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Landscape Design garden

I need help on designing my front Lanscape of my house

4 years ago

Hayao I need some help designing my landscaping in the front. I’ve done some work but I’m still not happy about it. Hopefully I get some good ideas thanks

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

4 years ago

The first thing you need to do is reconfigure that walkway. The landing at the base of the steps is skimpy and awkward, demanding an immediate left turn. And the walkway itself is far too narrow. Should be at least 4' wide....5' is even better. Once a proper walkway is defined and sited, you can/should increase the width of the planting beds, especially on the walkway side, to accomodate better plantings.

Anything you do now afa the plantings are concerned will have to be redone or possibly replaced once the walkway is restructured so save your time, effort and $$ and address that before you do anything else.

Moving, adding or replacing shrubs/trees now is just applying a bandaid to a poor design situation.

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Comments (10)

Sigrid
4 years ago
I think entries that end in grass look unwelcoming. I'd put a path straight to your sidewalk.

I'd put a specimen tree in the middle of the yard off to one side. Think about whether you want a bit of privacy (put it closer to the road, but in front of windows) or not (more off to the side).

You have very tiny bushes in front of your cement foundation to the left. Will they grow in? If so, try some tall perennials (Joe Pye Weed is TALL) or annual climbers on a trellis until they do. If not, replace with something that will get bigger.
User
Original Author
4 years ago
Yeah I planted those bushes going down the walkway last season and then after doing research I found out that they are the very slowing growing bushes!! I do agree with the pathway unfortunately I can’t do it right now. The white weeping willow is only in its second season so I’m sure that’s going to get big. I was thinking about relocating Don’t know the exact name but the shrub at the end of the walkway. Also do you think I should raise the bed in front of the big window?
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If you intend to walk on the stepping stones, I would remove the small stones at the edge of the pavement. I would trip on them. Be sure the pavers are snug into the gravel -- bury them part way, and make sure they are fully supported, stable, and level, not rocking when stepped on, otherwise they will crack. (Ask me how I know!) The black mulch is your friend, showing off the plants and feeding the soil at the same time, helping to retain moisture. The plants will fill in over time. If they don't, add more. A dwarf evergreen or larger flowering bush would look nice next to the landing just beyond the steps. Nothing too big, maybe 3 ft. tall and wide. It would help give some presence to your bed. It could be something temporary like a Shasta daisy, or a more permanent evergreen. I sort of get why the stakes and cloth are there to retain the gravel, but it will look better disguised with more of your rocks, or larger plants sort of covering it. Maybe the mulch will do it.
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User
Original Author
4 years ago
The reason why I want to relocate that tree or shrub is because the Alpine behind it is going to get really big I think they’re too close. What do you think about me extending the garden line out more into the grass.
saccharum
4 years ago
My impression from the photos is that you have a "one of everything" type of specimen garden. With so many "stars", no one gets the attention.

To really create some visual impact, especially for someone viewing from the road, you need to think in terms of larger masses of plants. You can have fun here playing with texture, form, and color. Then pick one or two focal points where you can put a specimen plant. Think about how the viewer's gaze might travel across the space, and where you want that gaze to land.
PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
4 years ago
some ideas:
PRO
Yardvaark
4 years ago
In the first picture, after the weeping atlas is removed, I'm simulating how what you have now might grow out, under the typical care that most homeowners give.

The second picture is if the walk were widered.
PRO
Yardvaark
4 years ago
I suggest more like this...
User
Original Author
4 years ago
Better view
PRO
Yardvaark
4 years ago
The view just added shows how the tree at the left is too close and too much in front of the house. Also, how the exclamation-point-evergreen is a complete mismatch for the position it's in (below the bank of windows.)

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