Bushes for front yard
14 Best Shrubs for the Front of the House
Photo: istockphoto.com
Shrubs are the foundation plants that enhance a home’s curb appeal and personality. Carefully select the best shrubs to add privacy, block street noise, and transform a house into an inviting home with natural beauty.
While you’re at it, planting the right landscaping shrubs in front of your house can actually increase its property value. Past studies have shown that well-landscaped homes can sell for 5.5 to 12.7 percent more than they might otherwise be worth. A mature landscape incorporating the best shrubs for the front of the house can boost curb appeal, so consider the following shrubs for your front landscape.
1. BoxwoodPhoto: istockphoto.com
With its glossy leaves, the boxwood is one of the most popular low-maintenance evergreen shrubs. One option is Franklin’s Gem Boxwood, which reaches about 2 feet tall. Because of its short stature, this boxwood can be planted in front of taller shrubs or along walkways for year-round greenery that won’t overtake the sidewalk. Meanwhile, Winter Gem is a slow-growing boxwood shrub reaching 6 to 8 feet tall, but it can be easily pruned to shape.
Best For: A manicured, neat appearance in partial or full sun.
2. AzaleaPhoto: istockphoto.com
A deciduous cousin of rhododendron, the azalea features dense, dark foliage crowned in the spring by vibrant—sometimes fragrant—blooms of white, purple, pink, red, yellow, or orange. Accepting full sun or partial shade, azaleas prefer rich, moist but well-draining soil in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Most are small or medium in size at 3 to 6 feet tall, but they can be pruned for shape, size, and structure. They typically add a natural, informal style to landscapes.
Best For: Added bursts of spring color.
3. RhododendronPhoto: istockphoto.com
Because rhododendron varieties are evergreen and have larger leaves, these perennial shrubs are sometimes used in privacy hedges. Like their azalea relatives, rhodies are low-maintenance woody shrubs that prefer partial shade or dappled light, with some wind protection, in zones 5 to 8. They produce flower clusters in white, pink, purple, red, or orange in the spring.
Best For: Specimen or screening plants.
RELATED: 10 Colorful Shrubs for a Standout Winter Garden
4. HydrangeaPhoto: istockphoto.com
For showy, long-lasting blooms in white, pink, blue, or purple (depending on your soil’s pH) from summer through fall, the hydrangea can’t be beat. Most are deciduous, with lush green foliage. Their natural form lends an informal look, but varieties that grow taller at about 3 to 5 feet high and wide can be pruned to shape. This easy- and fast-growing shrub prefers partial shade, dappled light, or morning sun in zones 5 to 9.
Best For: Informal landscapes or cottage gardens.
5. RosePhoto: istockphoto. com
Roses, beloved symbols of love and beauty, are some of the most popular shrubs for full sun in zones 3 to 9. Many hybrids are available in colors ranging from white to pink, red, lavender, orange, and yellow, and the flowers are single or double. Heirloom cultivars are often fragrant. Most rose bushes grow 3 to 5 feet tall and spread up to 3 feet. Knock Out Roses are known to be particularly easy to grow. Pruning roses can be tricky due to their thorns, and some varieties are susceptible to disease.
Best For: Pairing with foliage plants.
6. JuniperPhoto: istockphoto.com
Junipers are evergreen low-growing shrubs that thrive in full sun. Some varieties such as Blue Star have an aquamarine or blue tint to their foliage. Spreading up to 4 feet, junipers are perfect for foundation planting. While many types grow slowly, they can reach up to 6 feet tall. They tolerate most soils, are drought-tolerant, and are known to be low-maintenance evergreen shrubs in zones 3 to 9.
Best For: Low-effort winter color.
7. YewPhoto: istockphoto.com
A soft-needled, slow-growing evergreen conifer, the yew is usually counted among low-maintenance shrubs for shaded areas, although it can also handle full sun. Its dense foliage and ability to grow to 20 feet tall makes it a popular privacy hedge choice in zones 4 to 7. However, some dwarf varieties are shorter and yews are easy to prune to size or shape, endearing them to gardeners who value formal landscapes. Red berries punctuate their finely textured green foliage. All parts of the yew plant are toxic.
