Input on landscape design

Heres a rough plan of mine, tell me if it sounds decent?

Move my Viburnum up to the level part of the hill. Move Spirea down where Viburnum was, better sun, do better with the salt, and bigger area to grow in. I will add another Azalea in the Spirea spot.

The dogwood absolutely stays put.

Need ideas for the rest of this area


I will then leave 1 of the Hydrangea, either endless summer or the blushing bride, and move the other two out back to block/breakup the small pocket next to my deck where the A/C unit, and furnace/hotwater pipes exit the foundation. i will probably add 2-3 more Hydrangeas to that area as well. Definitely 1 Oak leaf, and one more continuos bloom variety.

Thoughts on this?



I will be extending my mulch bed over to the fence, so I have a triangle of grass being dug out. (I have to dig it out to level it with rest of mulch bed) The new triangular area will measure 22' long (straight) X 26' long (angle) X 13' wide at the top. This is partial sun in the AM and then partial sun in the afternoon, ONLY AT THE TOP PORTION.

Need ideas for the rest of this area



I then am thinking of making a mulch bed around my deck 30" wide, with boxwoods in it. This will give that area, that usually gets no grass growth due to the dogs path of walking, some help and help to break up the look of the house from the yard.

Thoughts on this?


The last area I will be creating is 7' wide X 22' long. This will be next to my house, gets barely any sun besides the morning, has poor drainage, and poor soil. I need some plants here that wont get over 5'-6'. Thats the height of my windows.

No clue what to put here besides a couple Rhodi's
 
Heres a rough plan of mine, tell me if it sounds decent?

Move my Viburnum up to the level part of the hill. Move Spirea down where Viburnum was, better sun, do better with the salt, and bigger area to grow in. I will add another Azalea in the Spirea spot.

The dogwood absolutely stays put.

Need ideas for the rest of this area

This area is a small hill that is seen well from the street and drive, right? I suggest a perennial garden here, with a few woody or semi-woody plants mixed in.

I will then leave 1 of the Hydrangea, either endless summer or the blushing bride, and move the other two out back to block/breakup the small pocket next to my deck where the A/C unit, and furnace/hotwater pipes exit the foundation. i will probably add 2-3 more Hydrangeas to that area as well. Definitely 1 Oak leaf, and one more continuos bloom variety.

Thoughts on this?

I like the idea, but would suggest including an Ilex glabra or similar evergreen to screen the machinery.

I will be extending my mulch bed over to the fence, so I have a triangle of grass being dug out. (I have to dig it out to level it with rest of mulch bed) The new triangular area will measure 22' long (straight) X 26' long (angle) X 13' wide at the top. This is partial sun in the AM and then partial sun in the afternoon, ONLY AT THE TOP PORTION.

Need ideas for the rest of this area

I think a specimen plant that will be shorter than the dogwood would be a nice look... Maybe a smaller sized witch hazel, snowball viburnum, or peegee hydrangea?

I then am thinking of making a mulch bed around my deck 30" wide, with boxwoods in it. This will give that area, that usually gets no grass growth due to the dogs path of walking, some help and help to break up the look of the house from the yard.

Thoughts on this?

Boxwoods are boring. Lots of other options available.

The last area I will be creating is 7' wide X 22' long. This will be next to my house, gets barely any sun besides the morning, has poor drainage, and poor soil. I need some plants here that wont get over 5'-6'. Thats the height of my windows.

No clue what to put here besides a couple Rhodi's

Actually, this may be an awesome spot for a small Quercifolia hedge... I think this would work!

I hope I helped... this has been tough to do remote control!

-Tom
 
Tom cool ideas! I know its hard without seeing it. Come on up for a beer, a climb, and some design time!

The big mulch bed is right next to the drive, 5' above it, and next to the road. The road gets maybe 10 cars a day! lol

I am at a loss on what to plant. I have no experience with design, and limited experience with shrub/perennial selection.


For the machinery, maybe 2 hydrangea, with 3 Ilex in the front of them?

What would you suggest for around the deck? I want something that will stay small, easily pruned, and break up the look of the deck a bit.

I like your ideas for the small triangle at the top.

Quercifolia are some of my favorite plants, my wife is not a big fan, hence the other selections of Hydrangea. Will Quercifolia do well in pretty much full shade, poor drainage, and crap soil? ( I will be adding compost and amending soil here down 4"+, when I remove the grass that is currently there.)



