If you’re thinking yews and dwarf Alberta spruce, think again
Perhaps many of us are marred from a childhood spent star at the mansion in our locality that were all landscaped the same way of life : A few boring shrub disgorge against the front foundation . In this installment we challenge the impression that creation plants have to be unworthy — or have to be traditional evergreen ( we ’re talking about you Mr. Alberta Spruce ) . Find out which plant have come up a abode against the foundations of Steve and Danielle ’s houses , and which one they ’re consider adding into the diverse mix . Then we inquire fashion designer Susan Morrison to count in on the dos and don’ts of a right foundation planting .
Expert testimonial : Susan Morrison , owner and rule at originative Exteriors Landscape Design in Northern California .
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You might think that trees have no business being along the foundation, but smaller options like Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis, Zones 4–8) are well-behaved, have a narrow footprint, and don’t have an aggressive root system that could damage the foundation.
You might think that trees have no business being along the foundation, but smaller options like Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis, Zones 4–8) are well-behaved, have a narrow footprint, and don’t have an aggressive root system that could damage the foundation.
Ornamental grasses in a foundation planting? You bet! But Steve warns to only pick ones that don’t flop and have interesting traits, like the yellow variegated ‘El Dorado’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora‘El Dorado’, Zones 4–9).
Yes, it’s small and round and evergreen, but ‘Teddy’ arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis‘Teddy’, Zones 3–7) is anything but boring. Its soft needles are a textural delight, and its compact habit means it plays well with others in a small space.
Ninebark wouldn’t typically be a good choice for a foundation because the straight species can get enormous. The cultivar Tiny Wine® (Physocarpus opulifolius‘SMPOTW’, Zones 3–8) gets only 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Its narrow, vaselike habit is stunning, especially when it gets covered in pink blooms in early summer.
