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Need ideas for a small 4x18 space between new concrete

6 years ago

So we just extended our driveway and added steps.. I have this 4x18 space I was going to add decorative rocks to but also was thinking of adding a coupe small trees or bushes to breakup the space a bit. Any suggestions? I'm in Sacramento California area..

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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I think most shrubs would spill over onto the paths. Maybe some Mediterranean type sub shrubs? Helianthemums? Creeping thymes? Euryops? Lavender? Prostrate rosemary? Cistus? Coloured sages?

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Comments (9)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
you are in the tree forum ... frankly.. im not sure you have room for any trees ....

you mention shrubs ... over time.. im not sure you have room for any shrubs that gain height ... as they will get too wide .. just as fast ...

which adds up to me thinking.. you have a nice small space for perennials ...

the easiest way to plan a garden.. is to be able to clearly define your goals ... what do you want to accomplish ... once you can define that.. then the plant options will follow .... sort of like.. build it.. and they will come.. lol ...

also .... if you wander the area... perhaps you will see something that strikes you.. design-wise ... and you could snap a pic.. and one of the forums can help you ID the plants ...

ken
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littlebug zone 5 Missouri
6 years ago
No trees. That space is too small for trees - they will hang over the concrete. Plus they will block the front of your house from view, both outward and inward, which is one of the big no-no’s when planting trees.

I don’t think it’s even big enough for shrubs. It’s an odd space. I don’t think I would call attention to it by adding showy flowering plants.
biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
6 years ago
Agreed with the others - nothing that will hang over the paths. A little rock garden with some low-growing groundcover or creeping plants would look cool, though maybe some sedums?
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
My suggestions would all be no more than 2 feet tall. Many shorter. All full sun low water choices.
Sara Malone Zone 9b
6 years ago
I would mound it (or even make a stone planter) and fill it with succulents - large winter-hardy Echeveria, hardy Agaves, etc. Make sure to mound it with very fast-draining mix such as 50% soil, 50% lava rock.
bruin27
Original Author
6 years ago
Appreciate all the comments, in my neighborhood there are have a few of the same style steps and space separating driveways and a lot of them have a tree in this space which is why I was thinking a tree.
Sara Malone Zone 9b
6 years ago
What's important is whether you like the way the tree looks. It's not a great spot for a tree, but if you like the look you might want to try it anyway. Most of those trees were likely planted by the developer as part of the construction contract and probably with very little thought.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
Duplicate post: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-to-put-between-new-concrete-area-dsvw-vd~5253405?n=5

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