Thanks again!
 
It's fun trying to help out; I wish I had time to take a look, but you'll be wanting to plant before that occurs LOL! I also like hearing others' feedback and bouncing it off what's already out there... Give me some more time, and I will try to give some more input.

-Tom
 
seems the Quercifolia likes full sun. so that's not the best choice for along the side of the house in full shade and poor drainage. those will however work well in conjuction with the inkberry to block my A/C unit. I will move 1 of the other endless summer over there too.

I am also thinking of some blue fescue grass for here and there out front. break up the mulch some and add some nice color in a small package.
 
Quercifolia are very shade tolerant (partial to full shade). They have long been considered a shade planting, but will tolerate full sun; I've seen many very happy ones in Southern exposures.

Where are you getting that info?

-Tom
 
BB, I'm a little confused on the new fence. Does it go from the property edge all the way to the house? Does it have a gate? If so, where is it located on this line?

I won't be much help on selecting plants because of our location differential. However, some suggestions would be to consider a ground cover on the street side to help control erosion onto the sidewalk (rather than mulch alone).

Just for fun, I will post a diagram of my thoughts this afternoon.

Sylvia
 
Consider edible landscaping and a space for vegetables! Looking into french intensive/grow intensive gardening. John Jeavons 'How to grow more vegetables' is a great read. Money spent on a dogwood could be money spent on a nice fruit tree or two. Teach the kids to grow food!
 
tom:
readin.g on a hydrangea website said they prefer partial to full sun, and will root rot easily. this locale is full shade and poor drainage.

sylvia:
goes around back yard and ends 10' from front edge of house. gate is 12' off house, perfectly centered from house to property line. there is a 12'' elevation change in 48'' of the gate so I need ideas on a small entrance from lawn to mulch bed.


TreeCo:
the dogwood is already there. I am trying to transplant what I have and add a few plants here and there. especially on the new traingle strip I am creating. I will be adding a Malus to the backyard. my wife and I love apples and the fall so its a nobrainer.


the full shade area is an add on, that would be great to fill in. around my deck is not so important. I am only staying for a few years so I don't want to dump too much money into it.
 
M. D. Vaden Landscape Concept

First glance seem to cry out "simple". Small yard fragements need simple concepts.

How about something like this. I just quickly glanced at your pics.

The clipart plants represent columnar hornbeam trees in a row - or staggered.

If you go with ornamental grasses like blue fescue those are evergreen. The tan grass is meant to be evergreen too. The red plant represents evergreen azaleas that bloom - or - could be something like compact burning bush. I tried cascading plants but don't think they would look good.

The group numbers and shapes could be increased or tweaked to fit the dimensions. But this concept would fit a dozen configurations. If 5 trees is too much - go with 3. With hornbeam though, I know that they grow into nice full height rows even if they touch.

166656-Landscape_Concept_700.jpg
 

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Re: M. D. Vaden Landscape Concept

thanks for doing that! that is really nice. I love simple designs, cluttered gardens drive me nuts.

the downside is I would have to remove all my current plants, and invest in new. I am trying to keep costs down by adding a few plants, and working with what I have though. I am only at this place for two more years or so.
 
Re: M. D. Vaden Landscape Concept

[ QUOTE ]
thanks for doing that! that is really nice. I love simple designs, cluttered gardens drive me nuts.

the downside is I would have to remove all my current plants, and invest in new. I am trying to keep costs down by adding a few plants, and working with what I have though. I am only at this place for two more years or so.

[/ QUOTE ]

What you see in the photo would cost $300

1 gallon azaleas and grasses are $5 apiece.

Hornbeam $50 apiece if you keep the size small.

Would take about 3 years to get the image look for the grasses and shrubs, and maybe 5 years for the trees - ingoring the trunk DBH.
 
I still need to figure out my landscape design program. Here is a quick sketch I did (almost embarrassed to submit it after the pro stepped in...but I need the practice).

I abbreviated my labeling so hopefully it won't be too confusing.

Starting at street side, I added a couple more spireas as this is an area (IMHO) where you will want to "block" foot traffic from walking up into your yard, and still be visually appealing. I would also consider a ground cover there instead of straight mulch.

