Old cobblestone houses are treasures and you own one of the very early ones. It is important to remember that these were working farms and landscaping took a back seat to survival in the early days. I assume you own a copy of Arch Merrill's COBBLESTONE LANDMARKS OF NEW YORK STATE. Your house must be featured in that publication. Random thoughts in no particular order...

1. Available from Amazon is a book titled RESTORING AMERICAN GARDENS by Dennis Wiles Adams. Worth owning and very helpful

2. Generally the owners of cobblestones were so proud of the detailed stonework that no foundation plantings were ever installed which would conceal their handiwork. It was more customary to plant large trees such as maples to frame the house.

3. The fenced, backyard vegetable garden was important.

4. In 1853 James Vick moved to Rochester, NY. and started his famous nursery publishing the "Vick's Floral Guide and Catalog". His writings influenced landscape gardening and he was the recognized authority on plants. Copies of these old catalogs should be available at the Rochester library and will guide you in plant selections. Also, the Geneva Experiment Station may have copies. Suggest you check with them as they are well versed in the early agricultural practices of your area. Also, check with Highland Park and also the library at the Castle next door to it which is owned by the Rochester Garden Club. The Club has put together an impressive collection of old gardening books.

5. I assume you belong to one of the several local cobblestone societies. (If not they can be located through Google.) The subject of cobblestone houses has been well researched and photographed.

Hope some of these ideas help.

Wow!
Thanks for all that info Nandina!I am going to check them all out.First,Our house can't be in the historical society because there is a 1999 addition of a great room.Instead it is mentioned in the few phamplets out there about the man who built it.My husband and his brother are going to a cobblestone seminar soon to learn how to repair the house and restore what isnt updated.My job is to make gardens and make the landscaping(and raise the kids!!)This home is worth the money we pay,but we are on a VERY limited budget...like cuttings and such!LOL I have a limited knowledge of gardening but I am learning fast.My aunts and mom are helping me.I am also trying hard to keep it to native plants.Thanks for your help and I'll check out those sites.