mcm landscaping
The outdoor aesthetics are as much a part of mid century modern architecture as the inside. When seeking out the land for these neighborhoods, developers and architects identified areas with rolling hills, tall trees, and land amenable to sustainable and sculptural plants like bamboo and Japanese maples. The goal was to blend the outdoor with the indoor and still is for architects who restore or build mid century modern homes. This is generally why mid century developers favored areas with lush environments, i.e. Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and California.
As a general rule, landscaping for a mid century home should be clean and uncomplicated and should interact with the home via the patio, sliding doors, or floor to ceiling windows. These homes are also described as "democratic" (which I love), because of the concept that they are designed for everyone. Many of these homes are modest with limited square footage on small lots but because of their openness to the outdoors, they feel much bigger.
Another focus of mid century architecture was an eye toward optimism and a brighter future after the perils of the Great Depression and World War II. Perennial flowers are extremely popular in the mcm gardens as they provide an exotic feel and bright colors. Further, unusual foliage or greenery that thrives in wet conditions is often weaved into the landscape. See more on specific plants at Swanson Nursery.
I also love the idea of incorporating different shapes into a well-maintained patio area to provide structure and geometry. This might include Japanese Holly, lavender, or sky rocket junipers.
Many MCM homes were built with atriums and carports. Garages were rare and most of those have were added in later decades. In this home, Beckner Contracting restored the original carport and atrium, to create a balanced feel from the inside to the outside. Also this home is an original Eichler!
This landscape by Huettl Design provides some major inspiration for adding various elements into a backyard and creating an experience - a waterfall, fire pit, exotic plants, and varying grades.
This home in the Pacific Northwest is kind of my dream scenario - nestled into the hills with big pine trees, overlooking a mysterious view. The home likely cascades down the mountain with floor to ceiling windows. Sigh. The minimalist design of the front yard provides color but is easy to maintain.
For some more inspiration, the Spruce features 25 MCM garden designs.
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