Preserving Connecticut’s Colonial Heritage: How Historic Landscaping Brings 18th Century Gardens Back to Life

For homeowners fortunate enough to own one of Connecticut’s treasured 18th century properties, maintaining authentic period landscaping presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Of the 12,000 Connecticut homes sold or on the market this year, about 120 date to the 18th century, with two-thirds of that number thought to have been built by 1776. These historic gems, particularly abundant in towns like Redding with its Redding Center District covering approximately 55 contiguous acres with 39 contributing resources dating from 1767 to 1929, deserve landscaping that honors their colonial origins while meeting modern needs.

Understanding Authentic Colonial Garden Design

The colonial garden of yesteryear was a celebration of heritage as plants made their way from the “old world,” to the “new world.” Colonial gardens were made by very practical colonists and as a result were designed around needs rather than aesthetics, though these gardens were still truly beautiful. Built in an era when time, money, plant availability, and even water were in short supply, they boast practical layouts dressed with the prettiest native plants and the hardiest plants from friends and family far away.

The layout of authentic colonial gardens followed specific principles that modern homeowners can adapt. Square or raised bed gardens were popular and often placed in close proximity to the home to allow for easy access. In fact, many were located right outside the home kitchen. Gardens that contained small vegetables (leaks, onions, garlic, carrots, and cabbage), herbs, and flowers were placed near a house door to allow quick and easy access. Square- and rectangular-shaped raised beds framed with tree saplings.

Selecting Period-Appropriate Plants

Creating an authentic colonial plant palette requires understanding what species were actually available during the 18th century. Colonists and Europeans often exchanged plant material. Species from the “New World” were shipped to England, and plant material that originated in areas such as Mainland China traveled through Europe before making the trip across the Atlantic Ocean. Plants brought to the Colonies included fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowering bulbs. They were placed in gardens with plants native to the United States, including tobacco, corn, and other vegetables, trees, flowering shrubs, vines, and wildflowers.

For flowers, colonial gardeners favored practical beauty. There were a variety of flowers in the colonial garden. Azaleas, sunflowers, hydrangeas, roses, English ivy, clematis, holly, and lilies are just a few of the popular flowers grown. Many plants served dual purposes: Throughout history, herbs, shrubs, flowers, and trees have been known for their healing properties, flavoring qualities, and beauty. Plants used for eating, dyeing cloth, seasoning food, as well as for curing various ailments were cultivated at plantations.

Herb gardens were particularly important, with commonly planted herbs included angelica, basil, burnet, calendula, caraway, chamomile, chervil, coriander, comfrey, dill, fennel, licorice, mint, nasturtium, parsley, sage, and tarragon. These weren’t just for cooking—to colonists, “herb” meant not only savory plants added to dishes to enhance flavor but included medicinal plants as well as greens (such as nasturtiums and calendulas) meant to be eaten raw or cooked as part of a salad.

Modern Challenges in Historic Preservation Landscaping

Today’s preservation-minded homeowners face unique challenges when maintaining colonial-era landscapes. Colonial Revival gardens do not seek to imitate or replicate actual colonial gardens or colonial planting schemes. Rather, they are “romanticized” versions of colonial gardens. However, for those seeking true authenticity, professional guidance becomes essential.

Soil conditions present particular challenges. Difficult grades coupled with dense clay soils created significant drainage problems, exacerbated by a three-century buildup of composted soils. Some of the existing trees were teetering on the threshold of mortality. Modern landscaping techniques must address these issues while preserving historical integrity.

Professional Expertise for Historic Properties

For Redding homeowners committed to authentic historic preservation landscaping, working with experienced professionals who understand both horticultural science and historical accuracy is crucial. Roots Landscaping is a local Danbury landscaper offering exceptional landscape services. As family owned and operated business since 2000, they pride themselves in the detail, care and extra precautions taken to ensure your Danbury landscape is above and beyond the standard.

The company’s approach to landscaping redding properties demonstrates their commitment to understanding each property’s unique character. Throughout the 17 years of business, Roots Landscaping Professionals have evolved with the industry, staying up to date on the latest landscape designs, products and processes. Their knowledgeable and dedicated staff want to help you build your dream yard for your Danbury home, utilizing the best resources to turn around your landscape around.

In 2000, when our team at Roots Landscaping officially opened our doors to do business, we made a vow to provide superior landscape services for our clients. We are proud to be the premier Commercial Landscaping company serving Greater Danbury and the surrounding area. This commitment extends to understanding the specific needs of historic properties in Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Redding, Ridgefield and surrounding areas.

Balancing Authenticity with Modern Functionality

The key to successful historic preservation landscaping lies in balancing period authenticity with contemporary needs. For others, careful research can offer insight into the regional vernacular character of colonial gardens and provide unlimited inspiration for period design. For all, the best colonial gardens celebrate the individuality of the site, the owners, and the region.

This might involve adapting colonial planting schemes to work with modern irrigation systems, or selecting cultivars of period-appropriate plants that offer better disease resistance. Most of the plants’ genus dates to the early 18th century, though in some cases a cultivar was selected in favor of a longer bloom season or better resistance to pests and diseases.

For Connecticut’s historic homeowners, maintaining authentic colonial plant palettes isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about creating living landscapes that honor the ingenuity and practical beauty of our colonial ancestors while serving the needs of modern families. With proper research, planning, and professional expertise, these historic gardens can continue to thrive for another three centuries, connecting us to the rich agricultural and horticultural heritage that shaped early America.