Historic Gardens
Historic Landscapes
At Io we specialize in identifying and preserving historic landscapes, as well as providing historically and contextually sensitive landscape interventions for new landscapes surrounding historic homes. Our approach to designing for historic homes works to:
Compliment the architectural style of the home
Identify the historic integrity of the existing landscape
Preserve significant and contributing historic features
Respond to the historic context of site and neighborhood
Adapt historic style with modern amenities
Project Planning
The first step in realizing the yard of your dreams is to engage in our project planning service where we establish the big idea and budget for your landscape!
On-Site Meeting
We meet with you on-site and identify the unique historic context, as well as the opportunities and constraints of your landscape.
Code Review
We research any potential restrictions (municipal zoning ordinances and landmark requirements) that might impact the proposed landscape design.
Concept Plan
Our team of designers and landscape architects works with you to develop a vision for your ideal landscape. This conceptual landscape plan that identifies key spaces and amenities - painting a picture for what your landscape can become!
Strategy
This exercise is more than just a pie in the sky wish-list of your yard – we work with you to discuss your budget options, and develop phasing plans so that you can move forward with confidence!

Seed Plan
- Base Map
- Basic Code Review
- Initial Site Visit & Meeting (1hr)
- Vision Board
- Concept Plan & Budget
- Virtual Design Review Meeting (1hr)

Sprout Plan
- Base Map
- Basic Code Review
- Initial Site Visit & Meeting (1hr)
- Vision Board
- Concept Plan & Budget
- Virtual Design Review Meeting (1hr)
- Pre-Fab Planting Lists
- Updated Concept Plan & Budget
- Virtual Design Review Meeting (1hr)

Sapling Plan
- Base Map
- Basic Code Review
- Initial Site Visit & Meeting (1hr)
- Vision Board
- Concept Plan & Budget
- Virtual Design Review Meeting (1hr)
- Pre-Fab Planting Lists
- Updated Concept Plan & Budget
- Virtual Design Review Meeting (1hr)
- Custom Plant List
- Watercolor Master Plan
- Watercolor Perspective Rendering
- Custom Plant List (keyed to plan)
Start My Project
Before we get started, please tell us more about your project! If we determine that your project is a good fit for our expertise, someone from our team will be in touch with you about the next steps within 1-2 business days.
Our Projects
Apr 2006
Jun 2006
Mar 2012
Feb 2015
Feb 2019
What our clients are saying...
Andy Monaco
It was such a great pleasure working with Shalae and Io LandArch on not only one, but two EM:HE builds! She was able to listen, and hear, our needs as the client, quickly turn around a clear, cohesive plan, and execute that plan and vision during the install of the landscape. The final landscaping product truly complimented the architecture of the house and successfully blended traditional garden motifs with contemporary styling and modern amenities.
Amelia Jones
Io worked with me over the course of a winter to develop the ideas I had for my yard and the vision I had for living in it. They added artistic and historical elements that are appropriate for the style and time period of my house. I appreciated their monitoring of the installation process so that the end product was as successful as the exciting plans suggested it would be. I am really happy with the results.
Lauren Weiss
I wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you to you and your team. Our yard is exploding with plant growth, all the grasses and sages are so happy. Zack, who wanted to sell the house before because he hated the maintenance now loves sitting in his little private grass zone and watching the bees. This yard is already bringing us so much happiness ❤️🌱