How Does Houston Landscape Architecture Differ from Other Cities?

When it comes to landscape architecture, each city has its unique character that influences the way designers approach their work. Houston is no different. Bayou City’s geographical and environmental factors play a significant role in shaping the city's landscape architecture. In this blog post, we talk with Lanson B. Jones & Co. President Brendan Joseph about how the city’s unique characteristics guide their work.

The Uniqueness of Houston's Architectural Styles

Unlike many European cities where architectural styles are often homogenous, Houston boasts a mosaic of designs. This is a reflection of the city's multicultural population.

"When you talk about the European scaled garden, in Europe, houses tend to be uniform in style,” Brendan said. “However, in Houston, the architectural diversity allows for Georgian-style houses next to English Tudors, French Country Style or a Spanish villa. Within this diversity we aim to accentuate and mirror the architecture, creating a garden that is a reflection of the home.”

This diversity of design gives Houstonians more freedom to express themselves through their gardens. Brendan said the goal is to create a custom modern garden for each client that harmonizes with the architecture, resulting in unique and expressive outdoor spaces.

Climate Considerations and Sustainability in Houston

The Texan climate is known for its extremes—from scorching hot summers to occasional winter freezes. Recent years have seen an increased awareness of climate impacts on landscape architecture in Houston. Brendan said their clients are now more concerned about choosing hardy plants that can withstand fluctuating conditions.

“Palm trees are one example of something that is not native to Houston and doesn’t do well during a freeze,” he said. “It's more of a tropical plant. So, we're seeing people really focusing on the Texas landscape, as far as things that are going to grow and be durable.”

Sustainable practices like organic soil management are also integrated into garden design and maintenance to help plants maintain through challenging weather.

“It's our job as we maintain gardens to make sure that the plants are in the healthiest environment that they could be in,” he said. 

Balancing Traditional and Contemporary Styles

Brendan notes that while there is a focus at Lanson B. Jones & Co. on the European scaled garden in their work, there is still room for Texas-style creativity. The European-scaled garden approach centers on maintaining green spaces and utilizing plants that can be trimmed and shaped into detailed hedges. But designs that are a little more wild and free-flowing can also be incorporated.

Whatever the design, Brendan said that it is the focus on refinement and meticulous attention to detail that sets them apart. An example of their commitment to this approach is the master plan and installation Lanson B. Jones & Co. executed for the Houston Country Club. 

“This project involved taking the principles of the European-scaled garden and applying them to a commercial site,” he said. The Houston Country Club project was particularly significant as it aimed to create an environment that felt like a home away from home for its members, offering unique spaces like the women's locker room courtyard, the men's locker room courtyard, and an adult dining area. The aim was to create a sense of comfort and an extension of the outdoors.”

The Role of Client Collaboration

Adapting the traditional European-scaled garden to modern trends is a collaborative process. While plant selection is a part of it, the company also gleans inspiration from art, architecture and travel. These cultural aspects infuse the team with fresh ideas for each client. By staying current with design trends, landscape architects can continue to create timeless yet modern outdoor spaces.

“This fresh inspiration enables us to infuse new ideas and designs into our projects, keeping our work relevant,” Brendan said. “It's a balance between tradition and innovation.”

The relationship between landscape architects and their clients is essential. While some clients have specific preferences and priorities, others offer more creative freedom. Successful projects often involve a balance between the client's desires and the landscape architect's expertise.

“Whether clients lean toward synthetic or natural lawns, we assess factors like local climate and shading to recommend what's most functional,” he said. “Ultimately, we strive to deliver what we showcase on our website, which has been the driving force behind our client relationships and reputation.”

In the ever-evolving landscape of Houston's architectural and environmental diversity, one thing remains constant: Lanson B. Jones & Co.'s dedication to crafting gardens that mirror the spirit of this unique city. With a keen eye for innovation and a respect for tradition, they continue to redefine the art of landscape in Houston.

To embrace a landscape design tailored to your setting that also keeps Houston’s weather and diverse styles, contact the team at Lanson B. Jones & Co., Inc.