Working in the Historic District of Annapolis is a different kind of job. The properties along Maryland Avenue, Fleet Street, Prince George Street, and around State Circle have been here for 200 to 300 years. The yards are small — sometimes just a brick courtyard and a raised bed. What grows there has to look right for the neighborhood, work within what the Historic Preservation Commission allows, and survive the shade, the tight soil, and the salt air that comes up from the harbor. We’ve been doing this kind of work long enough to know that it requires a different approach than a suburban backyard in Millersville.
Historic District Landscaping: What’s Different Here
The City of Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviews exterior changes to properties in the Historic District. For landscape work, this generally means that structural elements visible from the street — fences above a certain height, walls, significant hardscaping — may require HPC review before installation. Routine planting, lawn care, mulching, and maintenance typically don’t trigger review, but if you’re not sure whether your project does, we can help you figure that out before you start.
The other thing that defines Historic District landscaping is scale. Most lots here are small — some are just a few hundred square feet. You’re not designing a landscape; you’re designing a garden. The proportions matter. A 6-foot arborvitae that would look fine in a Severna Park yard would look ridiculous against a 1760s brick rowhouse. We think in terms of what belongs here — English boxwood, period-appropriate roses, brick and flagstone, climbing hydrangea on a garden wall — because that’s what actually looks good and holds its character over time.
Does your courtyard drain properly? That’s often the first problem we solve in the Historic District, because these old brick courtyards were built with minimal slope and the grout joints fail over time, creating standing water issues against foundation walls that have been there since the 18th century.
Our Services in the Annapolis Historic District
Garden Design for Period Properties
We specialize in planting schemes that are appropriate for Colonial and Federal-era structures — not because we’re being precious about it, but because period-appropriate plants tend to be lower-maintenance, more resilient, and genuinely more beautiful in context. Native and heirloom varieties of boxwood, holly, magnolia, iris, and climbing roses are workhorses in this neighborhood.
Courtyard and Patio Work
Brick, bluestone, and flagstone are the right materials here. We reset heaved brickwork, repair mortar joints, and regrade courtyard surfaces for proper drainage. For new installations, we match the bond pattern and brick color to what’s already on the property when possible.
Tree Care and Pruning
The Historic District has mature tree canopy — oaks, elms, and lindens that were planted decades or centuries ago. Proper pruning and health maintenance keep these trees safe and beautiful. We work around overhead utility lines and consult with the City arborist program when City-owned street trees are involved.
Container and Raised Bed Gardening
When ground space is limited, containers and raised planters on terraces or stoops give you growing space without disrupting historic fabric. We design and install cedar and iron planters appropriate to the architecture.
Seasonal Maintenance
Spring and fall cleanups, pruning, deadheading, mulching — the routine work that keeps a Historic District garden looking the way it should through the season.
Navigating HPC Requirements
We’re familiar with the Annapolis HPC review process for landscape-related work. If your project touches anything structural — a new garden wall, a fence, a pergola — we’ll identify whether HPC review is required and what documentation you’ll need. We’ve gone through this process with Historic District clients and can help you prepare a submission that gets approved on the first try.
Historic District Landscaping FAQ
Do I need HPC approval for landscaping in the Historic District?
For most planting, mulching, and maintenance work — no. For structural elements visible from a public way (fences, walls, pergolas, significant hardscape), yes, you likely need HPC review. The threshold is generally whether the change would be visible from the street and whether it involves a permanent structural element. We’ll tell you at the estimate stage what needs review.
What plants are appropriate for a Colonial-era home in Annapolis?
Period-appropriate plants include English boxwood, American holly, climbing hydrangea, old garden roses, irises, lavender, catmint, and native species like pawpaw and serviceberry. We avoid anything that looks obviously modern in context — ornamental grasses, exotic tropical annuals, or brightly colored cultivars that clash with historic brick.
My brick courtyard floods — what can I do?
Usually we can regrade the existing brick surface and improve the drainage outlet, which is often a clogged or nonexistent drain at the courtyard’s low point. If the brick is too far gone, we reset it on a properly graded sand bed and install a catch basin or channel drain. This can be done without disturbing historic masonry on the walls or structures.
Can you work in the Historic District without disrupting neighbors?
We’re very conscious of access, noise, and working hours in the Historic District. Small crews, appropriate equipment, and clean job sites are standard for us. We’ve worked on properties where the neighbor’s building is literally six inches away.
How do I get an estimate for Historic District work?
Call (667) 493-1555 or email us. We’ll schedule a site visit within 48–72 hours and walk the property with you before we put anything on paper.
Contact Us for Historic District Landscaping
We serve the full Historic District — State Circle, Maryland Avenue, Prince George Street, Fleet Street, King George Street, and the streets surrounding City Dock. Call (667) 493-1555 or email service@landscapingannapolismd.com. Free estimates, available 7 days a week.