Help to choose trees/shrubs/plants for 2 beds at front of house
Hi
We finished the build of our new contemporary house last summer and all that remains to be done is the planting of the 2 beds at the front of the house. I have no gardening experience and would really appreciate some suggestions on what I should do with the 2 beds including but not limited to;
- Planting (Trees/Shrubs/Plants - we're in Northern Ireland)?
- Ground cover
- Lighting
The bed to the right is in front of the front door which has 2 full height clear windows either side so we would like something that will provide a little bit of privacy from passersby (there won't be many). The current weed cover and beach stones around the edge are temporary, to keep weeds at bay until we decide what to do.
The bed to the left is purely there to break up the expanse of tarmac.
It's a blank canvas which I'm hoping to fill before the growing season begins.
Thanks
John
Comments (9)
Carolina
4 years ago
John Walsh
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Need inspiration for the front of my house and driveway!
Comments (43)This is a handsome house. First...symmetry. Can you make the front pillars the same height. I would lower the LH one to match RH. A strong iron railing along the LH side and in the small front piece LH. Keep front door a strong colour....dark green/blue, navy, whatever, and paint the iron railigs the same colout. Avoid lots of small pots...messy and lots to water. You could i) have a narrow raised bed along the RH wall between you and the next property planted with a mix of small evergreen shrubs and trailing plants..small Choysia Ternata, etc., There is a trailing euphorbia (Amagloides ?) which is sculptural but relaxed. ii) Acquire or have built two or three large tree pots. When they are empty, position them in various places, with bamboo canes, to see where they would work best, and how many you want. I would suggest something deciduous with autumn colour and blossom, like a prunus autumnalis; a crab apple; a quince on dwarf stock; a columnar flowering cherry,Prunus Amanogawa....the choice is huge. Avoid cottagey annuals and too much patchy, mixed planting. I would keep pots square, in harmony with the raised bed. This house is formal and urban. Keeo it elegant and with strong lines broken by the foliage and trailers. I needs beauty, not prettiness. cheers...See MoreDesign help needed with area in front of house
Comments (2)Dear John Walsh, I attached a quick sketch for you. My suggestion is to keep the drive/paved area taking the majority of the front space to maximise the parking area. I would create a terrace at point A levelling - or achieve a gentle slope - from the car's entrance and the house's door. I would created a low containing wall by the house entrance door for the level's gap between the drive and the point A. Using plants and shrubs close to the entrance of the house will add interest and colours, softening the wall's edge. My advice is to plant shrubs with a low full growth height on the private share drive's corner and to keep them regularly trimmed to maximise the visibility for local traffic. The shape of the curved part of the drive near the house's entrance door will depend on dimensions of the overall parking area and if you are likely to park your car right by the door. Not sure how busy is the main road but an edge and a high fence will reduce dust and noise (Google: Acoustic fencing). Orientation and shading is to be considered before choosing to plant threes and/or shrubs that can grow over 2m H. I hope it helps, best of luck with your project! Elena Jackson at Interior & Design...See MoreIdeas welcome for front garden raised bed
Comments (17)Sorry it’s a bit late, I’ve just seen this post. Adding to the above suggestions (I’m a lazy gardener) whatever you plant, to make an impact, create a pattern, just 2 types alternating, one taller than the other or mirror the design start at each end with a tall plant and work inwards to shorter ones or vice versa but paint the fence first. I’d keep it minimal too, plenty of space between the plants and add bark or gravel over weed suppression fabric. Trust me it saves loads of time over the year, we had a large shaded patch at the front of our house which we eventually (after 10 years of weeding ) replaced with 3 plants in the middle (holly and a hebe either side) and some bark surrounded by turf. 2 years on and I’ve only needed to pull out a small occasional weed....See MoreAny ‘hedge/shrub’ ideas for front bed
Comments (10)A continuous hedge would add to your privacy but you would need something mature or fast growing to get the benefit from in short term. I see a small hedge beside the path. Looks like box. Slow growing and disease prone so may not be the best option. I see your neighbours have what looks like a beech hedge. Beautiful year round (deciduous but leaves stay on in winter) but not very fast growing either. We planted Portuguese Laurel and, while a lovely hedge, I’ve heard since that it’s been hit by disease recently. Grisilinia is fast growing but most gardeners feel it’s like a weed! It is however the best value and fast growing I know....See More
rachelmidlands
4 years agoYour house is looking fab! I also think you’d benefit from a garden designer to give you fresh ideas and a planting plan appropriate for the soil and position. A local garden nursery may also be able to help with plants suited to your area. As for styles and design then browse through photos on Houzz, google, Instagram etc. and note down what you like about them. I think this will guide you to which style you prefer. Here’s a few ideas of various styles to start off with:
John Walsh thanked rachelmidlandsJohn Walsh
4 years ago
Sonia