Best For: Any space that calls for an attractive evergreen.
8. EuonymusPhoto: istockphoto.com
Another of the shrubs for shade in the front of the house, Euonymus is a low-maintenance hardy shrub genus that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Of the more than 175 varieties, Burning Bush is probably the most familiar cultivar, thanks to its fiery red fall foliage that makes it among popular yard plants. These fast-growing shrubs can be left to grow freely in zones 5 to 9, easily topping 6 feet, or they can be manicured to shape or to form a hedge.
Best For: Accentuating the yard with beautiful foliage or forming a compact hedge.
RELATED: The 15 Best Trees and Shrubs to Grow for Backyard Privacy
9. HollyPhoto: istockphoto.com
This holiday favorite is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub with dark-green, glossy, notched leaves and bright red winter berries that attract birds. Some holly cultivars can grow to a staggering height of 30 feet, forming a trimmable privacy hedge, while others remain low-growing shrubs. Many holly varieties grow slowly and do well in full sun or partial shade. Mature hollies are drought-tolerant and can handle a variety of soil types.
Best For: Producing pretty berries in winter and small flowers in spring.
10. WeigelaPhoto: greatgardenplants. com
One of spring’s most colorful shrubs, Weigela features yellow, white, pink or red funnel-shaped blooms. Some cultivars have variegated or purple leaves, adding to the colorful display. The sun-loving Weigela can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide and can be pruned, but flowers bloom on the previous year’s branches. Dwarf varieties are less likely to obscure windows on the front of the house.
Best For: Spots with full sun, moist to well-draining soil, and plenty of room to spread.
11. InkberryPhoto: denchfieldnursery.com
The inkberry is a low-growing evergreen featuring dark green foliage and long-lasting tiny white flowers that fade into dark blue berries favored by birds. Growing to a height of only 3 to 4 feet, this slow-growing shrub has a mounding habit that lends itself to formal gardens. It can be grown in containers on a sunny or partially shaded front porch in zones 4 to 9, but because it also tolerates poorly draining soil, it’s suitable for a pond or river edge.
Best For: Foundation planting or container gardening.
12. ForsythiaPhoto: istockphoto.com
The bold yellow flowers of the forsythia herald the coming of springtime in many areas. Once its foliage appears to dim the yellow buds’ brilliance, this fast-growing, low-maintenance shrub blends into the landscape through fall. Deciduous forsythia can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, although its arching branches can be pruned to shape, making it an excellent choice for hedges. It’s tolerant of poor soils, moderate drought, and partial shade, but plant it in full sun in zones 5 to 8 to see its golden glory.
Best For: Locations with ample space to spread.
13. SpireaPhoto: istockphoto.com
Spirea is one of the easiest and most popular shrubs in zones 4 to 8. This fast grower can be used as a specimen plant or featured in groupings as a hedge or border. Bridal wreath spirea produces tiny bouquets of sweet-smelling white flowers on loose, arching branches in the spring, while Japanese spirea features purple flower clusters that last through summer. Different cultivars can grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide, but they can be pruned. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Best For: Masses of cascading flowers in spring or summer (depending on the cultivar).
14. ViburnumPhoto: istockphoto.com
A fast-growing native shrub genus that produces large “balls” of fragrant white flowers is the Viburnum. Reaching as tall as 30 feet and up to 15 feet wide, this woody shrub must be planted where it has room to grow, but it can be successful as a foundation plant, screen, hedge, or border in zones 2 to 11. It needs a minimum of 6 feet from a house to give it room to mature. Across over 150 species of Viburnum, foliage ranges from glossy green to dull dark green, but Viburnum turns scarlet or purple in the fall. Different cultivars like partial to full sun, with well-draining, moist soil.
Best For: Large, fragrant, showy blooms.
RELATED: 12 Fast-Growing Shrubs to Plant This Fall
Best shrubs for the front of the house |
Planting one of the best shrubs for the front of the house in your front yard will imbue the entrance to your home with character and personality, creating structure, a refuge for wildlife and a frame for your front porch.
