – Adds fragrance to homemade wreaths and floral arrangements while attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Traditionally, sage was also used to soothe sore throats and support digestion.

• Rosemary – An evergreen shrub that provides year-round greenery. Fresh sprigs can be used to scent closets and drawers, and rosemary is commonly incorporated into homemade candles, soaps, and bath products. It is also a popular addition to holiday wreaths and centerpieces.

• Mint – An excellent pollinator plant when allowed to flower. Mint also adds a pleasant fragrance to indoor spaces when used in bouquets, and mint tea has long been enjoyed to help settle the stomach.

• Chives – A beneficial companion plant for tomatoes, carrots, and roses. Chives also attract pollinators with their beautiful purple blooms.

Hardscape

Brick and stone were both popular materials used in colonial gardens. As mentioned earlier, these landscapes were designed with practicality in mind. Having clear walkways and well-defined property boundaries was essential as communities rapidly expanded throughout early America. Brick fences and stone features were incredibly sturdy and resilient, making them ideal for long-term use. Especially during the harsh New England winters, durable pathways and boundary walls were a necessity. Stone walls were often constructed using locally sourced materials, giving each region its own unique character and appearance. These hardscape elements not only served practical purposes but also added a sense of permanence and craftsmanship that continues to inspire landscape design today. To this day, brick and stone remain popular choices for creating beautiful, timeless fences, walkways, and garden borders.

Conclusion

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, looking back at colonial garden design reminds us just how much it has influenced modern American landscaping. At Antonucci Lawn and Garden, we are passionate about helping you create the yard of your dreams. America’s rich history is filled with beautiful and practical landscaping styles that can be adapted perfectly for today’s homes. If you’re inspired by the timeless character and durability of colonial gardens, reach out to us today. We’d love to help you create a landscape that is both functional and full of historic charm.