How to know what evergreens and shrubs to plant next to my foundation?

Barb
by Barb

Our front gardens, measure 18.1x6.4 on each side of the front step and we are in the process of deciding what, and how many, evergreen, flowering shrubs, grasses and perennials to plant. Because our windows are basically in the middle of these measurements, we think they should be low and spreading evergreens. We have never done this before. This is our first house, as we always lived in a Rectory wherever we lived until we retired two years ago, and now, we are all excited about making this ours! BUT, we are a little intimidated about HOW to make it look attractive. We would appreciate any advice or ideas!

Thanks

Barb

  5 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 21, 2019

    Congratulations on both your retirement, and moving into your first home!

    Yes, it can be an exciting time of many new beginnings.


    In my experience, a common mistake that many homeowners make is planting too much, too soon, and too close to the foundation of the house.


    Understandably you are eager to start putting your own personal touches on the property. You are taking the right approach though - to ask questions, seek information, and gain knowledge first before just jumping right in, which often leads to regrets later on.


    If you are seeking a low maintenance, evergreens are usually a good choice.

    Do you have an underground sprinkler system? Where is the nearest water tap to where you think you would like to plant some perennials? Does your municipality/county have any water usage by-law restrictions?


    I would be helpful if you could post a picture of the front of your house. If we can see exactly what the space is that you have to work with, it will be easier to try to offer realistic suggestions what could be done to make the yard more attractive.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 21, 2019

    Nice post from Flipturn.

    You could also visit your local nursery and see what they would recommend.

  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 21, 2019

    There are landscaping pro’s who can help you....they come out look at your space , and is already in place. You need to have a good ideas about how you use the area. Entertaining family and friends? Plan to try a veggie garden or flowers? Where are the problem areas? Then they plat out a planting strategy.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Apr 21, 2019

    Some questions for you_Where do you live?climate? How close to the actual foundation are the beds? what is the foundation made of and is it basement,crawl space or slab? Needed considerations to make good choices for plants that will grow in your area/weather and appropriate for root systems/water flow around foundation you have.Do the beds slope away from it? Are you into gardening(going to care for what you plant) or want low maintence/care?Is the area in the sun?all day? shade?all day?roof overhang? semi-shade both sunny shady different times of day? Answer these and I'll give you some suggestions I did landscape/garden design install 22yrs

  • Barb Barb on Apr 21, 2019

    We live in Nova Scotia....but, a part of N.S. where, in the summer it is HOT...and the soil is sandy. We do not have a sprinkler system, but we do water and have a rain barrel as well.

    The front of the house is in complete sun, all day long, and there are days when it reaches thirty three plus. I realize that, anything we decide to plant, will have to be drought tolerant. We have done some in the back yard and have put in Russian sage, heather, lavender and all ave done extremely well, dwarf boxwood and grasses.

    We have also done work with top soil in the foundation gardens and sloped it away from the house, had a new paver sidewalk done to the driveway from the front steps and wood rails across the front of the garden. Now we are ready to start looking for the actual designs and plants!!