Maybe temporary solution for front yard: just planters

11 years ago

I'm looking for at least a temporary way to dress up a section of our front yard. We somewhat hastily ripped out the bushes under these windows (preparing for drainage work, bushes too high, wanted diverging different). we have a nice garden area on the other end of the house in the front yard so I wanted to do diverging simple, different, and maybe colorful under the windows in e photo.

My main idea is to clean up the mulch, border the area, and put 3-5 large (2ft high) planters there. I took some photos today of planters that inspire me.

I'm thinking of putting a low plant in there that I can move with the planter to the backyard if needed or wanted.

Does that seem crazy?

As for colors, I plan to remove the burgundy on the house (the shutters, replace the front door, and a decorative element). I've been into the teal/turquoise thing but would like beige or gray here.

It seems hard to find images of front yard with just planters. I usually see them with bushes or incorporated into a larger, diverse garden.

Some facts: we just bought this house and I am a newbie to gardening/landscaping.

Featured Answer

leelee

11 years ago

No planters lined up in front of your house. You need to do a permanent planting.

Get a local landscaper to draw up a very simple plan. Some curved beds help soften hard angles of the house.

Put a small tree near the corner of your house--leave enough room for it to grow. A dogwood or Japanese maple would work.

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Comments (7)

everdebz
11 years ago
Pretty much a newbie too, but do you want maximum light in basement?

Would you say it could be a cottage look? Nice features especially after it's "cleaned up" and maybe window flower boxes?
Susan Whalen
11 years ago
Japanese Maple in Burgundy color will live in pots in part shade, and would be very beautiful with the brick. Best to find out what zone you live in, and watch how much shade the area gets before you get some shrubs and just set the pots inside the planters until you are ready to set them in the ground permanently.
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taylorj00
11 years ago
I love that you like the colorful planters they will definitely spice up your yard, maybe you could add some beautiful cedar planter boxes on the windows just an idea.
iwantwalls
Original Author
11 years ago
We don't have a basement but I like the idea of window flower boxes.
iwantwalls
Original Author
11 years ago
I like the cedar plant box (just looked it up). That with some colorful flowers or colorful pots with greenery. I'm excited but still a little hesitant with lots of color. I love neutrals to the point where people thought it was exciting when I wore white! So bright!

So, window planters instead of bushes or short plants under the windows or both? I'll look up some images. I know at some point it will just be trial and error!
PRO
Dreamscape Outdoor Living & Garden Inc.
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You have a great looking house, especially
the color and texture of the brick!

I love the choice of planters (teal blue
and cream) these colors will really 'pop' against the brick. Glazed ceramic pots
look classy and last longer than plastic. (Before purchasing, I'd check whether
the ceramic pots can be left outside over the winter).

For the planters, hardy geraniums would look
beautiful plus they grow in sun/part-shade and are inexpensive. You could
choose several varieties of hardy geranium. For example, 'Johnson's Blue' grows
about 18" tall with blue-purple flowers. 'Ann Folkard' has deep pink
flowers and long stems that would hang down the sides of the pot.

Tip: Add a layer of mulch to the top of the
pot, this retains moisture so you won't have to water as often.

For the front flower bed under the windows,
it's a good idea to add an 'edger' around the bed. This would give a nice,
crisp edge and stop the grass growing into the bed, saving you time and work
with weeding. This low-profile edger is ideal.

A good choice of plant for the front bed is
sedum, a low-growing ground cover plant. Again you could choose a few
varieties. For example. 'Angelina' grows into a mat of golden-yellow leaves
with tiny yellow flowers, this would look so pretty at the base of the teal
blue pots.

Best of luck with your plans, you have some
great ideas!