Introducing greenery and foliage to your front yard ideas will increase the curb appeal, while adding flowering shrubs will bring with them beauty and fragrance in equal measure. When planted in the right location, the right shrubs for the front of the house can also be used to provide privacy, block unsightly views and reduce noise pollution – so working them into your front yard landscaping ideas is a must.
‘When choosing a shrub for your front yard – pay more attention to your local hardiness zone than anything else. Your hardiness zone determines which shrubs will survive and thrive in your front yard,’ says Elle Meager, founder and CEO of Outdoor Happens .
Shrubs for the front of the house
There are species of shrubs for the front of the house to suit almost any type of home and garden. From towering specimens that are great for achieving your garden privacy ideas, to the prettiest floral varieties and the best low growing shrubs for the front of the house to incorporate into your small front garden ideas, adding one of these shrubs will help you to create a warm welcome to your home.
The best shrubs for the front of the house are also great companions for the best trees for front yards, as together they will add height, color and texture to the front of your home. Landscaping with evergreens is also the most environmentally friendly option.
1. Best floral shrub for the front of the house
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Shrub roses make for stunning front yard cottage garden ideas. Unlike other types of roses, shrub roses have a bushy appearance making them a great addition to front yard flower bed ideas as well as to rose gardens.
According to experts at David Austen : 'Shrub roses look best when planted in groups of three or more of the same variety. They will then grow together to form one dense shrub, which will provide a more continuous display and make a more definite statement in the border.'
If growing shrub roses, then it is important that you know how to prune roses. 'For bush and shrub roses prune down to half their height in spring and remove all dead wood,' advises Period Living garden expert Leigh Clapp. 'Don’t, however, prune English shrub roses too hard over the first couple of years, until they have established, to help the stems mature and support the blooms.'
2. Best low growing shrub for the front of the house
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If you only have a small front yard, then looking for low growing shrubs for the front of the house will be a better option. Despite only having a small footprint, lavender makes a big impression. Lavender are great low growing shrubs for the front of the house and has a signature fragrance that offers a warm welcome as you approach your front door.
'Though it can only grow about one foot in height, its 2 inch wide blossoms are loved by butterflies and bees,' says gardening expert Lindsey Hyland of Urban Organic Yield . This makes them a great choice if you are trying to incorporate more wildlife garden ideas into your front yard.
A staple of front yard walkway ideas, 'lavender is a popular choice for foundation plantings and when established, they are drought tolerant plants, but they are best placed in full sun,' continues Lindsey. Planting drought tolerant shrubs in the front of the house will help to keep your front yard even during the driest summers.
3. Best shrub for the front of the house for a show-stopping display
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Part of the rhododendron family, azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs that are favored for their long-lasting blooms. Popular plants for flower bed ideas, azaleas are great shrubs for the front of the house as their large size makes a bold impression. 'The azalea features long, leathery, egg-shaped leaves as well as showy white, magenta pink flowers with ruffled petals. This outstanding flower can become the focal point of every garden,' says Victoria Kuchinskaya, a plant physiologist for the NatureID app .
If deciding to grow azalea shrubs for the front of the house, it is also important that you know how to prune azaleas to enjoy the best from them.
4. Best evergreen shrubs for the front of the house
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Evergreen shrubs are one of the best shrubs for the front of the house as they offer year-round character and interest to your front garden ideas.
'Winter Gem Boxwood shrub is a common type of low-growing shrub that is perfect for growing at the front of your house,' says Shannon Bernadin, botanist and creator of The African Garden . 'It is a dense and bushy shrub that is evergreen and super easy to maintain. It will provide greenery to the front of your house all year round. '
Plus, boxwood shrubs are one of the best low growing shrubs for the front of the house.
5. Best winter interest shrubs for the front of the house
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Holly shrubs can be grown as either a small tree or a shrub and is a great addition to the front of the house. Characterized by dark green, sharp leaves, they are great evergreen trees for gardens and can also be grown into a hedge to provide garden privacy.
