landscaping--what can I do here?

[bhnumbers]

We have this little area just outside the screen porch where nothing will grow. We had to have a french drain installed where that path is because every time it rained, the walkway in and out of the gate was a mud bog. But now that area under the overhang stays super dry and nothing grows.

Should we just put down river rocks or something there? Are there any possible plants that could actually grow there? Other suggestions? I'm in zone 7, DC area.

[rubytue]

If it’s too dry, you might be best off with some river rock. But, some weedy stuff with probably still find it’s way in. I’ve used lirope in sites where nothing else will grow before. But that was horrible dirt between pine trees. So, rocky acidic, and shady. But it still got rain.

[simpsongal]

Hmmm, I'd probably be inclined to do river rock. Certain sedges or lilirope might work, but I think it would look off balanced and unnecessary since the path is in the center of that area. If you're going to plant, I'd consider putting some sky pencil hollies along the fence but that might seem crowded. You could also put a half hanging basket and do a nice cluster of annuals on the fence for some visual interest. Or if you really want to get fancy, a living wall of some sort.

[ssmjlm]

I would probably do a bed from the left fence post against the porch down to the end of the wall planted. Then I would probably do river rocks and put a couple of big planters of annuals on top of them.

[Susie]

I think I'd probably just do river rock up against the house.  If you plant, the worst case scenario is that it doesn't thrive... and the even worse case scenario is that it does, and the roots aren't great for the foundation.

A trellis along the fence would be lovely though, maybe clematis?  Not roses because I wouldn't want thorns so close to the path, but some kind of climbing flowering plant.

[libbygrl109]

I would put rock against the house, and maybe some kind of climbing plants along the fence, like morning glories or moonflowers.

[bhnumbers]

Apr 25, 2022 7:58:06 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

I would probably do a bed from the left fence post against the porch down to the end of the wall planted. Then I would probably do river rocks and put a couple of big planters of annuals on top of them.

I really like the idea of semi-permanent planters in with the rocks there. That never occurred to me!

[sunseeker]

What about some ivy?