For this Aging in Place series, we are proud to be partnering with Oscar Mikols, Gina Spaziano Real Estate and Concierge Services, Ernst Brothers & Builders, and Ford3 Architects to provide our clients with a holistic understanding of how to design a home with the purpose of aging in place. Check out their blogs for their articles on the topic of aging in place.
At PLANT Design Group, we believe landscape design should grow more beautiful with time—especially for homeowners who plan to age in place. Our philosophy is rooted in classical landscape principles, practical considerations, and a deep respect for longevity in the garden.
Whether you’re designing a new outdoor space or updating an existing one, these five expert principles will help you create a timeless landscape that remains functional, elegant, and low-maintenance for decades.
1. Mindful Placement of Large Plantings
One of the most common mistakes in American landscape design is planting large trees and shrubs too close to the house. While it may provide immediate impact, it often creates long-term issues—obstructing light, shedding leaves and sticks into gutters, compromising the longevity of building materials, and even posing security risks.
Instead, we advocate placing larger plantings farther from the home. This not only follows classical European design principles—where mature trees are set well beyond the immediate structure—but also improves the aesthetic balance of the garden with the house, increases the longevity of plants, and enhances property value.
Pro tip: Rather than forcing large plants into small spaces, choose the right size plants for each location. Let large specimens thrive where they have room to grow, and reserve foundation beds for smaller, well-behaved species.
2. Accessible Garden Beds for Aging in Place
A timeless garden is one you can enjoy and manage at any age. That’s why we design custom built elevated raised beds to make gardening accessible for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
These raised beds allow homeowners to engage with their garden without the strain of bending or kneeling—ensuring the joy of planting, pruning, and harvesting continues well into later years.
3. Succession Planting for Year-Round Beauty
A well-designed landscape should offer visual interest in every season. Through succession planting, we choose plants that bloom in complementary colors throughout the year—ensuring that something beautiful is always happening in the garden, from the first frost to high summer and into the golden tones of fall.
This method reduces reliance on annuals and builds a more sustainable and self-sufficient planting palette.
4. Choosing Quality Plant Specimens
Not all plants are created equal. Some popular choices—like Schip laurels, Hemlocks, and Leyland Cypress—are prone to pests, weather damage, or disease. Others, such as most Arborvitae varieties, are frequently damaged by deer.
We prefer to design with durable, resilient plant species that provide beauty and performance for generations. Here are a few of our top picks for timeless trees and shrubs:
Top Trees for Timeless Landscapes:
- Sycamore – Majestic, long-lived, and low maintenance
- Star Magnolia – Early spring blooms and elegant form
- Green Giant Arborvitae – Deer-resistant and fast-growing, without the issues of traditional Arborvitae
Top Shrubs for Long-Term Success:
- Viburnum – Versatile and highly dependable
- Osmanthus – Fragrant and evergreen
- Holly – Adds year-round structure and seasonal interest in a variety of conditions
5. Designing with the Future in Mind
Ultimately, the best landscape designs are those that look ahead—not just to next spring, but 20 or 30 years down the road. Whether it’s positioning a tree so it can reach its full height without interference, or choosing plants that will thrive with minimal intervention, timeless beauty is built on smart planning and high-quality execution.
Final Thoughts: Beauty That Grows with You
If you’re dreaming of a landscape that matures gracefully, supports aging in place, and reflects classical elegance, these five principles are the foundation. At PLANT Design Group, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that are as enduring as they are beautiful.
Ready to transform your landscape into a timeless sanctuary? Contact us today for a consultation.
