skip to main content

Landscape Design Shrubs Design Dilemma

Front landscape help

3 years ago

I am looking to update our front landscaping. Most will have to stay but we are thinking of taking out the pink/purple bush on the right that is dying. I am hoping to add more tulips to the bunch we already have. I don't like how disorganized this look and hoping I can even the spaces out. Ideally, I would love to remove the other purple bush to try to make everything more centered but I'm not sure that is in the budget yet.

Would two evergreen type plants look good on either side in front the two brick areas? Can anyone edit in how that would look? Also, if you have another idea of something that would look better I would love to hear! Thank you!

Featured Answer

tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱

3 years ago

Where are you located and what direction does that side face?

tj

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

calidesign
3 years ago
I think landscaping is more successful in a space like this when not everything is symmetrical. The purple bush on the right likely gets less sun due to the tree. I'd try transplanting it to the other corner of the house, near your larger one. Tulips are nice, but very short lasting. You need some evergreens and perennial shrubs to fill in some of the spaces. Try laying them out in a diagonal pattern, following the bed rather than straight with the house. Plant a grouping of shade tolerant shrubs in the corner closest to your driveway.
Lindsay Creel thanked calidesign
Related Discussions
front landscaping help
Q
Comments (5)
Heaven scent gardenia is hardy to -10 degrees F. They are easy to keep at 2' x 2' indefinitely with once a summer pruning. Many camellias grow successfully in zone 6B if protected from winter wind. Some can be kept at 2' x 3' easily with light pruning once a season. Shrubs that drape over the wall help add to a fuller look.
...See More
Front Landscape Help!
Q
Comments (8)
If how the edge of the walk-to-your-front-door has become exposed over a 17 year period, is what you're talking about, all you need to do is add some topsoil alongside it, in order to re-conceal it There isn't another more efficient or more practical solution. But don't do this until the weather has warmed up and plants start actively growing. At that time, just add the topsoil and the grass will quickly grow through it, cover it and hold the soil in place. As a long term maintenance strategy, it would be much better to add thin layers of topsoil over the turf every two or three years, to keep it flush with the walk, than it would be to add one thick layer every seventeen years. It's the case that Google does not update it's Streetview pictures annually. The picture showing now could be several years old and, based on the state of the tree in the picture, I suspect it is. If the real conditions are such that the tree is producing too much shade for the grass to grow well, it's not going to be the plant that is capable of holding soil against erosion. In that case, you'd need to convert to some type of low growing, shade tolerant ground cover. If you have further questions about it, please post an accurate, updated picture that you've taken yourself.
...See More
Front landscaping help needed
Q
Comments (2)
Could you please retake the pictures? Stand on the city walk, in line with the front door. Take 3 SLIGHTLY overlapping pictures that pan from left to right, including space beyond the ends of your house. (We'll see the neighboring houses as background.)
...See More
Needing Brick Colonial front Landscape Help
Q
Comments (11)
The thing about boxy straight lines is that is what your house facade consists of (replacing the portico would help to some extent). So you are always going to have them on display in that part of the property whatever you do with the landscaping. Apart from that aspect the main thing that is noticeable is that the beds in front of the house are too shallow to balance the height of the facade. So after you get rid of the disliked existing foundation shrubs think about coming across the walk into the lawn with additional bed space. Enough to look (from street distance anyway) like more than just a strip hugging the base of the house. And of course renovating the lawn would help also.
...See More
Lindsay Creel
Original Author
3 years ago
We are in northern Illinois. This bed faces east so it gets morning sun.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
3 years ago
the failing shrub ... should be IDd .. can we have a closer pic ... it is also under water stress from teh big tree ... do you know what the big tree is??? .. so we might know how bad root competition is ... is this a deal where mulch was thrown down.. becasue nothing.. including the greatest weed on the face of the earth .. grass ... wouldnt grow under the tree???

what goes where the tulips will be.. once they are spent.. are there perennials in there.. that havent come up yet ... or do you go all annuals ..

otherwise it must be pretty bare all summer long ... or is that part of the problem ...

how about a big city name.. i dont know what north IL means ...

ken
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
3 years ago
A trip to the Morton Arboretum to see their conifers for gardens display might help you decide what you like best. I also agree that symmetry is not the way to go because of the tree on the right. It not only precludes it visually but its shade will stunt what’s behind it.

tj
djacob Z6a SE WI
3 years ago
Once the tree fills in, I imagine that spot is pretty shady. How about trying some hostas? Many, many varieties and colors that you can plant that that would do well there unless there is too much root competition from the tree, as ken mentioned.

debra

Related Stories

CURB APPEAL 7 Questions to Help You Pick the Right Front-Yard Fence

By Matthew Ankeny

Get over the hurdle of choosing a fence design by considering your needs, your home’s architecture and more

ENTRYWAYS Help! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?

By Jennifer Ott Design

We come to the rescue of three Houzzers, offering color palette options for the front door, trim and siding

PETS 6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together

By Marianne Lipanovich

Keep your prized plantings intact and your dog happy too, with this wisdom from an expert gardener and dog guardian

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Help Your Home Fit Into the Landscape

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Use color, texture and shape to create a smooth transition from home to garden

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe

By Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Choose fire-resistant plants and materials and create defensible areas using these design strategies

FLOWERS AND PLANTS This Sunny Yellow Flower Helps Fall Pollinators and Landscapes

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Oligoneuron riddellii’s distinct grass-like leaves and bright flowers jazz up the garden in the upper Midwest and Central Plains

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Backyard Play Spaces That Put Kids Front and Center

By Danyelle Mathews

Skip the trip to the playground. These kid-friendly outdoor spaces will help your little ones burn off energy without leaving home

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Take Back Your Front Yard: 8 Ways to Make It Social

By J. Peterson Garden Design

If only trees and squirrels gather in your front yard, you're missing out on valuable socializing space. Here's how to remedy that

CURB APPEAL 7 Finishing Touches for a Thoughtful Front Yard

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Make a great first impression with artful house numbers, water features, garden art and more

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Lay of the Landscape: Cottage Garden Style

By Marianne Lipanovich

Informal and vibrant, cottage gardens charm with their billowy abundance. These tips help you bring the look to your own landscape

Sponsored

More Discussions

Native spring ephemerals can be used in addition to bulbs

4

Planning a rock bed in front of house - please help!

3

House numbers for curb appeal - ideas, please!

25

Foundation planting advice

36

front yard landscape ideas

12