Landscaping Ideas For Long House

by JV
(Deltona, Florida)

Front Landscaping Ideas

Front Landscaping Ideas




I have a long front to my home. It is a gorgeous new stucco "Florida" type home... but the landscape bed out front is soooooo long, with such lack of character due to its plain rectangular shape... I just don't know what to plant in it. It has three double windows as a back drop, with a high small window (bathroom shower).

In front of the windows I planted Viburnum bushes for a nice dark green back drop.... and at the end of the bed and in front of the bathroom window I put a couple of the triple trunk robellini palms... but I still have soooo much area left over with nothing.... and to make it worse, the previous owner filled the area with lava rock. The area is 48 feet long and 10 feet wide. My house is the backdrop, and a long concrete sidewalk is in front of it. I hate to just fill the whole area up with Indian Hawthorne... but I will if need be.... I wanted some variety in height.... High in back, medium in middle, and low in front.... I have 4 Birds of Paradise near the front door that I planted as well - but I don't think they are correctly located for a good landscape design... they look like they should be an accent plant somewhere, and maybe something lower at the front doors.... PLEASE HELP!!!!! I live in Central Florida, so its Zone 9..... I would like a couple suggestions on where to place some plants, like a blueprint showing High, Medium, Low, tall accent, etc.... I know the local plants real well (especially the low maintenance ones) and I can figure out the plants to go in there, if someone would just give me a design on where to install them.

ANSWER
Some ideas...I would use groups of evergreen shrubs in between the Viburnum. See my ebook on Designing With Evergreen Shrubs. Here you will find pictures of various front foundation plants and designs with detailed plant info.

Vary the types of shrub groups since your house is so long. In addition I would place some taller plant material such as landscape trees on the other side of your walkway to add some height...perhaps one at each house corner and then another near the front door.

Like your dog!


My Evergreen Shrubs Ebook
Click here for more info...

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Perennials In Front Of Mature Shrubs

by Anne
(RI)

Our house is 15 years old. We have mature shrubs in front and I would like to add perennials and get in some good color. The shrubs are nearly 36" tall. Can I put in a row/border of 18 and or 12" perennials?

ANSWER

Hi Anne,
Yes, However, what I would do is create groups of different complimentary perennials, rather than planting them straight in a row (if that's what you meant). For example, you might add three Lavender Hidcote staggered like a triangle, and then next to them add three to five Fountain Grass 'Hamelin', also staggered.

This will create more interest rather than a straight row. Vary the textures and the heights of the groups. And don't be afraid to add in a single tall one here and there.

Also, if your existing shrubs are 36" high, consider using some taller perennials 24" to 30" in height also. Perhaps some tall Day Lilies. Is your bed wide? If so, you could even add in one of the smaller Butterfly Bushes.

Please visit my page Perennial Flowers.


Susan

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Front Yard Landscaping

by Julie
(Illinois)

I am working on re-doing the landscape in our front yard. I have a ranch style red brick home.
Our front small porch is a concrete stoop with a side step. It has a wrought iron railing around it that is rusting away and parts of it are broken off.

I was thinking of taking the railings down and building a small deck (little larger than the stoop) to cover up the stoop. Keep in mind that the wrought iron railings are cemented in the concrete stoop.

I want to do the least expensive thing but at the same time make it look nice.

Any suggestions?

ANSWER

Hi Julie,
I think your idea is fine. However, you do have to consider the grade. I am assuming you step down from your house onto the existing porch. If you cover it with decking, the elevation at the landing will be higher. If, for example, you now step down six inches, it now might only be two inches. I am just saying that you have to check this out to make sure it will work.

You might be better off just removing the stoop and starting over again.

Another idea is to re-surface the existing stoop with another kind of paving material, like bluestone. Again, the porch height will be raised now. The railings could be removed, and new railings installed. For this scenario, the porch itself has to be in good condition. The steps and risers could be re-faced also, perhaps with a beautiful face stone.

This all has to be looked at by a qualified contractor to see what can and cannot be done.

Add some pretty plants along the porch to give it a finished look, regardless of which way you go.

Susan

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Tree Options for Front Corner of House

by Nick
(Cincinnati, OH)

We have been in our home for 11 years and planted a River Birch at the front corner of our home within the confines of the mulch bed. Last Fall we had it removed because it simply had overgrown into the house, the roof and some pine trees that sit on the front side of the house in the lawn area. We are now trying to decide what tree to put in its place. One option is to go with a River Birch again - we have 11 years before it would need replacing again. We prefer not to go this route and prefer not to use an evergeen since there are 3 already in the side yard. Any suggestions to steer us in the right direction?