The dogwood remains the focal point, drawn in at approx full size.

I also added more azaleas so they don't look like an after thought and grouped them along the wall (although I am still lobbying for something cascading).

The hydrangaes have been grouped along the property line to create a soft border with a larger species Viburnum toward the new fence; a matching viburnum (if site conditions allow) on the house side.

I would watch the color choices in this area so they don't appear too chaotic or mismatched. The dogwood is burgundy and so are the spirea. The hydrangeas, I think were white...or at least one was. The viburnums you have a large selection to choose from so can blend.

You will notice a birdbath (cascading fountain) has appeared in the open area beyond the gate opening. Which the birds will enjoy after snacking on the viburnum fruit. The gate now has a small landing created with flagstone; a small retaining wall may be utilized if needed.

Along the house, I have put hostas and bleeding hearts but then I thought "are the dogs in this area?" If so, they are probably too delicate.

I am presuming that the deck shrubs will get more sun than the other areas, so this might open up possibilities. But how or where do you get down from the deck onto the lawn?

The A/C screening area...I think you also mentioned air ducts? Be careful of plantings there if cold/hot air is blown out. Plants don't like that. Be sure they are planted far enough away.

I really liked many of Tom's choices and, as said before, will defer to the posters in your area.

Do not be afraid to invest in your landscaping. This is going to pay dividends upon resale (curb appeal). Also, you never know how long you will be in a place and might as well enjoy your stay.

Sylvia
 

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Re: M. D. Vaden Landscape Concept

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
thanks for doing that! that is really nice. I love simple designs, cluttered gardens drive me nuts.

the downside is I would have to remove all my current plants, and invest in new. I am trying to keep costs down by adding a few plants, and working with what I have though. I am only at this place for two more years or so.

[/ QUOTE ]

What you see in the photo would cost $300

1 gallon azaleas and grasses are $5 apiece.

Hornbeam $50 apiece if you keep the size small.

Would take about 3 years to get the image look for the grasses and shrubs, and maybe 5 years for the trees - ingoring the trunk DBH.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks MD!! I have tons of choices now.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I still need to figure out my landscape design program. Here is a quick sketch I did (almost embarrassed to submit it after the pro stepped in...but I need the practice).

I abbreviated my labeling so hopefully it won't be too confusing.

Starting at street side, I added a couple more spireas as this is an area (IMHO) where you will want to "block" foot traffic from walking up into your yard, and still be visually appealing. I would also consider a ground cover there instead of straight mulch.
This hill is VERY steep. The mulch often times runs down the hill. I need to keep this area somewhat accessible as it is my only mans of bringing a push mower into my back yard, through the mulch bed. So maybe 1 Spirea here and a few smaller, ground cover type plants? What are your suggestions for ground cover there? It gets 4+ hours of sun daily.

The dogwood remains the focal point, drawn in at approx full size.

I also added more azaleas so they don't look like an after thought and grouped them along the wall (although I am still lobbying for something cascading).
Never thought of doing that. They are short money, and I can hand snip them to keep them on the smaller side as well.

The hydrangea's have been grouped along the property line to create a soft border with a larger species Viburnum toward the new fence; a matching viburnum (if site conditions allow) on the house side.
Viburnum will work well there. This spot gets basically full sun. It has a 2-3 hour window of part shade midday. The spot down where the wall meets the house is the trouble spot. it gets 2-3 hours of filtered sunlight in the a.m. This is where I am having trouble finding a species that will work. This is also the base of a small hill, and if we have some rains storms, stays moist for a day or two after, because of the lack of sun. Need some more suggestions for here.

I would watch the color choices in this area so they don't appear too chaotic or mismatched. The dogwood is burgundy and so are the spirea. The hydrangeas, I think were white...or at least one was. The viburnums you have a large selection to choose from so can blend.

You will notice a birdbath (cascading fountain) has appeared in the open area beyond the gate opening. Which the birds will enjoy after snacking on the viburnum fruit. The gate now has a small landing created with flagstone; a small retaining wall may be utilized if needed.
I was thinking of small flagstones as well. Just loose laid into the soil. I have spare 4x4, and 6x6 rough sawn Hemlock and Larch. Should I utilize that timber on one side for a small retainer, or is timber a no no?

