Help, Suggestions
by
Amy
+36
It's a blank slate outside of the red brick trim around the front landscape area. The red lava rocks can be removed. It's for my elderly mother so easy upkeep, the tire marks are from a company hired to do the backyard(unfortunately it was a horrible experience) so trying to do the front myself in hopes to give something beautiful for my mom to look at :)
33 answers
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Some nice bright flower pots on the step maybe a hanging pot something like a bush or flowers that need no work and come up year after year ,spread some dirt and seeds on the grass should fix the tire marks if you are not wanting to spend a lot of money doing it yourself money
MaeGatineau
on Jul 12, 2014
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If your mom still enjoys gardening, I would look for containers--especially those that could be elevated somewhat for access. I would avoid a bed that would require weeding, bent over or hands and knees. Make sure it self-waters or is easy to get to with a hose or a bucket. My own mother had a fall in her beds, trying to weed, and though uninjured, she was unable to get up due to her arthritis. My blind father did not, for a good long time, realize she was 'missing' and when he found her, was too unsure of hurting her to assist. Needless to say, it became a firetrucks and ambulance situation. Meanwhile poor mom had that commercial running through her head--the one she always made such fun of..."Help, I've fallen and I can't get up." She got to laughing so hard, she wet herself (she had been there a while, after all) and when my sis and I got to the hospital, we discovered she had been put on 24 hour hold due to 'altered mental state.' So she tells us the whole story, and we all began to laugh. Needless to say, I think they decided the entire family had lost it. ....So try to avoid any tripping hazards.
Lori Jackson
on Jul 12, 2014
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I can,t bend to do any gardening now but i can water the plant,s if they are up off the ground ,i painted a stool the grand children had and put my plant on it .this nice red Greanium would be nice near the front door near her rocking chair
MaeGatineau
on Jul 12, 2014
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i made the lighthouse and the others i got at the dollar store and painted and sprayed them with varnish them,maybe a few solar lights to brighten up the front walk
MaeGatineau
on Jul 12, 2014
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I think a tree planted at the outside corner of the house would help frame the view and start to create balance for the top-heavy bay window. Also, a window box for the first floor windows below the bay window. You can put drought tolerant annuals in it with mulch on top of the soil to help it retain moisture and cut down on weeds. This will also give more visual weight to the first floor window for better visual balance. A large, tall pot of either flowers or an evergreen dwarf variety next to the front door and some mature evergreen foundation plantings under the first floor window. If you add larger shutters to the large first floor window as well as a large shutter (board and batten style) to the small window on the second floor, it would really give the house more character with very little maintenance. Depending on what room that one small window is for, you could add another flower box with trailing ivy or other low-maintenance evergreen planting. Good luck.
Jill Valeri
on Jul 12, 2014
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I agree with all these suggestions plus put some evergreens under the window. That red brick needs softening up w/greens. A flowering tree would be nice for her to look at. Pots on the porch, and the flower box. Not too much work, should be do-able.
Ann Peters
on Jul 12, 2014
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Leave the lava rock. Rake them back long enough to plant. Under the window, I would plant variegated Lariope (border grass) in a line of 3 scallops. I would then put an adorable miniature shrub in each scallop...these are small, adorable and need almost no care...mine is about 4 years old and has grown only a few inches...it looks like a miniature Christmas tree. Get your plants and then figure out your spacing. This does not have to be exact...can extend a little past the edge of the window, but should take up the space under the window. I would then sit a pretty large pot at each end of this planting and put in some colorful flowers. There are bright colored Caladium that are bulbs and do not require constant watering. If you don't want to be bothered with any watering, add something like a birdbath near the outside corner and then a windmill or something decorative to the other end. A double shepherd's poll with a couple of colorful bird houses would be adorable, as would those colorful hummingbird feeders. There are many things that do not require care. One of the prettiest yards I have ever seen, believe it or not, was done in all shades of green framing a beautiful lawn!! To top it off, hang a colorful basket of flowers near the corner to the right of the steps.
