Planting question

[Deleted]

We have a planting area along the back fence which is about 4.5ft wide. It is bordered by the fence and the retaining wall.



I noted to the landscaper to plant the holly compacta shrubs (grows 4-5ft wide) at 1ft from the fence. The fence is non-privacy, aluminum so the shrub can easily go through the fence as it grows. I have requested the 1ft distance from the fence so we can add more plants in front of the shrubs in the future.

Unfortunately, they planted them at 2ft from the fence. I'm leaning towards sticking with the original plan to have the holly shrubs as close to the fence as possible to we can plant other plants in front of them in the future, instead of just having a row of holly. H thinks it's not necessary to move them since there will be some space in between the hollies. Refer to below, H is talking about the area where I drew the small plant in blue pen color.



WDYT? Would you stick with original plan or deal with the less space for future plants?

[susieq]

I would leave them where they are also.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the feedback.

For clarification, here's the fence. I never thought of it as restrictive to a plant's growth (of course I'm not a plant expert) and that being close to it would not provide breathing room.



So, leave where the shrubs are? Just making sure.

[treedimensional]

Why did the design spec compacta holly? What reason was given for this plant choice? Because I'm guessing it was based on the lowest bid, by someone who doesn't know much about plants. Compacta holly is a an overused, cheap plant. The landscaper will buy them at a big box store.
They're not particularly attractive, and offer nothing to the landscape, from an ecological perspective. You can do so much better than that for plant material.

[Deleted]

Apr 9, 2013 21:32:51 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

Why did the design spec compacta holly? What reason was given for this plant choice? Because I'm guessing it was based on the lowest bid, by someone who doesn't know much about plants. Compacta holly is a an overused, cheap plant. The landscaper will buy them at a big box store.
They're not particularly attractive, and offer nothing to the landscape, from an ecological perspective. You can do so much better than that for plant material.

Uggh! I kind of regret approving the compacta. I guess we'll see how they look over time, but I won't be opposed to replacing them. Any suggestion for a better shrub?

H likes english laurel, cryptomeria globe, and variegated fake holly (osmanthus). So we may eventually replace the compacta with one of these OR use them to fill in the space more (planting them in between the compacta). Not sure if we can at least salvage the compacta if we're not really crazy with them. I hate to think we just wasted $$$ on them.

[treedimensional]

Plant selection depends on specific criteria.
What are your goals here? The plant has to meet those needs first, then we go from there. What does the plant need to achieve? Screening?
That's why I asked why they chose Compacta Holly. When the designer presents her/his design to the client, they should walk you through it and explain precisely WHY they chose the plants they chose. Quite frankly, the only reason I would spec Compacta Holly is if the customer provided unfortunate limiting criteria, like 'I don't care what they look like, but they can't cost more than $15 apiece and I have to be able to buy them at Walmart because that's the closest store'.

[Deleted]

Apr 10, 2013 10:47:17 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

Plant selection depends on specific criteria.
What are your goals here? The plant has to meet those needs first, then we go from there. What does the plant need to achieve? Screening?
That's why I asked why they chose Compacta Holly. When the designer presents her/his design to the client, they should walk you through it and explain precisely WHY they chose the plants they chose. Quite frankly, the only reason I would spec Compacta Holly is if the customer provided unfortunate limiting criteria, like 'I don't care what they look like, but they can't cost more than $15 apiece and I have to be able to buy them at Walmart because that's the closest store'.

Unfortunately, we didn't deal with a designer.  Our builder just gave us a name of a landscaper and that was it.  And that was our only option given.  I guess I could have personally sought out a designer but I've had enough with the building process (we're now at month 18).

The plant does not need to provide privacy.  If it will fill out the 4.5ft space we have, then it should be attractive enough not to need more plants in front of it or around it.  It definitely has to be an evergreen though.

[treedimensional]

Ok, but the landscaper should be able to list off at least a few reasons why THAT plant was the winner over all other possible plants.
If you don't need privacy, why does it have to be evergreen? Because the "has to be evergreen' plants are usually those that need to block a view, or anchor the house foundation. Because you could plant a row of ornamental grasses there. They're not evergreen, but they're pretty even after they turn brown. They are wispy and soft and can easily grow through the fence, and soften the look of all the hardscape. Plus, their roots are long and fibrous, so they'd hold that strip of soil very effectively, especially if it's sloped or otherwise prone to erode (there's a few reasons). And if you hate that idea, there are plenty more options.

[Deleted]

Apr 10, 2013 22:42:36 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

Ok, but the landscaper should be able to list off at least a few reasons why THAT plant was the winner over all other possible plants.
If you don't need privacy, why does it have to be evergreen? Because the "has to be evergreen' plants are usually those that need to block a view, or anchor the house foundation. Because you could plant a row of ornamental grasses there. They're not evergreen, but they're pretty even after they turn brown. They are wispy and soft and can easily grow through the fence, and soften the look of all the hardscape. Plus, their roots are long and fibrous, so they'd hold that strip of soil very effectively, especially if it's sloped or otherwise prone to erode (there's a few reasons). And if you hate that idea, there are plenty more options.

Why evergreen?  So plant won't be all sticks.  We like seeing green in the winter.  But I guess a combo of evergreen and not won't be too bad.

We like grass though.  But don't you need to chop them down every winter?

Which grass would you recommend?  We have been looking for the right grass.

[treedimensional]

I like Miscanthus (Maidengrass). There are several species to choose from; and of course, there are other types of grass.

[Deleted]

Apr 11, 2013 13:23:37 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

I like Miscanthus (Maidengrass). There are several species to choose from; and of course, there are other types of grass.

Thanks!  We'll check it out.  But I do like it based on the pics online.