cross-posted from: https://lemmy.crimedad.work/post/63959
cross-posted from: https://pixelfed.crimedad.work/p/crimedad/675140687607015636
The flowerbeds in front of my house could use some work.
I’d like to replace what I’ve got with some colorful plants, but I’m not sure what to pick that’s appropriate for the environment or even what sort of design guidelines to follow that will lead to a handsome result. Would anyone care to offer some suggestions? This side of the house gets plenty of sun and faces South. The location is in Essex County, New Jersey.
Call your county’s master gardener helpline to ask this. Trust me, they live for questions like this. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/helplines.php
I’d give you advice, but I live in Texas and know nothing about what would work in NJ.
Every county in the US ( and some are actually combined jurisdictions) has a county extension office. Their job is basically to provide you with the latest plant growing information from the USDA and whatever your local land grant university is.
Unless you live on a reservation, in which case you might not have an office you can direct questions to, because reservations are sovereign nations and not part of “counties”. Some have extension services through another govt program, but not all.
Lavender likes sun. It also likes well-drained soil and a neutral to high pH, so add lime to the soil and sprinkle more lime every year.
Source - we have Lavender in front of our house, and it didn’t die yet. It’s less than a year old, though.
In my experience, lavender either suddenly dies within 3 months of planting, or thrives exceptionally for one or two seasons then suddenly dies. I’ve given up on it
I live just outside Philadelphia, so close enough climate wise. Given that your house is raised, I think it would look good anchor the house with something full with some height. I recommend a Laurel, which is evergreen for year round color and does well in full sun. Also consider large sedge grasses flanking the stairs.
You could stop there or you can make your garden beds as deep as you want for smaller shrubs and annuals. My only design suggestion is to place plants considering it’s full grown size and not what looks best today.
There are so many choices, the best thing to do is find a locally owned garden center and talk to the staff. The one near me is staffed with landscapers and, big surprise, they love talking about plants. They will know what works best for your region and will give you tips on planting and caring.
I’d suggest refining some of your ideas. Are you looking for traditional trees and bushes, or do you want color? If you want color, which colors? Do you want something blooming every season? Do you want low maintenance? How drought tolerant should it be?
Are you looking for ornamental plants? Do you want fruiting trees or bushes? Do you want to grow your own herbs and maybe some veggies? Do you want something pollinator friendly? Etc etc.
Place moss in the bed then get garden boxes & plant local wildflowers or veggies in the box to sit on top of the moss.
Moss needs like ,no work, & local wildflowers are amazing for the pollinators. You’ll be the talk of the town.