Landscaping is added to any subdivision to emphasize the entrance and enhance common areas. But it's nearly always the same trees and shrubs easily grown by nurseries, says Beckjord. Many native trees are hard to buy. Others, like the beautiful, slow-growing shagbark hickory take a century to replace. Shrubs include shining sumac, cranberry bush viburnum and low, sweet blueberry.
Woodland flowers are wild geranium, nodding wild onion, woodland sunflower and trillium.
Home buyers will be encouraged to use the same kinds of plants, shrubs and trees. In addition, SmithGroup JJR will prepare signs and displays in some common areas, identifying and explaining the local species. It allows a wide range of house styles, especially those common in old Michigan towns, styles like Federal, Greek Revival, Georgian, Victorian and shingle-style. But it prohibits many common esthetic offenses, like windows that don't suit the style of the house, and it limits front-facing roof gables. You've surely figured out by now that the 220 houses in Hampton Ridge won't be inexpensive.