What are the 5 Types of Landscape?

[etowahgroup]

Hey everyone!

This is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners starting their landscape journey, and honestly, understanding these 5 basic types can save you thousands of dollars and years of frustration. After 60+ years in the Georgia landscaping business, I wanted to break this down in a way that actually helps you make decisions.

5 Landscape Types That Actually Matter

Here's how we categorize every project at Etowah Group:

1. Formal - Structured, geometric, high-maintenance elegance
2. Informal - Natural, organic, family-friendly spaces
3. English - Romantic cottage garden style with mixed plantings
4. Zen/Japanese - Minimalist, peaceful, meditation-focused
5. Xeriscape - Water-wise, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance

Why This Matters More Than You Think


The reality: Most homeowners try to mix all 5 styles and end up with a confusing mess that looks like a plant nursery exploded in their yard.

The solution: Pick ONE primary style, then maybe incorporate small elements from others.


Questions for the Community:

For homeowners planning landscapes:

1. Which style resonates most with your lifestyle?
2. How much time do you realistically want to spend on maintenance?
3. What's your biggest landscape challenge right now?

For those who've done major landscaping:

1. Did you stick to one style or mix them?
2. What would you do differently?
3. Any regrets about your landscape choices?

For other professionals:

1. How do you help clients choose between styles?
2. What's the biggest mistake you see homeowners make?
3. Regional preferences in your area?

Real Project Examples from Our Work

Formal Landscape Success (Marietta):

• Client: Historic home wanting impressive curb appeal
• Challenge: Matching landscape to colonial architecture
• Solution: Boxwood parterre garden with seasonal color
• Result: Increased property value by $35,000, neighbors constantly compliment

Informal Disaster Turned Success (Roswell):

• Client: Family with kids and dogs
• Previous attempt: Tried formal landscape, constant maintenance nightmare
• Our approach: Curved pathways, native plants, natural play areas
• Result: Kids love it, maintenance dropped 70%, looks great year-round

English Garden Dream (Kennesaw):

• Client: Avid gardener wanting cutting flowers and herbs
• Challenge: Georgia heat vs. traditional English plants
• Solution: Adapted plant palette, multiple garden "rooms"
• Result: Blooms March through November, featured in local garden tour

The Georgia Reality Check

What works here vs. what doesn't:

Formal Landscapes:
✅ Great for front yards and curb appeal
✅ Southern magnolias and boxwood thrive
❌ High water and maintenance needs in our heat
❌ Expensive to maintain properly

Informal Landscapes:
✅ Perfect for our climate and native plants
✅ Kid and pet friendly
✅ Lower maintenance once established
❌ Can look messy if not planned well

English Gardens:
✅ Gorgeous when done right with adapted plants
✅ Great for gardening enthusiasts
❌ Requires plant knowledge and regular care
❌ Some traditional plants struggle in Georgia heat

Zen Landscapes:
✅ Low maintenance and water-wise
✅ Perfect for small spaces
✅ Stress relief in our busy world
❌ Can feel cold or stark to some people

Xeriscape:
✅ Incredibly low maintenance once established
✅ Water conservation benefits
✅ Unique, modern aesthetic
❌ Limited plant palette
❌ Can look "desert-like" in Georgia

Common Mistakes I See Homeowners Make

The "Pinterest Problem":

• Saving 500 different landscape photos
• Trying to incorporate every cool idea they see
• Not considering their actual climate or lifestyle
• Forgetting about maintenance requirements

The "Cheap Plant Trap":

• Buying whatever's on sale at big box stores
• Not researching mature plant sizes
• Ignoring soil and light requirements
• Planting everything at once without a plan

The "DIY Disaster":

• Underestimating the physical work involved
• Not understanding drainage and grading
• Skipping soil preparation
• No irrigation planning

Questions I Get All the Time:


Q: "Can I mix different landscape styles?"
A: Yes, but carefully! Pick one dominant style, then add small elements from others. We often do formal front yards with informal backyards.

Q: "Which style is most low-maintenance?"
A: Xeriscape and informal landscapes, once established. But "low-maintenance" still means SOME maintenance!

Q: "What's the best style for resale value?"
A: Formal landscapes typically add the most immediate curb appeal, but well-done informal landscapes appeal to families.

Q: "How do I choose plants for each style?"
A: This is where local expertise matters! What works in California won't work in Georgia.

