Help with foundation planting

10 years ago

Hey everyone I need ideas for what I should plant in front and around the house . We're redoing the mulch right now and I have no clue what to plant. I have a basic understanding of layouts and what I want from that. But as far as plants/bushes specifically, I'm not sure what to pick.

I want something that will look good and compliment the age of the house but also be creative . I just don't want to do what everyone else does but I don't even know what my options are. Help me out I live in York PA don't know what zone I am.

Featured Answer

Mike Larkin

9 years ago

Most likely you are zone is 6b.

before you buy plants you will need to know more about the location they willbe planted. What direction does your home face. Before plants can be recommended the amount of sun the front of your house gets is important. Right plant for the right place. Then you need to provide us with the dimensions of your bed ( how wide are the beds in the front) . It is important to select a plant that the mature size fits you bed. Size is just an estimate, because plants continue to grow, but it will help you plan what will work in that space.

Then find a local nursery or garden center in your area. These places typically have knowledgeable staff that can help. You have 3 great Garden Centers and Green houses in your area. Stauffers of Kissel Hill Home & Garden Store , Miller Plant Farm Inc , and Hueter's Greenhouse

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Comments (8)

Kael Miguel
Original Author
10 years ago
Hmm.. Nothing ?
Mike Larkin
10 years ago
You may have better luck on the Landscape Design Forum.
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shonoo
9 years ago
A couple of hydrangeas . or knock out roses may work. If you dont want something quite that tall, you can always go with Hostas - alternate two different varieties and you will have good visual interest
Kael Miguel
Original Author
9 years ago
The house faces north east (closer to east ). The bed is about 3-4 ft wide
Mike Larkin
9 years ago
So you want to select plants that do well is part shade. Then you want to select plants that grow to about 3 ft wide. One group of shrubs to consider. There are a few smaller Rhododendrons that will grow in an east exposure Rhododendron yakushimanum , R. Purple Gem, and R. PJM just to name a few. You can also find a few Azaleas that will stay inside your 3 ft wide bed. As mentioned above there probably are a few hydrangeas that are good for that spot. Spring is a good time to look for these three groups of plants. It will really depend what they have in stock at the time. Work with a knowledgeable person at you local garden center to pick the "right plant for the right spot"

Expand the size of the bed and you will increase the number of shrubs you can use.

Hope this helps
Trish
9 years ago
Otto luken mt laurel is evergreen, be sure to use evergreens for the basic structure.
Karen B
9 years ago
IMHO I'd first remove the ornamental grasses. The one on the left is already too big for the location and the other one will block your front door. I'd also recommend the shrubs should get no taller than the railing or lower if possible. Make sure the mature height is below that height unless you know how to prune shrubs properly without sheering them. Another thing to keep in mind is shape (V vase, O ball, A or ! columnar,etc) and texture, seasonal color(s). Plant in groupings of odd numbered plants unless you will plant the same shrub all the way across which doesn't seem to sound like that's what you want but don't just plant one species unless it's at a corner or surrounded by other plants to highlight it. Start with the foundation shrubs before considering the perennials. Prepare the soil and if possible get a soil test and make the proper amendments before buying expensive plants and find out too late your soil is acidic and the shrubs you planted prefer a neutral Ph.

That's about all I can think of for now. Check out your local Master Gardener office for literature on landscaping and classes.