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Landscape Design

New landscaping needed for front of house

9 years ago

Bushes became overgrown and we have to redo the landscaping. The only thing I like is the bush on the solid wall, my husband thinks we should have something taller there. They can all come out if needed. I would appreciate any ideas as to what would look good since I have no idea where to even start. That side of the house is facing west. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Comments (10)

shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
9 years ago
What Zone are you in?
cookie17
Original Author
9 years ago
Sorry I forgot to include that. Zone 6
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lazygardens: I have measured that distance. The driver is 15 feet back from the edge of the pavement when trying to merge into traffic, so can't have anything tall in that first 15 feet. There are three large trees (2 Sycamores that are 30-40 feet and a mature Horsechestnut) set back 25 feet from the road. So that leaves just ten feet that could have taller planting on the way to the trees. I understand your idea of gradually increasing heights from perennials to shrubs to low growing trees to the big trees, I just don't think there is room to implement it. I have seen people try to fill in a line of shrubs between existing tall trees and that always seems to look wrong, so the more naturalistic idea does make more sense. Yardvaark: Yes, I did fail to profess my love of the house! It is lovely and I would hope whatever we end up doing adds to that. I would certainly agree that the existing plantings don't show off the house and the yews are certainly not doing it any favors, but haven't had the budget previously to deal with this. Old houses and upkeep, you know! Remember that photos always focus your eye on what is close up in a way that you don't do in real life, so the house is more visible that it appears above. So I think you are saying that you don't think it's right to try to make the front private at all? I do feel that these old places are sort of in the public domain. On the other hand, for fourteen years I've been able to go grab the paper in the morning without getting dressed. Now that the lilac hedge that did run the length of the house is gone, I'm finding that lack of privacy irritating. So what would you do to complement the house in your ideal world?
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emmarene - Thank you- I loved the suggestion for Iberis; have never grown (or noticed it). It sounds wonderful and I will be looking for some. You're right about the size - my hydrangeas to the left of the front door are 6' wide and they're brushing the side of the house. Yes, I think I could be happy with only perennials. However, I have learned to listen to the expertise on this forum. Most of my favorite features in our kitchen came from suggestions and input here. mad_gallica - I went outside and measured the add'l 5 feet and yes, the difference is not significant. Thank you for the clear direction. I like your suggestions but will need help on shrubs. I'm starting to get quite embarrassed about asking DH to start so close to the house. (Nothing worse than wasted time and effort, especially when the specs change-just not fair to him). Goal is to improve upon what we have. Today, driving around, I saw so many planting combinations which I disliked. What we have currently - single row - works. Here's a fall shot. What we put in should be much better (and yes, visible from the circle/street). You can see that I'm trying to fill in empty spaces here (below the windows). Dug up so far is around 7 yards; we can buy a combination of screened loam and compost for $30/yard. My thinking now is to fill the existing hole; leave a strip (of rocky soil), and then start digging again. I still want to plant bulbs and perennials easily, so we'll continue the process of removal and fill. I still stand by my definition of rocky! Soil samples from the yard are barely a few inches deep, when I collect them. Digging a new hole can take 30 minutes for a new gallon perennial (used to use my mantis at times, too). But yes, if we're planting shrubs, with the backhoe, the process should be quite easy going forward (happy thought). Some of the rocks which were removed when we extended our foundation a few years ago are as large as 4' x 3' x 3'+, not negligible :) (Our contractor wanted to take them away 'for us' but I thanked him and said we would like to keep them). I have Chief Architect and also Sketchup; will make a scale drawing with a 10+ foot bed. (Excellent suggestion). Then will solicit input for shrubs.
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I'm wondering if you'd be better off asking in the gardening forums? Here's a link to the Landscape Forum
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PRO
Yardvaark
9 years ago
It's an unusual house. I agree with the hub that something larger is needed in front of the blank wall. Here are some thoughts about what you could do ...
cookie17
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Yardvaark for your help. I was thinking about using boxwood under the larger window so youÃ¢ÂÂve given me a good idea of what that would look like. I also seen Physocarpus 'Lady in Red' which I like the color variations and thought I could use it on the right side of the same window (itÃ¢ÂÂs in the ground in the pic). It grows to a maximum of 5Ã¢ÂÂ by 5Ã¢ÂÂ. Do you think that will work? If so, do you think I could use it on the blank wall as well?
dianne1957
9 years ago
In my humble opinion; the blank center section needs an ornamental evergreen or two as a backdrop to a trellis with trailing roses or medium height ornamental tree. The evergreens could be sky rocket junipers or arborvitae. The ornamental tree could be ornamental cherry or purple prune plum that have purple leaves. In front of the tree mix bed, some azaleas or blood grass that comes back every year. Under the bay windows plant globe arborvitae and more Azaleas with blood grass in front. This way you have the bones of the garden in winter with the evergreens and the additional color in Spring and summer with the azalea and blood grass. Low maintence....you may only need to top off the blood grass in the fall!
PRO
Yardvaark
9 years ago
I think you could use Lady in Red Ninebark where I show the large flowering grasses (three locations) but not below the window on the R side. I don't care that they say it will only get 5' x 5'. That will happen in a certain year and then the years after it will be larger.
Xtal in Central TX, zone 8b
9 years ago
Wasn't Yardvaark nice to give you a sketch. I don't have those capabilities, but if you send me a personal note, I'll sketch out my idea of your areas. Include a picture of the side near the driveway, too.

I'd spend some time developing your beds first. The plants will make themselves known to you. I'm in zone 8, so I can't suggest any particular plants, but I could supply you with a rough layout. I just can't post it with any success.

I'd steer clear of the boxwoods to prevent any remote chance of future problems. Don't you guys have something evergreen that also blooms?

If you'll send me a note with some pics, I'll return a sketch. If not, you are well on your way.

Xtal

Here is a link that might be useful: Boxwood Blight
lyfia
9 years ago
Xtal, If you can provide a sketch via e-mail you should be able to provide one on here too. Just make sure it is saved in a picture style format such as .jpg .gif etc. Use the Browse button where you post a message and find the file and then post.
emmarene9
9 years ago
I really like the Nine Bark idea.
cookie17
Original Author
9 years ago
My concern with using Arborvitae and Evergreens are the deer. We have some Arborvitae in our yard and the deer have been a problem in the winter.

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