Holly comes into its own in the winter, with its bright red berries adding vibrancy to your garden during the bleakest winter months. As well as providing aesthetic interest, the berries are also great for feeding birds in winter.
'Another tremendous benefit of holly shrubs is that they come in many cultivars. Whether you live in North Carolina or frosty New England – you can find a holly shrub that will acclimate to your area,' says Elle Meager. 'However, one word of warning: holly shrub cultivars vary substantially in their size. Some maintain a height of only a few feet, while others skyrocket to over 30 feet.’
6. Best colorful shrub for the front of the house
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Hydrangeas are unusual in the fact that their color is defined by the soil pH. 'An acid soil ( pH below 7) will usually produce flower color closer to blue, whereas an alkaline soil (pH above 7) will produce pinker flowers,' explains Victoria Kuchinskaya. Hydrangeas can be grown either in the ground or in a pot, making them a great choice for small front garden ideas.
Most hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, however there are some evergreen varieties that can make for great shrubs for the front of the house. 'Hydrangeas are a versatile choice with an array of options on offer to match your color scheme and work beautifully in more formal front gardens. They prefer sun in the morning with some shade in the afternoon,' says garden expert Leigh Clapp.
7. Best floral shrub for the front of the house
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Part of the verbena family, Lantana camara is a fast-growing shrub that is native to Central and South America. Characterized by its colorful flowers in carnival shades, its pretty blooms catch the eye and produce a sweet tutti frutti scent. Typically growing around 2m tall, it creates a bold statement that will make it a welcome addition to the front of the house.
Furthermore, they're a great addition to other wildlife garden ideas. 'All butterflies and bees go mad for this, and it's incredibly easy to grow in a pot or border,' says plantswoman Sarah Raven .
8. Best flowering winter shrub for the front of the house
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Camellias have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, quickly becoming favorite shrubs for the front of the house. Loved for their flamboyant flowers, they are one of the first flowers, offering a cheery display through the darker months of the year.
'Camellias have been hybridized to create more durable flowers and longer bloom times and the pink 'Winter's Star' is lovely in late fall and early winter. Camellia 'Winter's Snowman" blooms earlier in white, usually in October or November where we are in Washington,' says Robert Bell, principal at Bell Design .
As such, camellias are one of the best winter plants for pots and borders, and would make a stunning container display on the front porch. If growing these beautiful shrubs, it is vital to know how to prune camellias to get the best out of these pretty plants.
9. The best wildife shrubs for the front of the house bush (Buddleja davidii)
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Jacky Parker Photography)
If you are looking for shrubs for the front of the house that will help you to incorporate wildlife garden ideas into your plot, then buddleja is a must.
'Perfect for adding to front yard cottage garden ideas, buddleja can be grown as an ornamental plant pretty much anywhere,' says Victoria Kuchinskaya. 'Furthermore, it is fast-growing and not in the least fastidious. Unfortunately, however, Buddleja davidii is considered to be an invasive species in some U.S. regions so be careful before you add it into your garden.'
10. Best shrub for the front of the house for privacy
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You can't help but fall in love with the cheery yellow color of forsythia's flowers. They are characterful shrubs for the front of the house that will brighten even the greyest spring day.
'They offer speedy growth, beautiful blossoms in the spring. Because they grow so fast and offer thick foliage, they make unrivaled screeners – especially if you want a privacy hedge in front of your home quickly,' says Elle Meager. In fact forsythia are one of the best fast-growing hedges for both privacy and interest.
'You'll need to prune your forsythia regularly because they grow seemingly overnight! Expect them to grow well over 12 inches per year. Some may reach a height of up to 10 feet – and some even slightly taller. However, there are smaller cultivars that are great for incorporating into your small front garden ideas,' continues Elle.
Which small shrubs for the front of the house look good year-round?
Evergreen small shrubs look good all year round. Since they don't lose their leaves they continually add life to the front of your house. Holly, camellias and boxwoods are all good options that bring year round interest to the front of your house.
