Period design is always fun to tackle. We have done old homesteads, English gardens, and even Japanese-inspired backyards. Creating a mid-century modern landscape design to match our client’s home was new for us. The first thing we did was research. Like our other architecturally influenced projects, we did not follow an exact blueprint. Instead, we created the flavor of mid-century modern while working within the requirements of our local climate and available plants.
Mid-Century Modern Landscape Design
Our research found that this outdoor style is either very sparse or involves masses of plants. We did a little of both! Our focus was the front of the home, where the owner had just installed a new driveway and walkway.
We used two different kinds of rock between the house and the sidewalk to create an interlocking swoosh motif. Then we filled the space with sparse plantings. Our client wanted to keep the existing Topiaries, so we moved them to a new spot that suited the design. A weeping white pine and Japanese maple were new to the landscape as of last year and we included them as well. Metal pots for annuals fulfilled the sculptural elements often seen in mid-century modern. By letting them rust a little and then adding a seal coat, they add to the natural look of the design. Under the front window, we planted a Firechief arborvitae, a favorite multi-colored specimen. They are supposed to grow to 3 ft x 3ft and will add tremendous visual interest to the front of the home.
On the street side of the sidewalk, we added steel edging to define the rock bed from the mulch bed and planted three different sizes of weeping Norway spruce. One is meant to get big, one medium, and one small—like Goldilocks! A grouping of columnar spruce trees further varied the heights within the design.
The remarkable pink plants that you see in the picture above are a variety of Lupine. Our client found these showstoppers, so we decided to experiment with them in the beds. We are not sure they will survive due to their persnickety nature, but we always promote creativity! Every time we arrived at the job site, there were more perennials waiting to be added. We love how much she enjoys her landscape.
If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary landscape design, reach out to us. We’ll help you achieve your vision. Send us an email or give us a call at 317-997-4803.
