Long Island landscapes are overwhelmingly traditional. The more formal examples, common especially to larger estates, call upon sculpted hedges, symmetrical evergreen accents, and monolithic floral rows. More casual landscapes embrace a cottage feel, with highly intermixed bursts of flowers, shaggy foliage, and stepping stone paths. Flowers are presented with restraint – large blocks of white are more common than mixed displays of bolder color. Green dominates the scene. Elements of the natural landscape mingle with designed features – regional maples, birches, oaks, and other trees make for excellent specimens. In many communities, large, manicured lawns are common, often complemented by foundation plantings of stately shrubs and occasional pops of floral color. Privacy is prized, especially on larger properties, with hedges often buffering houses from streets.

Landscape designs in Long Island embrace outdoor living, frequently featuring outdoor kitchens and dining, as well as flexible lounge spaces designed to adapt to a variety of events, from family dinners to football parties. Swimming pools are a prized resource, as are pergolas, canopy trees, and water features, all of which offer means to manage the muggy summer weather. Surprisingly, fire pits and hot tubs – also popular landscape elements – are also great amenities for beating the heat, offering a fun activity for a cool outdoor evening. Both work double-duty, providing a heat source to keep you outside even when the weather turns cold.

No matter where you live, native plants are an excellent choice for your landscape. As lovers of the local climate, native plants typically require fewer inputs of water, fertilizer, and maintenance than species introduced from elsewhere. With natives, you’ll get great plant performance with less expense and fuss. At the same time, native plants offer unmatched habitat value for local wildlife and help designed landscapes feel connected to the broader regional landscape. Looking for a few natives to get you started? Canadian serviceberry, sugar maple, gray birch, lady fern, butterfly milkweed, purple coneflower, winterberry, and highbush blueberry are all popular options.

Climate tolerance is the primary concern when selecting plants for a Long Island landscape. Plants must be able to tolerate the significant swing from the summer heat and humidity to winter chill and snow. Deciduous and herbaceous plants are common within these conditions. Don’t forget to consider winter interest. Look for plants that bloom late in the fall and early in the spring. Incorporate trees and shrubs with colorful or architectural branches. Be considerate with the placement of evergreens such that they can command the scene when other plants are in winter dormancy.

Now! Any time of year is great to begin work on a landscape project. When possible, we suggest utilizing the winter to work through the design phase – this sets you up to get on contractors’ books early in the build season, so you can have your design installed and ready to enjoy in time for summer. If winter has passed, don’t worry, it’s never too late in the year to begin work on a landscape design project.