What would you plant?

[sierramist03]

Hi I usually post on HG but I need some suggestions. This is our new rental house and we would like to plant something in front of the house to make it look like home. We priced big planters and we think it would be cheaper to just plant in the ground. We are in zone 6. We want to add a couple planters by the garage and of course some stuff on the porch. We are also going to do some solar lights along the side walk. I just need ideas for in front of the window with the slope

[sierramist03]

May 30, 2013 23:47:47 GMT -5 FormerlyRR said:

What time of day is that picture? In other words, is this morning or afternoon shade? Or all day? That makes a big difference.

Honestly I have no idea I haven't even seen it in person yet :/ DH viewed it but he gets really confused on directions so I'm not sure how it faces

[sierramist03]

Thanks for the suggestions I will try and get more information once we move.

[mouse]

More questions: do you live in a drought-prone area? Do you mind watering? What's the soil quality (rocky, sandy, clay)? How long do you plan to stay? Sometimes it's hard to be patient with all those questions, but you'll have more success if you pick the right plant for your conditions. You also don't want to waste your time with anything slow growing if you won't be there long.

Looking at the picture, it looks like you have a pretty sharp slope, that'll be good for drainage, but it might require more frequent watering during a dry spell. Unless it's a wet climate, I'd choose something drought-tolerant if possible.

My advice would be to play with a plant finder, plug in your conditions (dry, sunny, clay, sand, etc) and see what you like. Select at least one large plant and large groups of any others (at least 3-5 of any plant). This is my favorite, but a midwest one might work better for you.

[sierramist03]

May 31, 2013 18:59:59 GMT -5 mouse said:

More questions: do you live in a drought-prone area? Do you mind watering? What's the soil quality (rocky, sandy, clay)? How long do you plan to stay? Sometimes it's hard to be patient with all those questions, but you'll have more success if you pick the right plant for your conditions. You also don't want to waste your time with anything slow growing if you won't be there long.

Looking at the picture, it looks like you have a pretty sharp slope, that'll be good for drainage, but it might require more frequent watering during a dry spell. Unless it's a wet climate, I'd choose something drought-tolerant if possible.

My advice would be to play with a plant finder, plug in your conditions (dry, sunny, clay, sand, etc) and see what you like. Select at least one large plant and large groups of any others (at least 3-5 of any plant). This is my favorite, but a midwest one might work better for you.

Okay I'll try to answer these the best I can. It's not a drought prone area. It's "mountainous" I'm thinking the soil with be more rock but I'm not positive. They don't typically build basements in this area. I don't mind to water but I usually forget. DH usually does a better job than me. We are hoping to stay at least 2 years but maybe up to 5--basically stay here until we buy a house. We are hoping to spend around $100. The house is about 5 years old but since it always been a rental nobody ever planted anything. We just like to make if as homey as possible. I haven't seen the neighborhood but from maps it looks like the house are very similar.
Thank you for the link

[mouse]

One shortcut I've found helpful is to drive or walk the neighborhood and take note of what's growing there that you like. I'm a visual person, so it's hard sometimes to picture a plant before it's in the landscape, seeing the neighborhood gives me a cheat sheet of what's already growing well and a way to see it in action. Plus, you can get to know your neighbors.

You might see if there's any local plant sales happening. Garden clubs frequently have them in the spring or fall. Basically someone just digs up whatever is doing well (hosta. lots of hosta.) and you can usually get a plant that thrives in your area for less than you'd pay at the nursery. Since you're not planning on staying that long, I'd try for reliable plants but not too much that's showy and expensive.

And if you don't like watering you don't have to get all cactus, but do keep an eye out for "likes moist soil" or "requires extra water during heat" and avoid them.

[wineenthusiast]

Without knowing your zone & assuming these would work, I'd probably do a mix of ferns and hostas if that area does not get a lot of sun. Both grow quickly, are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. I'd also add 2 colorful bushes or something that blooms- one by the front door stoop and one where the two sections of house vary. Just keep your eye out for something to go on sale at a local home improvement store and I think you can stay well within $100. Around here people sell great hostas at garage sales for CHEAP. Maybe that's another option.

If the area is full sun, day-lilies have nice yellow flower with a lot of greenery. I just picked up a bunch of decent sized ones for $2.50/ea so definitely budget friendly.

[sierramist03]

Okay we are moved and I have more information. The house sits east and west. The front door faces the north. It is Partly shaded and gets afternoon sun. The ground is very rocky.

[sierramist03]

Oh and we look at our neighbors and nobody else really has much either

[purrbox]

I'm not a plant expert, so take this for what it's worth, lol.

I think an Endless Summer Hydrangea (or some other hydrangea) would look great next to the door, under the first window, and some sort of shrub would look great under the second, outer window. Also, a Nelly Stevens Holly would look good just to the left of the house (or to the right, if looking at the picture).

[purrbox]

Oh, and mulch all around the plants, creating one long bed. That would look really nice and make the plants happy.