Dear Homework,
Below is our Florida home. It needs some help. I’m not sure where to start with the landscaping. The front porch is only 5 feet wide; does this exclude the possibility of a bench on the right end? The windows in the front have a groove beneath them for the hurricane shutters to slide in, so any window boxes would need to take that into consideration. I’d be very grateful if you could work your magic down South!
Sincerely,
—Key Lime Cottage
One of the wonderful things about Florida is all the exotic plantings there are to choose from. Luckily, your property already boasts a magnificent banyan tree that will play an important part in the new look.
To begin with, I like the simple, laidback look your house already has. I would add working shutters to the porch windows and move the interesting metal wall sculpture to the right end of the porch over the narrow bench you suggested. I would add a simple white gravel terrace to extend the porch into the refreshed front garden. Additionally, a new garage door mimics the look and color of the shutters. The landscaping gets a more tropical vibe with the addition of foxtail palms, a split-leafed monstera and hibiscus. A new, low hedge of azaleas (not shown in bloom) underlines the whole façade and provides privacy to the added gravel terrace. A row of red leaf begonias adds a second layer of color under the azaleas.
By adding the hibiscus and palm to the right of the garage door, the driveway becomes a more integrated part of the presentation.
With its metal roof and unpretentious feel, your house starts off with a great vacation vibe. The changes to the landscape now make it a more pleasing composition.
Hope that helps,
—Homework
Homework is penned by Paul Doerner, founding partner of the Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.