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Landscaping help

last year

I would like to redo the front landscaping. I live in northern IN and have a south facing home. I'm open to starting essentially from scratch with some low maintenance plants. I might keep some of the hydrangea, thinning it out and transplanting some to the other side for balance. What else would look good here?

Comments (10)

  • last year

    Please post your photo in the comments. Thanks!

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    With a symmetrical plan of Hydrangeas on both sides., I would plant two crabapple or dogwood trees.-- one on each side-- to provide some shade for a south facing house.

    You could consider AI images for concept ideas, though not perfect.

    I found this:

    For a south-facing landscape in zone 5b, prioritize plants that thrive in full sun and can tolerate heat. Consider drought-tolerant options as south-facing gardens tend to be sunnier and potentially drier. A mix of flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, and heat-tolerant perennials will create a vibrant and resilient landscape. Here are some specific plant recommendations for your zone 5b south-facing landscape:Shrubs:

    • Hydrangeas:.Many hydrangea varieties, like panicle hydrangeas, are well-suited for full sun and heat, particularly in zone 5b.
    • Lilacs:.Lilacs are classic choices for zone 5 and can tolerate full sun, especially if given adequate moisture.
    • Spirea:.Spireas are versatile shrubs with various sizes and bloom times, thriving in sunny locations.
    • Ninebark:.Ninebark is a tough, adaptable shrub that offers attractive foliage and flowers, thriving in sunny conditions.
    • Abelia:.Glossy abelia is a heat-tolerant shrub that can handle full sun and adds a touch of elegance with its fragrant blooms.
    • Weigela:.Weigela offers beautiful flowers in spring and summer, and many varieties are well-suited for full sun and well-drained soil.
    • Flowering Quince:.Flowering quince provides early spring blooms and is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in sunny locations.

    Perennials:

    • Peonies:Peonies are classic perennials that appreciate full sun and well-drained soil.
    • Roses:Many rose varieties are ideal for south-facing gardens, especially those with good sun and air circulation.
    • Stonecrop (Sedum):Stonecrop varieties are drought-tolerant and offer attractive foliage and late-season blooms.
    • Lavender:Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and offers fragrance and beautiful blooms.
    • Ornamental Onions (Allium):Alliums provide vertical interest with their globe-shaped flowers and are relatively low-maintenance.
    • Butterfly Bush (Buddleja):Butterfly bush is a sun-loving shrub that attracts butterflies and offers long-lasting blooms.

    Other Options:

    • Ornamental Grasses:.Grasses like switchgrass or feather reed grass add texture and movement to the landscape.
    • Succulents:.Succulents like sedums and hens and chicks are very drought-tolerant and can handle the heat of a south-facing wall.
    • Drought-Tolerant Herbs:.Rosemary, oregano, and thyme thrive in sunny locations and can be used for both culinary and ornamental purposes.

    Tips for Designing a South-Facing Landscape:

    • Provide shade:.If you have areas that get intense afternoon sun, consider adding a shade structure or planting shade-tolerant plants in those spots.
    • Consider mature size:.When selecting plants, pay attention to their mature size and spacing to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation, advises Preen.
    • Amend soil:.Before planting, amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
  • last year

    "You could consider AI images for concept ideas, though not perfect."

    Not perfect by a long shot!! In fact, a very spurious suggestion.

    Also, glossy Abelia is by no means a zone 5 plant....very few broadleaved evergreens are. It will likely die back to the ground if it survives at all. Also probably not a good idea to site a dogwood in full sun. They are an understory tree.

  • last year

    AI will produce a beautiful picture, with no guarantee it will be at all feasible. In AI pictures, things are often a little off scale, because it justs adjusts the size of a plant to fit the spot, rather than recognizing that the plant is the wrong size. Additionally, AI likes ball shrubs, because they are easy to photoshop in and a computer never has to do any pruning.

  • last year

    The AI post is actually pretty funny.

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Without knowing anything about your house or your style other than Hydrangeas on each side, here is one idea in blue and pink for my concept of a symmetrical landscape using plants suggested in my earlier comments.

    I created this in AI for you as inspo if you like this style. Just showing examples of what you can do with AI.


    Another version using the same prompt so very similar.



    If you upload your photo, it would produce a more precise plan.

    As mentioned by others, check your growing Zone or your local nursery for plants that thrive in your area, regardless of what AI says,

  • last year

    Those plants will NOT be in bloom all at the same time and if they were, what is the landscape going to look like after bloom time?

    In addition, unless light levels are identical and the house is absolutely symmetrical, the stiff symmetry just won't work.

    AI crap again.

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    .


  • last year

    You have to wait for a photo to undim before hitting submt.

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