Orlando, Florida

The overall goal of this college park landscape design was to capture the client’s vision of a Japanese Meditation Garden, increase curb appeal, and refresh the backyard area.

For the front and side landscape (corner lot) we proposed a new flagstone walkway to replace the existing concrete walkway and patio. This will tie in with the backyard style and represent a more Japanese influenced landscape. The plant palette proposed along the front and side facades will create a cohesive look with clean lines, a lot of color, and texture. Accent Azalea plants were used in key areas between the windows along the side. Flowering understory tree and evergreen accent tree are located in the front to highlight the architecture of the home.

A new Japanese style fence will replace the old fence along the side yard. The gate be installed at the new flagstone entry area. A bamboo hedge is proposed along the rear part of the yard to block the unsightly culvert drain area. The species of bamboo proposed is a clumping variety that will get between 12-15 feet tall. The wood fence can wrap this area along the rear property line if desired by the client but is not required.

A Podocarpus hedge wraps the outer perimeter of the Tea Garden as and separates the garden from the pool equipment area. A meandering pathway of stepping stones placed in pea gravel leads to a variety of meditation points. A water feature, lantern, and bench are located along the pathway to provide a variety of options. Limestone boulders are located in key areas and nestled amongst the textural landscape.

The pool deck will be refinished with a light tan color. As discussed, the existing concrete will remain to continue reinforcing the pool shell structure. Large planter pots with palm trees break up the vast view of concrete. The concrete and old countertop in the side near the boat slip will be removed for a tropical landscape with a small lawn panel. This creates a transitional space between the pool area and the side yard. A meandering pea gravel pathway winds around a lantern and connects to the side lawn and gate area. A Podocarpus hedge is located in this area to provide privacy to the meditation garden without blocking views.

This design is a Florida Friendly take on a traditional Japanese style garden. Plants such as Sunshine Ligustrum, Loropetalum, and Japanese Maple were used along the facade and throughout the yard to achieve a Japanese Florida aesthetic.

This design will require yearly maintenance but no more than that of similar residences in the area. The plant palette features all Florida Native or Florida Friendly plants that are suitable for our local climate. Irrigation is recommended for the first three growing seasons but the plant palette is considered drought tolerant.