Thank you.

ANSWER
Hi Nick,

I do like the River Birches at house corners, and as you mentioned, you might just start over again with one...perhaps pull it out from the corner a bit further if you can.

If space is an issue, you do want to go with a tree that is more narrow than a wider one. Star Magnolia could be a consideration. Another idea is to put a group of three Lilacs.

Here are some other trees you might take a look at:
1. Japanese Red Maple - Acer Palmatum 'Oshi Rini' - one of the more narrow lovely Japanese Maples.
2. Rutgers Dogwood 'Celestial'
3. Gingko biloba 'Fastigiata' - beautiful leaves, about 10 to 15' wide. Gets VERY tall, but it is also a slow grower.

You might like to take a look at my page Landscape Trees.

If you have any other comments (anyone else?) or questions, just post them here.

Regards,
Susan

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Foundation Plants

by Donna Todd
(Milledgeville, Georgia)

My husband and I have cleared our flower beds of holly bushes and some other kind of shrub that we were not happy with. We have looked at several different plants, flowers, shrubs, etc. and have decided that we want something that blooms and will provide some color to the front of our house (see attached picture). We've decided to use red azaleas and rhododendrons (color undecided) but are lost as to what else to use for it to still look pretty. What do you suggest?

ANSWER
Hi Donna,
Well, you now have a nice, clean slate to work with!
Try to group the Azaleas together in masses of at least three, preferably five or more. You can do the same with Rhododendron, or use them singly as accents, ie., at the corners. Before you make a firm decision on these plants (which I happen to like), consider your sun condition. Is it very hot and sunny all day? These plants need some shade to do well. In addition, do you have deer? The deer love these plants. Assuming you have no deer and have some shade....

I couldn't tell from the picture how deep your bed is. If you have some room, consider using perennials in front of the Azaleas or Rhodos. Fountain Grass, Catmint 'Walkers Low', Lavender 'Hidcote', Salvia, Coneflower and Lady's Mantle are some that come to mind. This will give you lots of color!

Think about adding a taller shrub at the corner. A Lilac Bush would be pretty, if you have the room. Also, I think some flowering ornamental trees would add some needed height. Perhaps a Star Magnolia at the start of the walk (on the left side as you approach the house) would look nice with a Dogwood tree at the other house corner. Another idea is to add either three Dogwood trees or one to three Red Maples in the lawn.





Designing Front Yards
Learn some great tips on how to create a front yard design that will really be unique and special! Confused about front foundation plants? Are you not sure where to place your plants? Do you want some low maintenance colorful perennials? You will find out about all that and more...take a look.

Good luck!
Susan

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What to plant in front of my boxwoods?

by Nancy

I have a front porch and boxwoods in front of the porch railing. I have an empty area in front of the boxwoods that I would like to plant something. I just don't know what that 'something' is? Any suggestions?

ANSWER
Hi Nancy,
If you would like low maintenance plants with no work at all, you could use shrubs. If you don't mind a little maintenance, you could use perennials and create lots of color. Boxwood make a great background for perennials. The only negative would be that in the winter the perennials turn brown. You could cut them down in the fall or the spring. You will still have the Boxwood though for winter interest.

For shrubs you might consider Azalea or English Spreading Yew. Depending on the length of the area you might use a group of Azalea, then some Yews, then some Azalea again.

Perennials that would look nice are Catmint 'Walker's Low', Stella D'oro Daylily, Lavender 'Hidcote', Fountain Grass 'Hamlen', Coneflower, and Scabiosa. Plant each variety in a group of three or more for effect. If you have the room, you might like to add a Butterfly Bush for some height. Visit my page on perennials to get some more information and see perennial pictures. Perennial Flowers

You can also do a combo of shrubs and perennials.

I hope this was helpful...let me know if you have further questions.

Susan


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Front House Landscaping

Here's a question about front of house landscaping with limited space.

My parents house is a small ranch that has a sidewalk off the front porch that runs parallel to the house out to the driveway. We have about 4 feet between the house and sidewalk...not much to work with - the flower bed is approx. 30 feet in length. It is currently gutted and adding all new shrubs/plants. I want to add variety and height, but I am having trouble with the design. I am located in Indianapolis, IN. Any help/advice would be much appreciated!