Jeanette S
on Jul 13, 2014
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A hanging basket of brightly colored plants on either side of the front door. Something that is going to hang down past the basket Elevated window planters set high enough to make watering easy about 3-4 feet. Annuals along the driveway The lava rocks need to be graded to draw rain away from the house. small bushes under the front window to break up the front of the house.
Irish53
on Jul 13, 2014
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What type of sun does this side of the house get. What direction does the house face? What climate is the house in? All these should be considered before you tackle what to put in to spruce it up.
Barbara Ernsberger
on Jul 13, 2014
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I would make a curvy planting bed, with a tree on the outside corner, dwarf evergreens on either side of the window, that will not crowd it when full grown. Plant SMALL perennials and shrubs. The curves will soften the angles of the house, like in this photo http://www.mjrlandscape.com/what-is-landscape-curbing.html I would not hang planters, as the porch will look crowded. here are some great basics: http://www.mjrlandscape.com/what-is-landscape-curbing.html
Terri W
on Jul 13, 2014
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For the grass, cut no less than 3" (4" even better) rake the soil, plant grass seed, add gypsum, epsom salt, and compost, water regularly first year. Any crabgrass preventer must go down before Forsythia in your area blooms. When you cut grass, DO NOT bag it. The cut grass will feed the soil, and growing grass. DO NOT rake the thatch in spring, as you will only bring up weed seeds. Add more compost 1st few years, epsom salt annually, with gypsum/ lime. Would not hurt to do a soil test at your local extension center. Keep mower blades sharp.
Terri W
on Jul 13, 2014
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Hi, this really is a blank slate… and depending on where this house is… climate wise, the best suggestion I could give you, with the limited movement and easy upkeep would be to plant a nice Japanese Maple, in the middle of the front yard, in front of the windows, so that that blocks the view into that window from the street. Then it looks like you have a nice bed to the left of the porch… use some decrative holy, both low maintenance and ever green with some red berries… also it is a step in security that will deter anyone from hanging right around those front windows with holy leaves that stick in the skin… a deterent really… then the saying, Lavendar at the back gate and rosemary at the front is a welcome very nice welcome to the home… the fragrant bushes are wonderful and they grow without a lot of maintenance and tolerant of a lot of environments… right there you have a about 7 different colors that will brighten up the front yard… and relatively little expense … other than the Japanese Maple, the other plants are very affordable and very viable and easily maintained and add elegance to the surroundings… then as the yard repairs itself and the there is more time and structure you could plant some small perennials … I would stay away from annuals, they are such a difficult thing to keep up with… so perhaps some mint (bug deterent- especially spiders and ants)… then some other very nice herbs and perhaps some decorative rocks around the base of the tree and along the walk way… these can just be some river rocks that are easily secured and inexpensive… hope that helps. The japanese maple will pick up the red from the brick and the different green colors and red berries will be delightful and bright and shiny. The fragrancs will be pleasing and it could be repeated around the yard as needed.
Lynn
on Jul 13, 2014
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Definitely agree the bay window needs to be balanced--a bed mimicking the curve would look great, especially with some boxwood toward the back, and, depending on the climate and light, maybe some low hydrangea in front of the boxwood. Also, there are so many beautiful varieties of heuchera (coral bells) available that would look gorgeous in front of the hydrangea. All of these would be low maintenance, too.
CHERYL ELLIS
on Jul 13, 2014
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You have room on the front step for a small flowering tree or a small table/stool with a plant on it.Won't the company that left the tire tracks reseed the area?Have you told them that you'll call the Better Business Bureau?
Polly Zieper
on Jul 13, 2014
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I agree with the edging grass but id go down the drive with it as well. Its down my drive with path lights and works very well in making my front yard stand out without heavy cost. (You dont need a ton cause itll spread over the years and fill in) And yes, pretty shrubs that dont get all scraggly like azaleas do under the windows....Id put a bird feeder on a pole for her too but not so high she had to depend on others to fill it.
Angelia Christenson
on Jul 13, 2014
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Why don't you use de follewing link: She has an idea how to use pallets in the garden; maybe that is? lhttp://www.themicrogardener.com/
Marjo
on Jul 13, 2014
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You've received many good ideas, and I couldn't add much more, but the company that ruined the lawn should be reported to the Better Business Bureau and/or sued for the cost of fixing it.
