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macee_marlee

Help Me Design Contemporary Foundation Beds! (Zone 5b)

9 months ago

DIYing foundation plantings for my mid-century ranch and starting with a blank slate. Would appreciate your plant suggestions and design advice!

My Style (inspiration photos attached):

  • Contemporary/minimal with soft, textural plantings
  • Massed plantings with intentional repetition
  • Not one of everything - prefer cohesive, repeating elements

My Priorities:

  • 4-season visual interest
  • Non-invasive, well-behaved plants only
  • Low to medium maintenance
  • Deer resistant - we have significant pressure

Site Conditions:

  • Zone 5b
  • West-facing with full afternoon sun (gets HOT!)
  • Mid-century ranch: tan/beige vinyl siding, gray concrete foundation
  • Bed 1 is mostly under roof overhang = very limited rainfall
  • Starting completely fresh - removing everything including oversized spruce eventually
  • Already purchased some Karl Foerster grasses

The Three Beds:

Bed 1 (Under Windows): 12’ x 3.5’

  • Beneath windows with major roof overhang
  • Must be drought-tolerant due to rain shadow

Bed 2 (Front Stoop): 9’ x 4’

  • Goal: soften/screen 1.5’ tall concrete foundation
  • This is the main “showpiece” - high visibility entry

Bed 3 (Tree Area - being removed): 10’ x 4.9’

  • Removing rocks and spruce completely
  • Want to create flowing curve connecting Beds 2 and 3
  • Once tree is gone, this becomes full sun

My Questions:

  1. What plants would you recommend that handle full afternoon sun, are deer-resistant, and work in Zone 5b?
  2. How would you handle that tricky rain-shadow Bed 1 while keeping the look cohesive across all three beds?
  3. Plant quantities and spacing recommendations for a contemporary look that doesn’t feel sparse?
  4. Tips for creating a natural-looking curve between Beds 2 and 3?
  5. Any suggestions for the overall design approach?

Current house photo + inspiration images attached!

Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!

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