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Landscape Design Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Help with landscaping around new deck, pics included!

3 years ago

Thank you for reading this post. We just added this deck in Fall 2020. The dimensions are 16 ft width by 14 length. So far we have ideas for 3 hydrangeas (Zinfin doll by middle post, new limelight prime in front of each corner post spaced 5 ft apart) spread across the width of the deck. 2 red double knockout ross in between the post. A few purple Salvias in front of those, and bordering bed with red, pink, and purple supertunias. Our concern is not including more spring-flowering shrubs/evergreens.

The bed will measure 6 ft. away from the deck, then wave in 4. ft at middle posit, then back out 6 ft at the other end. . Please all ideas and comments are welcome! Wishing you a positive and productive day!!

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Comments (3)

jck910
3 years ago
Are you planning a skirt on the bottom of the deck? I would do vertical boards the same color as the deck.

I have the hydrangeas and knock roses beside my deck and it is beautiful in the summer but very bare in the winter
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GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
If you doing this yourself do an edging of your choice, a mulch bed, and some low-profile plants, if any of the sides need privacy, you can add a taller evergreens, like a few cedars or pine trees.

If you looking for something more and budget allows, get a local landscaping company, they come up with a nice design and give you a few options, they also know as plants/trees go what will grow best in your region.
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Spazzy is right but I'm notorious for planting optimistically and planning to keep things pruned or remove them when they outgrow the space. Sometimes I even do it, though not enough years have passed yet for a full test. So I wouldn't fault you for planting the tree here as long as you understand it will need to be replaced within 20 years. What I have found in my own bed layouts is that central placement and geometric layouts do not always serve the purpose. I also don't like plant repetitions, though I think that's more personal. If I were you I would move the spruce to about the 2-3 o'clock position (as seen from this angle) and do a more varied, more casually placed planting that slopes down in height to the driveway. That would give the tree a little more room too, and of course it will spread into the lawn, which I would allow; the skirts of these trees are lovely. KarinL
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You mentioned tropical hibiscus, but what about hardy? They have a variety of colors to choose from. I would check out plantdelights.com for a lot of ideas for tropical and semi-tropical plants. Their zone listings are extremely reliable, and they will even say when they think you can "push the zone" a little bit. I would also underplant with some hardy ferns, once you get the big things growing. Remember tropical is LUSH! One other thing I found out is that the Asian markets carry Taro (elephant ears) to eat. You can get GINORMOUS ones for about $3 and the little bulbs are something like 3 for $1. I have to say that they are all hardy, and I've never had one end up being the regular green ones that we all have. Right now I've got red stemmed, black stemmed, violet stemmed, and then a silver veined with ruffled edges. They make nice underplantings, because they don't get too tall. You'll have to post pics when you get everything done! I've been bugging DH for a pool-so, color me green! LOL! Oh, and on the cannas, there are so many varieties now, that there should be somthing that you'd like. They are tropical, and colorful. You can get giant, tall, or dwarf, and skinny flowers or ones that look more like irises. And in just about any color combination. Certain gingers are also hardy here, like butterfly (hedychium). You could also try Passionflower if you have a spot for a vine. Those flowers are just incredible-and they have edible fruit! Alright, I'll stop now! LOL! But I love pushing the zone and having lots of tropicals and tropicalesque plants in my yard. Good luck! HW
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Quartersawn oak cabinets? Yummm! That is a rare treasure and you should play it up for all it's worth. It isn't a matter of what color will go with your cabinets, but rather, what color will best enhance the beauty of the wood. When you find the right tone, it will make your cabinets come alive with warmth. Blue will bring out your oak's orange tones, which I don't think you want. Blue and orange together can say "cheap" (meaning inexpensive). That's why Taco Time uses it. Yellow brings out the wood's orange and yellow tones and emphasizes an overall warmth, but often it can fail to enhance the wood. A medium green can be very complimentary to oak. Try greyed or olive tones if you love green. Terra cotta or pale orange draw out the orange tones, but can be so similar your cabs could get lost in the walls. Warm neutrals, such as taupe, mushroom, or khaki highlight the warmth of medium brown woods. I start out looking at brown tones, either light or dark, depending on your preferance. Try Benjamin Moore HC-39 Putnam Ivory. Also, have you looked in the taupes and browns thread in our gallery? When you find the right color, it will make your cabs come alive and sing out in harmony. You'll see. Don't stop until you find that and you'll always be glad you kept looking. Your home is adorable!
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I agree with keeping the space light and leaving the wood paneling. Why make more work for yourself? If you paint once, you'll have to repaint at some point. The slanted style of the wood will not lend itself to anything remotely cottagey, and is fine the way it is. The leather beast is not something I'd want in my front parlor, but for a casual space for the kids and man, it's perfect. The leather is almost indestructable, and will probably get better with age, and you can wipe it off with a damp cloth if there is a spill. I would also get a large ottoman or group of smaller ones to made another surface for feet, games, and additional seating, which won't cause any injuries if the boys wrestle. No sharp corners. The suggestion for a larger area rug in front of it is a good one, you can even get an indoor/outdoor rug that can be easily cleaned. As much as we want to decorate in styles that we love, you still have to think about function, and it seems to me that this space works very well for your family's needs. The quilt on the wall behind the sofa is a great idea and will put some color where it will draw the eye up. If you're still in the house when the boys are older and no longer use it much, you can get rid of the beast if you still dislike it, and made a space a craft/hobby room or home office if you need one. Or put in a ping pong table and get your friends over there.
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Maureen
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Have you considered how you want garden to feel and function: ie: bushes for year long greenery, height variations, privacy, friendly to nature, etc. or have you decided on the above and just want a few more ideas. Either way, I’d visit a nursery to help. Also consider a pathway that makes a nice connection to garden. (We purchased granite and it was easy and inexpensive to lay.) Imagine below, but with a deck.

If interested in a more natural garden; (we have a similar deck and added curved beds in front and on side (included some large rocks). Planted with the environment in mind and the desire to watch it change from spring to fall.

- Herbs can be enjoyed all summer, and our lilac bush provides welcoming blooms to bring inside in early spring. We have perennials that bees (especially due to severe decline) and hummingbirds benefit from (see link below if interested). Nasturtiums attract butterflies and are edible.

- Grasses and hostas are good choices for their need for less water and a miniature fir tree can provide added privacy.

- We have a bird bath and during hot summer days it is a life saver I believe.

We get so many benefits from our garden and thought you might like to as well.

https://naturebring.com/best-flowers-bees-butterfly-garden-pollinator-garden/

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