What shrubs look good in front of the house?
Lavender, shrub roses, forsythia and hydrangeas are all shrubs that look good in front of the house. 'I always recommend a variety of shrubs, plants, and flowers for the front of your home – especially if you intend on building a privacy screen or supporting wildlife,' says Elle Meager.
what to choose and where to plant
Ornamental shrubs play a significant role in the landscape design of the garden. Sometimes they form "skeletal landings", which become the central axis of the composition. In some cases, they are used as a bright accent against the backdrop of garden plantings. They are used to create hedges or cut out of them geometric shapes. Today it is already impossible to imagine the modern design of gardens and parks without the whole variety of decorative deciduous and flowering shrubs.
Shrubs are the link between trees and herbaceous plants
Contents
- 1 Variety of assortment: what to choose for decorating your garden?
- 2 What to consider when choosing ornamental shrubs?
- 3 Trees and shrubs in garden landscaping
- 4 Compositions of trees and shrubs in the garden
- 5 How to arrange trees and shrubs in the garden?
- 6 Trees and shrubs in garden design - the best "candidates" for landscape compositions
- 7 The original arrangement of trees and shrubs in the garden
- 8 Popular decorative foliage shrubs and the art of topiary cutting
- 9 Flowering shrubs in your garden: photos, varieties, application
- 10 How to plant and care for plants?
- 11 Video review from the expert: Ornamental shrubs that bloom all summer
- 12 Photo: Shrubs in the garden landscape
- 12. 1 See also
A variety of assortment: what to choose for decorating a personal plot?
Varieties and varieties of shrubs that are used in landscape design - a great variety. Gardening stores offer a wide range of such goods. In order for the purchase to be successful and please for many years, you must first decide on its purpose.
Shrubs can decorate different areas in the garden
Shrubs in landscaping can perform several different functions:
- Plot decoration. This is the main purpose of plantations. They have been used for many years to decorate courtyards of private houses, parks, and areas near city buildings.
- Arrangement of a recreation area. A great option for creating a comfortable and cool gazebo is to plant the perimeter with evergreen thujas or junipers. Then such plantings will bring health benefits. After all, cypress trees are famous for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Tree replacement. Trees take up a lot of space. They have a spreading crown and deep roots. They create shading and do not allow other "green inhabitants" of the plot to develop normally. Shrubs do not have such negative qualities. Low-growing and medium-sized species allow you to create beautiful landscape compositions without harming the rest of the flora on the site.
- Fencing. Often ornamental shrubs play the role of hedges. They do an excellent job of demarcating land boundaries. They are cut and often given geometric or fantasy shapes.
- Connecting link in planning. In multi-component landscaping schemes, shrubs can connect garden elements together. They are often planted between trees. At the same time, they help to form an organic garden composition.
- Bright accent. There are many decorative flowering varieties that, with their lush inflorescences, will enliven the monotonous construction of the garden landscape.
Shrubs look good at forks and bends in garden paths
But, of course, the main purpose of shrubs in landscape design is the decoration of the garden.
See alsoCreating a flower garden is a form of creative self-expression
What should be considered when choosing ornamental shrubs?
When buying ornamental shrubs, it is important to remember that each of them has its own characteristics. Care for each of the varieties is different - there are capricious and unpretentious cultures. So, if you decide to give your garden artistic content, then you need to consider the following nuances.
Function . First of all, you need to decide what ornamental trees or bushes are bought for. Some varieties are selected for zoning the site, and others for decorating a pergola or gazebo.
Shrubs planted on the border of the site will protect from drafts and prying eyes
Compatibility with other crops . If there are already trees on the site, then it is more advisable to use medium-sized shrubs. They harmoniously fit into the overall picture.
Dimensions . When deciding on a choice, do not forget to ask how large the plant grows in height and width. The height of some varieties can surpass even trees. There are also antipodes to giants - dwarf and medium-sized varieties. They are labeled "nana". It is better to plant them in groups so that they do not get lost in the space of the land.
