Pretty much any plant will grow well in Portland - like much of the NW, it's considered an ideal gardening climate. The selection provided is serviceable if somewhat uninspired. I'd watch the placement of the flax, as depending on specific variety, this can grow quite big quite fast.

The possibilities for plant selection are virtually unlimited and a visit to any local garden center will offer countless choices. I'd focus on smaller growing shrubs/perennials so outgrowing a small yard is less of a concern and constant pruning to keep size in check is not necessary. And since Portland shares with most of the rest of the area west of the Cascades a tendency for very dry summers, plants which are low water users or drought tolerant once established are an intelligent and environmentally responsible choice.

Thanks gardengal, I thought some plants won't work because of our once or twice/year snowfalls and sometimes freezing temps. I really loved our Crepemyrtle when we lived in Atlanta for a few years but wondering if that would work considering the winters are a tad colder than the South.

I agree the landscape plan is pretty basic. That's why we are trying to beef it up (within a small budget) I was thinking it needed some sort of built up area for dimension?

Thanks for your input!

Lindy

Well yes, it's a different climate from the south. But it isn't Michigan either, so you have your choice of plants from the temperate world.

If you plan some hardscape, figure this out before you choose your plants. Walkway for guests parking on street, bed edging, decorative boulders, etc... will all determine how best to place the plants.

This landscaper sounds more like an installer? The layout is far from inspired to my eye - I don't see why everything is crammed up against the house.

KarinL

Yes, the landscaping is kind of all up against the house but that's because it's not a very big yard. I did forget to photoshop in a few plants that are next to the sidewalk. I added those here and did a different angle so you can see what I'm up against. And I also agree it's uninspired but it's the basic landscaping that comes with the house. I'm sort of thrilled we get anything because when we were in California, new houses came with a dirt yard.

Hubby wants to add a taller plant under the arched window and I would like something flowering. I did find some dwarf crepemyrtle's that look like they might be hardy enough for our climate. (some were, some werent') I just have to check out the nursery tomorrow to see what kinds they have in stock. Any other suggestions?

{{gwi:28557}}

Very pretty house.
I see an english cottage garden in the right side lawn with a curved stone walk way to the front door from the drive.
Putting a large bush in front of the window may be a liability as far as hiding someone thats trying to break in. I would go with a bush that is lower in height or put the bush more to the right between the garage wall and the window. Balance it out by putting something around the same height to the right or left of the door but not in front of the double window.
remember to plant all shrubs so when they reach their Maximum size they are at least 6 inches from the house. That allows air circulation. You dont want them touching the house and you want room to prune them.
The color of hollyhocks you have in the pic are gorgeous against the stone.
Of course this is JMO
good luck, no matter what you do, have fun doing it.

I see there is a public sidewalk so your guests will be fine. Good question about a walk to the driveway - will you need that? If so, that could anchor/shape your plan on that side.

I think the question that is pestering me is whether this house needs foundation planting at all. And if so, if whether roses (if those are the roses photoshopped in there) perform this function well. Only under that arched window is it clear to me that a plant would be a good thing. Other than that, I might consider pulling the beds away from the house. Sometimes it helps to think instead of what lawn shape you want.

You sound as if you change houses often. If you plan a resale, then uninspired is fine. If you plan to be here a while, then at least get plants you like... you can always move them around a bit. I agree a visit to a couple of local nurseries would be your best starting point.

Finally, that tree is nice but might be a little close to the house.

KarinL

Thank you Karin! I get what you're saying. I like your idea of just having the roses against the house and pulling everything else back. The two trees are Weeping Alaskan Cedar on the left (which I don't really care for) and a Japanese Maple close to the garage. I'm thinking the Maple is too tall but another shorter plant might be okay there?

And you are right about not needing another walkway from the driveway. The front sidewalk is very close so another one would be redundant.

Off to the nursery to see if something catches my eye!

Thanks again

Lindy

I didn't necessarily mean to leave the roses at the foundation; I was wondering whether they would be effective at the foundation because they're bare in winter. But that depends on your taste and what else is there.

There are more spreading varieties of japanese maple that you can use in that spot. And if the house faces south, you might actually like to look for a deciduous tree that will give you some shade rather than that weeping cedar, if you don't like it anyway.

It all depends on what plants catch your eye - happy shopping!

KarinL

I know that what we are looking at is a straight on photograph of this house but my eye jumps all over the place (are ALL the windows different?) and the photo shopped additions only adds to the confusion. This is my opinion: make sure the grass is done well then have a carpenter build you some planters to fit under the window on the right of the door using wood complimenting the front door and another one opposite, that is either side if the door. Have them made big and fill them with purple dark red and blue NOT pink.

Well, I guess all the windows ARE different. Never gave that much thought at all. Hmmmm?

As for the window box idea, I desperately wanted window boxes but folks over on the Decorating Forum kind of talked me out of it due to the high maintenance factor. Most have to be watered a minimum of 4 times/week and several people water daily. That's just not going to happen unless I can rig up an irrigation system as suggested by a few others. But yes, I adore window boxes and they are on the inspiration house we had been copying.

Thanks for the ideas. I will have to think about how to make a focal point and not have everything be so scattered. The house is VERY wide and that adds to my dilemma as well.

Lindy

The front door is the focal point. How can properly built and filled planters be more maintenance than that photo shop do dad you showed?

You can have a drip system installed on a timer to water the planters every day.

As much as I like the look of window boxes (and if I had them I'd even spring for the $1.99 watering can irrigation system), not sure I'd be too enchanted with one under the low windows on the right with a matching one under no windows but against a stone wall.

I'm with KarenL in wondering if foundation planting is necessary; there's certainly nothing unsightly to conceal and there would be maintenance in keeping plantings from overtaking the windows.

Thanks saypoint, do you know a good resource for the drip system? I looked online and only saw one self watering system and it didn't look as nice as I'd like.

duluthinbloom, $1.99 watering can irrigation system? LOL!

I'm meeting with the landscaper tomorrow so your ideas have been very helpful. I'll see what hubby says about not planting so close to the house. Thanks again!

Lindy

All you need to do is run water lines from a timer to the boxes. The materials are available at any home improvement store. Someone I knew once had a large second floor window box, and she had a small copper water line run up to it for watering. Your landscaper should know how to do it, or recommend someone who can.

Your house would look great with boxes on the second floor.