Ann Daley
on Jul 13, 2014
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Watch planting trees to close to your house in 20 years if the roots are deep you will be replacing your plumbing. I suggest bigger brighter shutters and shutters on the small upstairs window. A window box, lots of pretty flowers around the house.
Liz Feeser-Regan
on Jul 13, 2014
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What would pots with plants look like? The important thing is they can sit on lava rock and elderly people can reach them if they are tall enough. One or two hydrangeas in a large pot would be fine.
Charlotte Fairchild
on Jul 13, 2014
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Well firstly. Congratulations! Nothing like buying a house to quicken the blood and get the creative juices going! Now I'm an australian so my aesthetic may be a bit off what your looking for. First cab off the rank. That front porch should be expanded and extended (depending on local regulations). Look at it running the length of the fron with a minimum depth of 3 meters. The nude brick is nice, but maybe it needs repointing. The previous comments about trees are spot on, my only suggestion is check where your utilities are buried and save yourself the pain in 15 years time. The tree should be planted asymmetrically on the block.Your local nursery will be a great help plus that's a good relationship to have anyway ( what's your backyard like?). Talk to them about minimum setback and invasive root problems. Apart from the tree I wouldn't go too crazy. The front yard needs a picket fence and a aromatic herbaceous border. It's not a Tudor maze so a nice straight path to the front door made out of distressed pavers or recycled brick might be the go. The borders of which you could whack in some low maintenance flowering perennials. And a letterbox! I know it's all online so letter boxes are becoming more and more like modern art. Go a bit mental!
Matthew McCoy
on Jul 13, 2014
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Wouldmake a curved flower bed in frontwith bricks. then then put, a creptle myrtle tree in the middle then plants around that ow mainteince ginger plants put, Mexican planters that lay down flat. red with colr on planters. put soloar lights around flower bed.
Jeannine
on Jul 13, 2014
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Or, creptle myrle tre in middl of yard put, bird bath in front of tree. circle tree with curbing or bricks. low bushes under windows something with color azaleas. gardenias or, lily plants or ginger plants. inger plants beautiful almost all year in the south. they will spread to does not get to high.
Jeannine
on Jul 13, 2014
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If your mother cannot garden and wants low maintenance but something that will still flower and look pretty - I would suggest losing the lawn altogether and make rock gardens and plant up with succulents. So many varieties and minimal attention or watering required. They look good - some beautiful foliage colours and they do also flower. For something more old style you could add some containers with pretty shrubs or flowers. No lawn to mow, minimal watering (if any) , no weeding (the rocks or decorative stones will keep weeds at bay) and looks good. If you do decide to plant any trees they will need a lot of watering int the first year to get them established. Tree roots can be invasive and also take all the water from a garden to the detriment of other plants thriving. I agree a bird bath and or feeder would be a good idea to keep your mother entertained, along with somewhere to sit and enjoy the garden.
Carole
on Jul 13, 2014
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Maybe a few big flower pots will add some colour ,i started all these with just slips i took from plants i have inside all winter,and added a flower from the garden center
MaeGatineau
on Jul 13, 2014
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Carole V. Windsor NSW Australia. I would get rid of the brick and plant a row of hydrangeas along the front under the window. There are some great colours now. Put a lilac in the middle of the yard which will give some shade and an incredible fragrance. Depending on how much you want to spend Geraniums are beautiful if you keep them from getting leggy by cutting them back by 3/4. These could be along the front. In the middle of the driveway you could have a flowering ground cover that practically looks after itself. The Crepe Myrtle is a great idea. But I would have more than 1. Our street plantings are Crepe Myrtles and the display is magnificent. However you fill the yard you Mum should get great pleasure from what you are doing. Well done regards Carole
Granny Carole
on Jul 14, 2014
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Paint the front door to add a pop of color! It would change the whole look of the front of the house and is the easiest thing to do... then while you're driving around the neighborhood look at other peoples homes and see if there isn't something you'd like to add to your own. I'd take my time doing up the front of the house as most of the things you'll add will be permanent. Congratulations on your new home, I wish you many years of it filled with Love, Laughter and Great Memories!