ANSWER

I would use 10 to 12 evergreen shrubs up against the house that get no more than 2 to 3 feet wide. Boxwood 'Green Velvet' is one suggestions. This provides a nice background for colorful plants. In front of these, use perennials. Choose three varieties and use each kind together.

For example, 7 Coneflower, 5 Fountain Grass, and 7 Lavender 'Hidcote' would fill up the space nicely.

For height, you might consider adding a Lilac or Butterfly Bush near the front door. You will have to cut down on the number of Coneflower. You could also add a birdbath for interest. This can be a sculpture or you can actually have it be a fountain. Solar fountains are easy to install and operate in front yard landscaping.

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Landscape Brick Home with White Siding Addition...


(TN, USA)

Landscaping Front of House

Landscaping Front of House

We recently remodeled our "new" home that has been in the family for almost 30yrs. The addition we had built has white siding. The older part of the home is a burnt orangish/red brick. Our main goal is to even out the housing colors with our landscaping decisions.

I have done lots of research on the net and would love your opinion/advice.

I am wanting to build a gray retainer stone flower bed(almost even with porch height) between the windows on the brick side (for a Jesus and children statue, Christmas/Lenton roses etc.)and use a pyracatha vine (?) on white lattice behind it.

On the solid white siding part, I had in mind to put a dappled willow tree (Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki') to add all seasons color there (branches turn red in winter).

These are my main problem areas...just second guessing if it's going to look right... It is southwestern facing with midday/evening sun- only early morning shade. I am planning on using China boy and girl hollies (in front of window areas), forsythias (each side of steps & keep trimmed), and lilyturf lirope among other seasonal perennials/annuals to add color where needed, and sky pencil hollies on each corner.

I am planning on using bridal wreath spirea on the southern end of the house and forsyhtia behind redtwig dogwoods on the northern end of the house. I am very satisfied with the "end of the house" decisions, but I am really stressing over the the front landscaping... after all it IS the front. I hope I have been descriptive enough. Any input from you would be very appreciated!

ANSWER

Hi,
Well, I can see you have spent a lot of time thinking about your landscape design! Your concepts are good...however, here are some suggestions.

1.Love the China Girls and Boys under the windows. Use only one boy because that one will not berry and that is all you will need.

2. Forsythia might be too large for either side of the steps. Try to use something smaller, or tall and narrow. Nandina (tall variety) gets great berries and is an example, as it stays narrow.

3. I think it's too hot for Liriope. Use some sun loving perennials...see some here:
https://www.landscape-design-advice.com/perennial-flowers.html

4. As for the corners, I understand your going for some height. However, I think you can go even taller and wider to create more drama. Consider an ornamental tree and/or evergreen, pulled out from the corner to allow for growth. A River Birch, Foster Holly, Cryptomeria, Dogwood...any would work at the house corners and they do not have to match.

The only other recommendation is regarding the Forsythia and Red Twig Dogwood. Red Twig Dogwood look gorgeous with evergreen shrubs behind them...their red branches really stand out this way in the winter.

Good luck...you are on the right track!

Susan

Response

I will take all your advice into consideration. What do you think of the white lattice/pyracatha vine to lighten up the brick and the dappled willow to give that section of bright white siding some color? Do you have any other ideas for these areas?

Answer

I like the vine behind the statue. You might consider one made of aluminum which resembles iron. Iron looks pretty on brick. The vine and the statue will be enough items to stand out.

The Willow is fine. If you like you could use a taller tree, pulled out in front of the hollies. Your house is very long, and by creating height, it will have more of a balance.

Susan

Response

Well, I have really stressed over what to place in front of that 'blinding' white siding on the new addition portion of the house. Nothing I have found has really just jumped out at me. But, today, I "accidently" found a shrub called Fraser Photinia, researched it on the net and so far,I am really impressed. It grows to be(10-15'+) tall and spread, evergreen, gorgeous green leafy shrub with new growth as red tips and flowers (white)for about 3-4 wks during summer... other than the flowering no drastic change in color, just consistant gorgeous coloring. I even found a pic of one that had been trained as a tree...Are you familiar with this shrub? By the way, I am starting the flower bed tomorrow...woohoo!

Answer

Photinia is a pretty common shrub in Virginia. The nicest feature is the red tips of the new growth. Other than that, it doesn't have any special features, except that it is evergreen.

Would you consider putting a trellis in this area on the siding? There are lots of climbing vines you could use with it.

You might eliminate the one on the brick then.

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Need curb appeal !! Help!!!