Along the house, I have put hostas and bleeding hearts but then I thought "are the dogs in this area?" If so, they are probably too delicate.
This area is full shade and poor drainage, and the dogs like to sit in the shade during summer. My Bulldogge also thinks he can prune any plant with his mouth, and LOVES to pee on anything that protrudes from the ground!

I am presuming that the deck shrubs will get more sun than the other areas, so this might open up possibilities. But how or where do you get down from the deck onto the lawn?
Directly toward the rear. 7' wide. It steps down onto a raised granite slab 6'x12". I am removing the mound from under it, installing one wooden step, and then resetting the granite stone. I am then going to loose lay some flagstones in that lawn area, 10'x10' total, to help with soil compaction, and the dogs ripping it up from jumping up and down. I will lay grass seed between the stones .

The A/C screening area...I think you also mentioned air ducts? Be careful of plantings there if cold/hot air is blown out. Plants don't like that. Be sure they are planted far enough away.
The plantings will be in toward the front of this area, about 6-8' away from the two small pipes that come off the furnace and hot water heater. And 4-6 feet from the front edge of the A/C unit. I want to keep the plantings here small, and simple as I do not want to overwhelm the area, and make it looked cluttered. I am leaning toward one endless summer hydrangea, and one Quercifolia. I will MAYBE add 3 inkberry in front of them in a triangular shape.....? Mulch around them, and then crushed stone the rest of the 4'-6' toward the house. My spicket is here, and the land is uneven so water will sit here and stay moist for days after a rainstorm. From my deck to my neighbors 6' high stockade fence is roughly 8'-10'. That makes this area a partial shade area. No sun until the afternoon really.

I really liked many of Tom's choices and, as said before, will defer to the posters in your area.
Everyone has had great ideas. i am learning where all these different species like to be planted, what their needs are, and mature size. This is actually turning into quite the landscape lesson for me!

Do not be afraid to invest in your landscaping. This is going to pay dividends upon resale (curb appeal). Also, you never know how long you will be in a place and might as well enjoy your stay.

Sylvia

[/ QUOTE ]
 
Definitely some important information, thanks BB.

So we need to plan an access path from street side, behind dogwood through the gate to back yard.

Exchange the viburnum next to the house for a plant that likes low sun and wet feet.

The timber would be ok to use, but the need may disappear as we create the access path.

The heavy shade area along the house (doggie day bed area)...consider pavers and potted plants as you also mentioned poor soil and poor drainage.

A tidbit I just read on Quercifolia (as I knew nothing about this plant) is that it does not like "wet feet"; so might not be a good choice by the A/C. (But would definitely defer to Tom and the people more familiar with this species.)

Inkberries, Ilex glabra, get 8 ft tall (according to what I was reading...we don't have this species here either). They are slow growing but still; is there a dwarf species you are thinking of? Or are they columnus? If not, consider a more columnar species.

For the utility area of the A/C spot, I would consider a privacy fence with a decorative vine maybe. As you said, keep it clean and simple for this difficult spot.

I'll be submitting another sketch this afternoon with some more thoughts. As you said, this is a fun and educational scenario. I am learning a lot as well.

Sylvia
 
Quercifolia definitely don't like wet feet, but this being New England (sand, rocks, more sand), I can't see how this area would stay wet, especially with the fact that it is elevated. I still think they would work. Someone mentioned leucothoe, which might work as well, as they can tolerate shade, don't like winter wind, and prefer moisture. I'm talking about the shady area by the house here.

I also still think that I. glabra would make a good screen for the AC. Yes they grow 8', but that would OK, no? I like the idea of a fence with a vine, too.

How about juniperus horizontalis to cascade over the wall? I saw an unbelievable specimen of 'Bar Harbor' today.

For the hill area by the driveway, I like Sylvia's grouping of the spirea, but I would add a stone pathway for access (with or without the mower) and some perennials and/or grasses on both sides. Someone mentioned the smaller blue fescue, which would look cool and not get too huge. My fave is Calamagrostis 'Karl Forester' (Feather reed grass), and this grass can tolerate some shade. In fact exposure changes the color of the inflorescence, which is neat. There are zillions of different types, and my opinion of them is limited to only about two years of scrutiny for different uses. Before that I just saw them as grass LOL.

-Tom
 
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