Amy Ogden-Paparone
on Jul 14, 2014
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Paint the front door (red, orangey red or apple green) for a pop of color, edge the grass and use pavers (rocks) to edge the garden. Go to a Lowe's or Kmart to get some plants/flowers that survive the CA heat. I noticed there's only one shutter on the window- place shutters or trim to match the other shutter. Place plants in pots outside and move inside during the off-season. It's cost effective and can be year-round beauty to your home.
Cyndi
on Jul 14, 2014
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Have a look around the neighbourhood to get ideas what you are able to grow. Roses can take the heat look and smell fantastic, they can also be used as hedging mixed with lavenders, irises and even succulents like the agaves. Shape your lawn to bring the eye towards the front of the house - curves. Check out a landscape design book from your local library for further ideas. Good luck & Happy gardening ;D
John J
on Jul 14, 2014
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OMG!! Thank you so much everyone, I'm writing down all the suggestions, wish I had 20 homes so I could do every suggestion, they all sound so amazing!!
Amy
on Jul 14, 2014
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how bout a pondless waterfall or decorative fountain?
Cepontzsons
on Jul 14, 2014
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Since it is for your elderly mother - plan ahead! You may need a ramp one day - Don't put a fussy flower bed or tree where a ramp will need to go. In front of the porch I would put three Plumbago auriculata, let them fill the bed. If you will plant a Natchez or Muskogee Crape Myrtle the flowers will delight her! Plant out 4 feet from the center of the front window. It will give her filtered shade and blooms that one day can be enjoyed even upstairs! On the far left corner maybe" Yellow Bells aka Esperanza is great blooms all summer long. If she likes Hummingbirds and butterflies, put a Pride of Barbados between the window and porch. Both of these plants will attract them and compliment the brick colors. On the porch, container plants will be fun, if she is still up to caring for them. : )
Bea
on Jul 14, 2014
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VERY rough sketch of some of the ideas above. I added a few curves, as your house and driveway/walkway are all very straight.
Leslie D
on Jul 15, 2014
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This house is very similar to mine, except mine is a tri-level, with the bedrooms over the garage, and the yard is a little bigger, especially the side yards. I had an awful experience with my backyard too, lost $9,000 and had to have the fence re-done for another 7,000, so I can relate. This is my first, and only house, so it's hard enough to keep up with the inside so I'm going for low to no maintenance outside. I just bought a large planter, 4 ft. wide, with a trellis, and plan on putting pots of fake flowers and garlands on the trellis. I bought 6 fake Ficus trees at an online auction, so plan to put the planter under my front window, and a Ficus on either side, in these resin barrel planters I have, fill with rocks, which I have all over the backyard, so they don't blow away, and fill up the rest of the ground with red mulch to match the brick. I was going to pay someone to put a retaining wall in, but to save money, I'm going to get some decent sized rocks for a border. In the front, where the door walks out to the lawn, I'm making a bed of mulch, with 2 large Terracotta planters, and put more fake flower bushes in them, and put in another rock border, with smaller rocks. Where the driveway meets the sidewalk I am going to make 45 degree circle of mulch on both sides of the driveway, and wind a garland of fake flowers up the mailbox post on one side, and put in another post on the other side with a solar light and house numbers, and fill in with mulch, maybe flowers at the base (also fake). Next year I'm going to plant a tree in the middle of the yard, to the side so it doesn't block my view out the window. I'm doing something similar on both sides, a smaller planter on one side, between the window wells, and three Ficus trees on the other side. I have lots more planned, including a bridge and rock stream through the front yard, but will figure that out later. Anyway, that's my plan, I just hope it doesn't end up looking too gaudy, and of course all the fake plants can be replaced with real ones, I just hate yard work, but love color, so we'll see how it all holds up with the wind, rain and snow here in Colorado. I had all these dead trees when I first moved in, got rid of all of them, 20 in all, so this is a fairly quick and easy plan, at least for awhile. I do like Leslie Ds sketch, and may try to do something like that someday to soften all the straight lines. Good luck with whatever you do.
Cindi
on Jul 20, 2016
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