College Park Cottage
College Park, Orlando, Florida
The overall goal for this College Park landscape design was to increase curb appeal, maintain the cottage feel, and update the backyard and side yard area to match the clients needs and style.
The front garden features a mostly native and all Florida Friendly plant palette that will compliment the features of the home. The amount of grass area has been greatly reduced by locating larger plant beds along the house as well as along the sidewalk. This creates a front yard that feels more private but is still inviting to visitors. The remaining sod bed flows from one corner to another.
New paver landings and steps are proposed at each door along the side yard. Additional risers shall be implemented for safety. The new landings should match the finished floor elevation of the interior of the house. A new patio is proposed in the side yard with enough space for flexible seating areas as well as outdoor cooking and dining.
To provide privacy and protection in the side yard, a Podocarpus hedge is proposed along the fence line. Podocarpus responds nicely to trimming and can be maintained at any height. we recommend a 5’ height that provides enough privacy without feeling like a huge wall. This will help make the side yard feel more like a courtyard. To provide privacy for the backyard, a row of Areca Palms is integrated with the existing Crape Myrtles. This will create texture and a semi-opaque barrier between the street and the backyard. This will allow the client to freely relax, entertain, and play with the dogs without passerby’s visual intrusion.
New pathways are proposed to connect the two exit doors in the side yard. Another walkway is proposed between the new patio space and the driveway. A new gate is proposed at the corner of the backyard for easier access with the dogs.
A patio is proposed centered on the back wall of the house. A few 4 foot wide planters are located along the perimeter of the space to soften the transition between yard and building. The rest of the area shall be canine-rated artificial turf. A fast growing Tulip Poplar is located in the corner to provide afternoon shade. A spring-blooming Golden Trumpet Tree is located near the patio to provide shade during high noon. Both trees will have leaves in the spring, summer, and fall to provide shade but will lose their leaves in the winter so you can enjoy a sunny afternoon during the cooler months.
Plant selection was heavily based on the desire to attract wildlife such as bees and birds to the yard. The selected plants will provide food and shelter to our local fauna. Additionally, there will be year round color and plenty of textural interest.
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.
