Snow Bird Garden

Winter Park, Florida

The overall goal of this project was to increase curb appeal and update the backyard area to match the family’s needs and style.

For the front entry we have proposed a new paver walkway and driveway that can be phased in when they are ready. The pavers should be similar in style and color to the pavers around your pool deck. Alternately, if budget allows, a bluestone walkway and driveway would match their “Pottery Barn” aesthetic. Planter pots with seasonal annuals flank either side of the new walkway at the expanded patio at the front door. The pots themselves will complement the navy door and provide a fun pop of color year-round.

We have proposed two new entertaining areas for the family’s use. One is a new flagstone patio with decorative pergola and outdoor dining or lounge furniture. We placed this in close proximity to the screened in porch and new outdoor kitchen area for ease of use. We recommend that the old shed be removed as it creates an awkward space in the back left corner. To take advantage of the tight space, we have proposed a fire pit area nestled into new landscape beds. The rest of the yard on the left is mostly open with minimal plantings. This is to maximize place space for the children and keeping maintenance low.

For usability we have proposed a new 10’ x 12’ shed in the back right corner of the property. We have also proposed two garden beds in the same area. Both of these uses can be situated in a mulch bed for maintenance and aesthetic reasons. Locating the shed and garden beds near one another makes it easier and more welcoming to tend to the garden patches.

With the existing HOA wall issues we have proposed a new privacy fence directly in front of the existing wall. This will not only buy them a few feet of height for privacy (6’ fence opposed to the 4-5’ wall) but it will further delineate the property from that of the overgrown neighbors. A white vinyl fence to match the existing fence is recommended for durability and aesthetic.

All of the existing landscape will be removed. The Maple, two Tabebuias in the front, and the Podocarpus hedge and Bougainvillea vine in the rear will remain.

This design is a Florida Friendly take on a traditional New England style garden. Plants such as Azalea, Crape Myrtle, Creeping Juniper, and African Iris were used along the façade and throughout the yard to achieve a “Pottery Barn” 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.