Landscaping in Georgetown, Washington, DC

Local Landscaping in Georgetown

Georgetown is one of Washington's oldest neighborhoods, a historic district of Federal and Victorian rowhouses, freestanding mansions and narrow brick sidewalks running from the C&O Canal and M Street up the hill toward Dumbarton Oaks and Georgetown University. East Village and West Village streets are lined with rowhouses whose small front gardens sit behind iron fences, while rear gardens are often walled, shaded and reached only through the house. North of Q Street, larger homes on generous lots hold some of the city's most refined private gardens, with old trees, terraces and layered plantings.

Georgetown gardens are intimate and highly visible from inside the home, so detail matters. Owners often want brick or bluestone terraces laid in classic patterns, restored garden walls, fountains or wall basins, boxwood or holly structure, shade-loving perennials and soft lighting. Old gardens may need overgrown plantings thinned, failing boxwood replaced and drainage corrected where brick terraces hold water. Front gardens and window boxes need tidy year-round interest. Tree box strips along the sidewalks are public space and follow city guidelines.

Georgetown is a historic district, and visible exterior work may need design review, so plan for it early. Many rear gardens are reached only through the house, so crews protect floors and carry materials by hand. Brick sidewalks and tree boxes out front are public space. One call connects you with a local pro who knows Georgetown gardens and can plan a project that fits the neighborhood.