Landscape Design For Small House | Tin Roof

Landscape Design For Small House | Tin Roof

This is a rental house of mine. We put a new tin roof on last summer. Two big trees had to be cut down because they were getting into the power lines. It just looks so plain and need some help. It is very close to the road and not a lot of room. We have such a good renter and would like to make it look better for her and us. Any ideas? Thank you!

ANSWER
I love your little rental house...it's so cute, especially with the tin roof.

I can see adding lots of charm with a cottage garden...lots and lots of perennials up against the house. You might consider adding some low, evergreen shrubs for winter interest, and then putting the perennials in front.

I would just plant perennials in groups for splashes of color. Make sure the different perennials colors look well together. Vary the textures and heights, and I don't think you can go wrong.

I don' know where you live, which means I don't know your plant zone or your sun/shade conditions, so I can't recommend specific plants.

You might also consider a walk from the street to the house, if you want to spend the money. Center it on the door.

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Help With Planting Beds Near House Entry

by Amy
(Central Iowa)

My house, built in 1896 is a mix between prairie style and victorian. The entrance faces south and is offset from the center and flanked by a large covered porch. On the opposite side of the porch I have a landscaping dilemma. I need new bushes or perennials, the spirea just aren't cutting it. I want something that will accent the entrance but not detract. The location is southward but light is filtered by a large Black Walnut tree. I have also heard that certain plants cannot thrive near a Black Walnut due to a particular chemical they leech into the ground? Our zone is 4b.

ANSWER

Hi Amy,
This is true regarding the Black Walnut Tree. In addition, there are certain plants that will grow near Black Walnuts and others that will not.

Here are some shrubs and perennials that you might consider. They are acceptable to plant:
Blue Holly - China Girl or Blue Princess
Hydrangea - Macrophylla varieties or Oakleaf
Lilac
Hosta
Daylily
Liriope
Lamb's Ear
Sedum
Rudbeckia
Yarrow

Do NOT plant:
Mountain Laurel
Rhododendron
Azalea

There are other plants to choose from, but these are some that work well in a design for a front foundation planting. If using a Lilac, use it where height would be nice, such as at house corners.

You can also go online to the West Virginia University Extension Service to get more detailed information.

Good luck.
Susan

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Front Yard Foundation Plants

by Tarsha
(Joliet, IL USA)

I have a recently built home in Illinois and now I'm in the process of transforming my front yard. I would really love to have some Boxwoods planted in front of my windows and in front of the windows of my garage.

I just need someone's opinion on what other plants or shrubs would complement those shrubs. I really would like to have maybe a Japanese Maple somewhere and some Spireas.... just not sure as to where to place them or if they would contrast together.

Also, I just received my shutters. The color is similar to the stones used for the retaining wall..I'm clueless when it comes to plant selections.

ANSWER
I like Boxwood. One variety you might consider is 'Green Velvet', as it will be the right height for beneath your windows.

It is hard to tell from the picture how deep the planting bed under the windows on the right is. I am assuming you get a fair amount of sun there. Depending on the depth, you could keep it very low maintenance and add some lower evergreen shrubs, such as Juniper. You could also add some perennials for a more colorful garden. Consider Fountain Grass (more for interesting texture than color), Catmint 'Walker's Low', Daylily, or Lavender. There are many others, but these are a few that I think would look nice there and also complement the Boxwood.

As far as the Japanese Maple goes, if you are talking about the large types, they get to be about 20 feet wide. How about placing one near one of your house corners? Place it out from the house at least 15 feet to give it the room it will need.

I can't make out the retaining wall stone, but all plants will look good with what you have going on there.

I hate to plug my new EBook...but I will, since it would really help you! Take a look....Designing With Evergreen Shrubs
I wrote it just for homeowners who need the kind of information you are looking for. It not only covers plant placement and details on how to design. I've also chosen 18 of my favorite evergreen shrubs (including Boxwood 'Green Velvet') to discuss...many with pictures...and concentrated on the front foundation planting. I've also included how to add other varieties for a mixture of plants. It's a good one!

Susan

Response
Thanks for the comment Susan, in regards to your ebook. I need all the help I can get. Thanks very much.

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Small House Needs Front Landscape Help!

by Gina
(Pittsburgh, PA)

I want to have more curb appeal for my house, which is a small ranch. I would like some color throughout the 4 seasons since i live in PA. Right now it looks so sad in the winter!

