How to Landscape for a Saltbox

Draw up a plan for a colonial-style saltbox landscape by learning more about traditional colonial gardens. Saltbox yards often doubled as gardens and were kept trimmed and orderly, so incorporate elements that give the landscape a neatly cultivated look. Lay out features geometrically, using bilateral symmetry to give the yard balance.

Enclose the yard with a low fence, such as picket, stone or split rail. In colonial times, low fences would keep cows, goats and other animals from the flowers and vegetables. Modernize the application of colonial fencing to give your yard more privacy, while keeping animals and people from casually accessing the property.

Set up several focal points in the yard, connected with several straight brick or gravel paths. Traditional focal points include a bench or arbor. Incorporate modern focal points, which might include a flowering tree, topiary or water feature. As long as the focal point is not too modern, it works well with saltbox home landscaping. Create paths that lead you from one focal point to another, automatically creating flowerbeds or divided areas for trees and shrubs.

Plant a low hedge along the street side to give the yard some privacy. Another appropriate place for a low hedge is along the front or side of the house. Choose common hedge plants and shrubs from colonial New England such as boxwood, roses, barberry or sweetspire.

Plant several trees on the saltbox home property, but there are several do's and don'ts when it comes to choosing type and location. Most New England colonial homes had a few fruit trees and fruit-producing bushes, so integrate peach, pear, apple, cherry or plum trees into the landscaping. Plant blackberries, currants or raspberries along a wall for added interest and delicious produce. Add interest to the landscape with medium-sized trees but avoid large trees, and never plant trees right up against the house. In New England, trees weren't planted near homes for fear of lightning strikes. Don't plant clusters of trees on the property, just a few to add visual impact.

Choose flowers that are hardy and native to your area. In colonial New England, typical gardens included flowers such as black-eyed Susans, tulips, daffodils, forget-me-nots and astors. Plant flowers in irregular groupings, without clustering like flowers together. Try geraniums interspersed with irises, for example. Use these mixed flowers as borders along walkways, fences and the house.

Add interest and authenticity to saltbox home landscaping by adding vegetable and herb plants to the landscaping. Choose these plants, traditionally isolated in a produce garden, to add a weedy, aromatic style to your landscape. For example, intersperse thyme, rosemary and dill with traditional flower plantings. Plant peas, carrots, onions, lettuce, beans and leeks in raised beds, mixed with flowers.