Compact varieties with unusual foliage, such as Thunberg barberry 9, are suitable for a small garden0003
Direction of growth . When choosing a variety, it must be borne in mind that, depending on the direction of growth, ornamental shrubs are divided into three large groups:
- Vertical. They look like trees, growing up. They have well-defined trunks and a high crown. An example is the hawthorn.
- Horizontal. The width of the crown is much greater than the height of the trunk. The location is horizontal to the ground. Sometimes they form an almost even parallel with the soil, such as, for example, a horizontal juniper.
- Spherical. This class includes all varieties with a rounded crown, such as lilac or viburnum.
Kalina will delight you with red berries in autumn, which will remain in the winter if they are not collected for jam
In landscape design, varieties with different growth directions are used to play with the space of a personal plot and create real artistic masterpieces.
Rose bushes are a great way to break up the monotony of a grassy lawn
See alsoDo-it-yourself country design from improvised materials
Trees and shrubs in the landscape design of the garden
Shrubs can be planted in separate islands. But groups that use diverse bushes and trees look much more interesting. Mini-groups look especially impressive.
Mixed garden composition of coniferous and deciduous shrubs
What makes them special:
- Compact. A small amount of space is involved. No more than 2-4 types of crops are used.
- Vertical structure of the garden. Such plantings form a vertical around which further construction of the composition is carried out.
- Background for other plant ensembles. Mini plantings will be an excellent backdrop for other plantings and compositions.
Any garden composition should look good from different points of the plot
See alsoLandscape plants
Arrangements of trees and shrubs in the garden
Such a complex in the language of landscape designers sounds like "skeletal landings". They are called so because they create the "backbone" of the garden, on which the rest of the "vegetative content" is built up. "Skeleton plantings" serve as a durable "canvas" for perennials and annuals. And if single plants are a catchy accent in the composition, then ensembles set the style and form the structure of the arboretum.
Plants of different shapes and sizes should be present in each group
See alsoCreating a harmonious garden design
How to arrange trees and shrubs in the garden?
Selecting and arranging plants in complex plantings is not so easy as it seems at first glance. To do this, you need to take into account several factors:
- Planting material dimensions.
- Massive crown and overall dimensions.
- Silhouette, which forms this or that horticultural culture.
- The visual effect that an individual planting or group of plantings will have.
Spectacular company - shrubs with various foliage colors and flowering plants
Rules for drawing up landscape compositions in which trees and shrubs participate:
- Choose species that differ in growth form. Trees blend well with squat shrubs. A successful tandem is an ornamental cherry with one of the representatives of cypress or rhododendrons.
- Create contrast with colors. Against the background of the dark green foliage that wraps the trees, you need to make a few strokes of a bright or variegated color. Varieties of bushes with speckled, pockmarked, spotted or striped leaves will help in this.
- Combine a dense and “openwork” crown in a duet. So massive and dense spruce branches will be wonderfully combined with small-leaved trees.
- Arrange trees and bushes in rows. It is impossible to plant all landing elements in one line. It is advisable to arrange them in several rows. It is important to bear in mind that the first row should not overlap the crown of the next by more than 30%.
Be sure to plant conifers that will not make the garden look dull in winter
Trees and shrubs in garden design - the best "candidates" for landscape compositions
Hydrangea and rhododendron are ideal options for creating complex plantings in the garden. In landscape design, such a combination is considered classic and most successful. Firstly, both have two indisputable advantages - a dense crown of leaves and lush inflorescences. Secondly, they bloom, replacing each other and providing beautiful flower caps for almost the entire warm season. They can be supplemented in the foreground with other "neighbors": kerria, weigela, spirea, action. Then planting from spring to autumn will delight with a riot of colors and incredible beauty.
Hydrangea blooms in large dense inflorescences spherical or cone-shaped
Azalea and rhododendrons in front of the main entrance of a private house
See alsoDecoration of the garden plot: the secrets of arranging affordable means
The original arrangement of trees and shrubs in the garden
The garden will become much more original if you choose an unusual design style for it. You can try to create a landscape design in a regular style.