Also, I really want to hide the ugly red concrete block foundation that sticks out since my house is on a hill. Do you have any ideas for this? I am a new home owner and a little clueless on plants! Last year I planted a butterfly bush and blue hydrangea, which are in the picture in front of the window. Can you give me some idea on what to plant with them or should I just start over and move them? The front of the house gets afternoon sun and shade in the morning. We do have some deer in the area. Thanks!

ANSWER

Hi Gina,
Thanks for the picture and your sun conditions.

Your house looks sad in the winter because the Butterfly Bush dies down and the Hydrangea have no winter leaves. You need some evergreen shrubs as a background.

Consider using Blue Holly 'China Girl' along your foundation. You may have to do some spraying for deer, but it's a great plant. They are evergreen and will get red berries in the winter. Add in a China Boy so that the females will get the berries.

I would definitely add a tree at the left corner (looking at the house from the street). Something narrow like a White Birch or a River Birch would look nice.

See my page Plants For Landscaping.

I would move the Butterfly bush to the area in front of the Hollies on the right side. I would also move the Hydrangea elsewhere because most likely they will be too tall to look well in front of the Hollies. But I would add lots of perennials as another layer in front of the Hollies. Actually you can add perennials wherever you have room. Just make sure they like the sun. Catmint 'Walker's Low' is one of my favorites and also Lavender 'Hidcote'.

And how about some roses? The Fairy, Carefree Wonder, and Carefree Delight are low maintenance. You could add some to the area closer to the street on the right side, where it looks like you have some other plants (if you have the room).

I hope this was helpful. If you have further questions, just post them here under Comments.

Susan

Response
I really like the suggestions. thanks! how close would i plant the tree to the house? Also, the area under the porch on the right, do you think i could move the hydrangea there? or do you think i should put some boxwoods or some evergreen behind it against the wall and perennials in front?

ANSWER
Hi Gina,
I think you should continue the Blue Holly on the other side for balance.

I think the Hydrangea would do better in a shadier spot. And, as mentioned, they are too large for a second layer. You don't want the plants in front of the evergreen shrubs to get as tall, or even almost as tall, as the background plants.

Perennials add lots of color and textures, and they are not that expensive.

Susan

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Plant In Front of a Porch

What To Plant In Front of a Porch

I have a small raised ranch. Part of the basement sticks out of the ground and the house is on a slight incline. So we added a large covered porch last year, but now it appears to really stick up high off the ground. From bottom board to ground is 36".

Trying to figure out what kind of material to cover the opening under the porch with - we have temporary lattice now, but want to cover the area, then add retaining walls to make planting areas. Any ideas? There is a red brick chimney on the side of the house - trying not to clash with it.

Answer

Hi Donna,
What a cute house! I can see that it could look very charming with the right plants in front of the lattice.

Once it is done, you may not even want any retaining wall...unless it is a small, decorative free standing wall.

For me to give you some ideas, please let me know the following:

1. Is the area sunny or shady...or a combination?
2. Do you have deer problem?
3. Where do you live?

Thanks,
Susan

RESPONSE
The area is on south side of house, so gets plenty of sun... live in zone 5 and no problems with deer.

ANSWER
First of all, I would anchor the porch on either side with a tree or large shrub. Of course a tree would have to be a small one.

On the left, you might consider a River Birch or a star Magnolia. On the right, I would suggest a Lilac.

If you are in Zone 5, you have rather long winters. I can see a perennial garden in front of the porch. However, I would put some evergreen shrubs in the back against the lattice so it is not completely bare in the winter.

Consider three groups of shrubs for variety, or you can do all one kind. It's the perennials that will create the interest.

For shrubs, you could use 'Green Velvet' Boxwood. They won't get too tall. Use them as a continuous background or place groups of them at the ends and use a compact Red Barberry in the middle...a group of 3 to 5.

Here are some perennials you can consider. Be sure to plant them in masses, alter the heights and also the textures.

Daylily
Nepeta 'Walker's Low'
Butterfly Bush - tall, but would be nice to add in for a break.
Fairy Rose - 1
Carefree Wonder Rose - 1
Fountain Grass
Coneflower

If you want low or no maintenance, you can do all shrubs (not my choice). You can use Juniper in front of the shrubs in the back.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Susan

RESPONSE
Thanks for your suggestions. We will definitely use some of the plants you suggested.

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Changing Landscaping For Front Porch

by Brian Smith
(Wilmington, DE)

Front Porch Plantings

Front Porch Plantings

I have a Colonial with a front porch running the length of the house, ending at the garage. We are looking to remove the large square bushes that were in front of the house when we moved in, add railing to the front of the porch and re-landscape the area in front of the porch, including moving the walkway out a few feet and curving it to the driveway.