Regional Considerations for Our Area

Cobb County and Metro Atlanta specifics:

Clay Soil Issues:

• Affects drainage in all landscape styles
• Formal landscapes need more soil amendment
• Informal landscapes can work with existing conditions better
• Zen gardens may need gravel drainage systems

Summer Heat and Humidity:

• Limits plant choices for English gardens
• Makes formal landscape maintenance challenging
• Perfect for xeriscape approaches
• Informal landscapes with native plants thrive

HOA Considerations:

• Many neighborhoods require "neat" appearances
• Informal landscapes need careful design to avoid looking messy
• Xeriscape might not be accepted in traditional neighborhoods
• Formal landscapes usually meet any HOA requirements

Cost Breakdown by Style

From our project experience:

Formal Landscapes:

• Design: $3,000-$8,000
• Installation: $15,000-$50,000+
• Annual maintenance: $3,000-$6,000
• Best for: High-end properties, impressive curb appeal

Informal Landscapes:

• Design: $2,000-$5,000
• Installation: $8,000-$25,000
• Annual maintenance: $1,500-$3,000
• Best for: Families, naturalistic settings

English Gardens:

• Design: $2,500-$6,000
• Installation: $10,000-$30,000
• Annual maintenance: $2,000-$4,000
• Best for: Gardening enthusiasts, cottage-style homes

Zen Landscapes:

• Design: $2,000-$5,000
• Installation: $8,000-$20,000
• Annual maintenance: $800-$1,500
• Best for: Modern homes, small spaces, busy lifestyles

Xeriscape:

• Design: $2,000-$4,000
• Installation: $6,000-$18,000
• Annual maintenance: $500-$1,200
• Best for: Water conservation, minimal maintenance

Seasonal Considerations


Spring:

• Formal: Precise pruning and replanting
• Informal: Natural cleanup and selective pruning
• English: Intensive planting and preparation
• Zen: Minimal, meditative maintenance
• Xeriscape: System checks and minimal care

Summer:

• Formal: High water needs and pest management
• Informal: Drought monitoring and wildlife support
• English: Continuous deadheading and care
• Zen: Peaceful maintenance routines
• Xeriscape: Thrives with minimal intervention

Fall:

• Formal: Structural maintenance and winter prep
• Informal: Natural seed collection and cleanup
• English: Harvest time and autumn planting
• Zen: Seasonal balance adjustments
• Xeriscape: System winterization

Winter:

• Formal: Planning and structural work
• Informal: Wildlife habitat maintenance
• English: Garden planning and indoor activities
• Zen: Contemplation and minimal care
• Xeriscape: Equipment maintenance and planning

Let's Discuss Your Specific Situation!

I'd love to help with:

• Choosing the right style for your property
• Plant recommendations for Georgia
• Realistic budget and timeline expectations
• Maintenance planning and requirements

Tell me about your project:

• What's your home's architectural style?
• How do you want to use your outdoor space?
• What's your maintenance comfort level?
• Any specific challenges (slopes, drainage, HOA rules)?

For other professionals:

• How do you approach style selection with clients?
• Regional plant recommendations?
• Biggest challenges in your area?

Our Approach at Etowah Group

Why we've been successful for 60+ years:

• We match landscape style to lifestyle, not just aesthetics
• Local plant expertise for Georgia conditions
• Realistic maintenance expectations upfront
• Design-build approach ensures cohesive results

What sets us apart:

• Free consultations with honest assessments
• 3D renderings so you can visualize the result
• Skilled craftsmen, not just laborers
• Ongoing maintenance programs available
• We actually answer our phones!

Service Areas:
Cobb County and surrounding Metro Counties including Acworth, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Vinings, and Woodstock.

Common Regional Questions:

Q: "Will formal landscapes survive Georgia summers?"
A: Yes, with proper plant selection and irrigation. We use heat-adapted varieties.

Q: "Can I have an English garden in Atlanta?"
A: Absolutely! We adapt the style with plants that love our climate.

Q: "Is xeriscape too 'desert-looking' for Georgia?"
A: Not when done right! We use native grasses and southeastern drought-tolerant plants.

Q: "Which style works best with our clay soil?"
A: Informal and xeriscape adapt best, but we can make any style work with proper soil prep.

About Etowah Group:

We're a full-service landscaping company with over 60 years of experience transforming properties throughout Cobb County and surrounding Metro Counties. From design to installation to maintenance, we handle every aspect of your outdoor space transformation.

Contact Info:
📞 (678) 354-0757
📍 1930b Dorsey Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
🌐 Free consultations available
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