Landscapes that work in every season
Planning gardens and grounds in Connecticut and New York for spring color, summer shade, fall interest and winter structure.
In Connecticut and New York, a landscape has to look good through four very different seasons. A garden planned only for June can look bare for much of the year.
Plan for structure first
Evergreens, clipped hedges, stone walls and paths give a landscape its shape in every season. Once the structure is in place, flowering plants and perennials add color on top of it.
Choose plants for the site
Sun, shade, soil and drainage vary across even a single property. Plants suited to each spot need less water and care, and they last longer.
Design for water
- Grade the ground so water moves away from buildings and patios.
- Use irrigation zones matched to each planting area.
- Treat ponds and water features as part of the design, not an add-on.
Think about how you will use the space
Patios, decks, paths and seating areas turn a garden into somewhere to spend time. Placing them well, with views back to the house and across the grounds, makes the whole property feel larger.
Plan the care from the start
Every landscape changes as it grows. Seasonal pruning, planting and clean-up keep it looking the way it was designed.
At the Fairfield and Oyster Bay residences, LMI’s work runs from the house out into the grounds, with gardens, water features and outdoor living areas designed to work together.
Planning a project?
Talk to the team that designs, builds and maintains it.