I am seeking some advice/ideas on what to plant in this area. We are leaning towards smaller Boxwood or similar hedges for the back of the beds along the porch and a dwarf Japanese Red Maple on the left corner past the porch. But past that, I am somewhat unsure what to do.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I should also mention that we are in northern Delaware, not sure what zone that is... but I think we're on a line. Also, I'm looking to do something that will provide color throughout as much of the year as possible. Thanks!

ANSWER
Hi Brian,
I like your ideas.

For background shrubs, consider Boxwood 'Green Velvet' or Blue Holly 'China Girl. In front of these evergreen shrubs, you could do a perennial garden which would give you lots of color throughout the season.

Here are some perennials and shrubs that you could add...in groups of 3 to five each. Try to differ the textures of the plants that are next to each other.
Fairy Rose
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' - long lasting purple flowers
Lavender 'Hidcote'
Coneflower - many colors to choose from
Black Eyed Susan
Annabelle Hydrangea - part sun, part shade
Endless Summer Hydrangea - part sun part shade

You could also add a few Red Barberry if you like shrubs with red foliage.

One thing I would comment on...the dwarf Japanese Red Maple. Although people seem to like this plant, it never really makes a statement and is rather weak. I would use a large ornamental tree at the left house corner. How about the Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood', which has a beautiful shape and leaves that stay red all season? A Flowering Dogwood or a Birch tree would work also.

You could also add another tree near the front door on the other side of the walk. I always find trees welcoming as you approach the entry of the house.

I hope this was helpful.

Susan

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Low Maintenance Plants for Front Foundation Planting?

by Gwen
(Virginia)

Hello,
I was wondering, in your opinion, what are some low maintenance shrubs that I can use for the front of my house? Blooms are not important. The house is located in Williamsburg, Va. There isn't a deer problem at present. However I don't wish to 'attract' them either. The area is sunny. Thanks so much for your advice!

ANSWER
Take a look at my ebook on Designing With Evergreen Shrubs. There are shrub varieties, sizes, planting zones, my comments and how to combine them with perennials for color.

In the meantime...some suggestions.

I am assuming you don't want the plants to get to be to tall. The following plants will grow in sunny conditions and are evergreen, so they won't lose there leaves in the winter and you will have greenery.

Blue Holly 'China Girl' will grow to be about four to five feet. It might be a little tall for your front foundation planting, depending on how high your windows are. You can always trim it slightly. I like it because it has pretty foliage and gets great red berries in the Fall. Another good choice wood be Boxwood 'Green Velvet'. This is a low maintenance evergreen shrub and will get to be about three feet tall. If you need something lower, Japanese Plum Yew is a nice selection, getting to about two feet. This plant is soft and looser than the Boxwood. Nandina 'Harbor Dwarf' is another low plant and it's narrow. It also gets Fall berries.

If you decide to create more depth and add lower plants in front of any of the above plants, you might consider adding Procumbens Juniper. This will take dry conditions. The herb, Thyme, comes in many varieties and they are all interesting. Thyme is fragrant and drought tolerant. Cotoneaster is another low growing plant. It has an open and loose form, producing Fall berries.

Susan

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Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

by Susan
(Daytona, Florida)

What should I do with my house?!

ANSWER

I am assuming you need to enhance the front of your house.

It's always nice to frame the house with landscape trees at the corners. These might be ornamental trees with interesting bark or pretty flowers. They could also be shade trees, which are typically larger, if you have the room.

From the landscape picture, I can't quite make out the space you have at your house corners, but if you have the room, add the the trees....one at the right corner, one at the left (room?) and perhaps a small one at what looks like the column of a porch area. Again, if I am off base with what I am seeing, please let me know.

In addition, I would place shrubs, preferably evergreen ones, along the front foundation, under the windows. The area is not that long, so consider all one kind, with perhaps a group of three, different taller ones at the right end. In front of the shrubs, feel free to place either lower shrubs, perennials for color, or both.










Designing Front Yards
Learn some great tips on how to create a front yard design that will really be unique and special! Confused about front foundation plants? Are you not sure where to place your plants? Do you want some low maintenance colorful perennials? You will find out about all that and more...take a look.










Designing With Evergreen Shrubs
Take a look at this ebook which has professional ideas, plant recommendations and pictures. You will find out how to use plants together to create an outstanding design and find out which are the right plants to use for your property.

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