Pretty sad, huh? Between here and the front corner of the porch is where I want the hummingbird and butterfly sanctuary too. I do put out an ornamental bird bath and butterfly pool in the summer.
Asked on Apr 06, 2018
Looking for design help
by Sjt29229935
+26
Hi Everyone,
Gads this got long. I hope when I hit submit it all comes through.
I have a cement fountain that needs to be painted. It has a multi-color effect right now, mainly brown, black and a soft yellowish color that blends with the clinker brick on the house. I tried oil base Rustoleum and it sort of stuck two years ago, but not that great. I called all the paint stores, pool stores and garden centers but they were no help. Basically said it couldn't be done. Hard for me to believe there isn’t something out there people use to repaint their fountains. Sure would appreciate advice.
Also, as you can see, this is a work in progress. The pictures aren't the best, sorry. They are from early last spring when I started ripping the place apart. Right now everything here is snow covered. Let’s hear it for spring in Michigan.
I’m trying to keep the genre along the lines of a simplistic, oriental garden. Removed all the 40-year-old ewes that ran from the front door to the railing on the left and across the blank space to the right between the end of the porch railing and house. I need to find ground cover and plantings to finish the front of the house. I ripped out all the blankety-blank Baltic Ivy and now trying to find a very simple, low maintenance replacement. White stone will be way to stark against the brick and not sure I want the battle of the bugs with bark. I guess sand could work if not too stark. We do get leaves in the fall and I hope to find something that isn’t a pain picking those out. Plus, there is a very strong wind that whips across the front during storms. This is the north side of the house, so whatever plantings used need to be low light. The two short ball trees on either side of the steps can go because they are in rough shape. I also ripped out the bushes on the left corner of the garage and planted a really beautiful strawberry/vanilla hydrangea tree between the two windows. I can add a few more plantings and possibly a sculpture piece. I also want to design a little area for hummingbirds and butterflies close to the fountain so I can enjoy them when I look out the kitchen window.
To the right of the porch where the house comes forward, I have barberry bushes alternating with a bush that is a light green. Sorry can’t remember the name but you can see one in the picture. In the blank spot to the right of the birch tree I usually put in coleus or something annual because my husband wants that opening clear to drive the tractor on the porch to blow snow in the winter. Yeah, I know, he won’t let me paint the kitchen cupboards either. Men sometimes. There are two big, round planters on the porch that I fill with tall spikes, geraniums and trailing ivy. I am more than open to other options and will move plantings to achieve better balance. I am not opposed to redesigning the contour of the gardens either. When you finish this, I have the entire back of the house to do too. 
Will deeply appreciate any and all suggestions!! Thanks so much in advance!
Sandy
The tree in the corner and the one between the windows behind the fountain are ornamental Larches that have S curves. Hard to tell from the pictures. Last summer I planted annual ornamental grasses around the base of the fountain. You can see a corner of the tall planter by the railing.
There is a small red maple between the front porch and the dinette windows. You can see the round planter on the porch. There is a duplicate on the other side. They can be relocated.
That little globe tree can go and be replaced with something else. The area on both sides does need something with height. Oh yea, the upper porch by the front door could use something too. If you enlarge the picture you can see there are three different height, moss and stick planters. They too can be replace/ moved.
Bushes to the left are gone and so is that awful Baltic Ivy. The strawberry/vanilla tree is between the windows.
If you are inspired to do it yourself - I say do it. Experts are great but think of everything you will learn. I agree with taking off the vase and replacing it. I would consider a white stone base of rock it will really pop your vegetation and give it a very oriental feel. What I have observed with Japanese gardens is that less is more. Resist the temptation to buy more until you have marked off you space and laid ground tarp and put it stone. In Japanese landscaping, areas are defined. I would consider placing the fountain back or considering a smaller fountain. Good Luck.