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Bethlehem, GA

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That awkward patch of grass

I'm hunting for ideas and suggestions for this patch of grass between my driveway and porch. It gets mostly shade, tends to hold onto water (drainage?), and we usually walk where the stepping block is placed. I thought about a butterfly bush, but I am also concerned with it drawing bees since my son is allergic to the stings. Open to creativity and DIY!

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Awkward patch of grass... what to do?

11 Comments

Amanda M Bethlehem, GA

Sorry for the bad pic. I took it while looking down from my dining room. I'll remove the screen for the after shot!

on Sep 11, 2012 · Like 0
Amanda M Bethlehem, GA

Also, that side of the porch will soon be skirted with white lattice panels. In the future, I am considering storing rain barrels under the porch. Welcome to ideas on that as well.

on Sep 11, 2012 · Like 0
TJB-INC Landscape Contrac... Hamden, CT

A nice water fountain. Maybe a bubbling rock or pot will add interest and make your house the talk of the town. Easy to install & maintain.
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on Sep 11, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Many plants would be happy in a moist shady spot, Amanda. Ferns come immediately to mind, but you could also consider plants like Ligularia and Chelone and some types of iris. For something lower near where you want to step, you could plant a variegated ornamental grass like a Carex.

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 0
Amanda M Bethlehem, GA

@ TJB, I do like the idea of a water fountain tucked into the corner formed by the porch and steps. @Douglas, I will look into those ferns. I am in zone 7 and have alkaline soil. Many thanks to both of you!

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

My first thought was a rock garden. Something like this.....
http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/how-to-build-ro...

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 1
Amanda M Bethlehem, GA

You know, Becky, a combination of water feature, plants, and rocks is not a bad idea.

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 2
Acorn Landscaping Rochester, NY

Hey Amanda I think you are on the road to success with all the ideas generated here. Keep us posted on what you do!

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 2
Carol S Greenville, RI

Don't for get to add a gazing ball - So many great ideas - bet you can pack them all into that one baron space --- be sure to share pics - once you completed the project.

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 2
Becky Blair, NE

Glad to be of some help Amanda. We had a similar spot at our last home and when my folks redid their retaining wall beside their drive they gave me their limestone rocks to make a rock garden. What a difference it made in that baron area. Wish I'd have thought to bring them here. I have nothing in our yard from my folks home.

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 1
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

A rock garden sounds perfect. The great thing about this is that if you can set pots of colorful flowers in it to add color! And a rock garden can have any theme you want!

on Sep 14, 2012 · Like 2