Geometrically correct forms - the main difference between a garden in a regular style
Its main features:
- Geometric shapes. Landings are arranged according to strict geometric rules.
- Flat crown. Foliage and branches are trimmed, achieving a perfectly flat surface.
- Varieties suitable for shearing. Varieties are selected that are easily amenable to topiary design: western thuja, small-leaved linden, shadberry, hawthorn, common juniper, yew berry, boxwood, privet. Only then can the rectangular, square and spherical silhouettes for which regular gardens are famous be formed.
Regular style likes order in everything, paths should be straight and flower beds symmetrical
If you don't like the severity of forms, then there is another unusual option - a landscape garden. Straight lines and clear geometry are alien to him. It imitates the nature of the wild corners of the forest.
Landscape style is simple and natural, just like in the wild
Features:
- Natural and slightly careless. The garden should remotely resemble a forest edge.
- Combination of different types of plants - coniferous and deciduous.
- Absence of straight cut crowns. They are as close to nature as possible.
- Diverse combinations of coniferous and shrub varieties. In one planting, spruce, juniper and thuja are wonderfully combined with hawthorn, snowberry and vesicle.
Dark green juniper needles set off light barberry foliage
See alsoDesign ideas for decorating a terrace
Popular ornamental foliage shrubs and topiary art
Nature has endowed some shrubs with foliage of incredible beauty. They are valued among gardeners no less than flowering varieties. Their foliage is striking in a variety of shapes and colors. At a great price for landscape designers are such decorative and deciduous varieties as:
- Japanese maple;
- aralia;
- barberry;
- vesicle;
- stephanander.
Japanese maple with an unusual crown of red shade will make the garden extraordinarily picturesque during the entire warm period
In addition, many specimens from this group are used to form hedges. Privet, European euonymus, caragana, white derain, Tatar honeysuckle, silver sucker - all of them are also great for zoning the site.
Privet is excellent for hedges
All varieties suitable for hedges are excellent material for topiary or topiary cutting. To create garden figurines from the crown, coniferous species are also used - juniper, western thuja. From them you can cut intricate spirals, triangles, balls. Or create silhouettes of birds and animals. But for this you need a special frame, which is overgrown with branches. Then the desired figure is cut along the contour of the frame.
Vesicle bushes easily tolerate shearing
See also How to decorate the yard with your own hands
Flowering shrubs in your garden: photo, varieties, application
Flowering varieties are a double bonus for the grower. They not only delight with their decorative foliage, but also fascinate with caps of inflorescences.
The ideal place for planting rhododendrons is partial shade under large, old trees
Most popular flowering species:
- Rhododendron. It is considered the most beautiful, but also the most demanding and difficult to care for. But if you learn the rules of care, then it will become the central decoration of the garden. Inflorescences can be of different shades - from white and pink to purple and purple.
- Hydrangea. In gardening, the tree-like hydrangea is most valued - not too picky in care, but very beautiful during flowering. Shades of spherical inflorescences are very different. From white and beige to lilac and blue. Moreover, the color often depends on the composition of the soil.
- Spirea. Unpretentious, hardy, generously decorated with flowing flowering branches. There are varieties that bloom in spring or summer. The color of the inflorescences is from snow-white to bright pink.
- Jasmine. It can impress not only with snow-white flowers, but also with a pleasant aroma. If you choose the right variety depending on the climate of the region, then there should not be any special problems during cultivation.
Jasmine is quite undemanding to the planting site and will grow both in the sun and in shade
The following “garden dwellers” can be counted among the no less luxurious blooming assortment:
- Fieldfare;
- hawthorn;
- lilac;
- forsythia;
- wild rose;
- viburnum;
- mock orange;
- park roses;
- buddley.
Forsythia bushes planted along a metal fence
See alsoLandscaping tips for beginners
How to properly plant and care for plants?
When landing, it is important to follow a few rules:
- It is advisable to plant the seedling in autumn.
- Bush hole - spacious, the roots should not be crowded when planting.
- The bottom of the pit is slightly loosened, some compost is added and a long-acting fertilizer is applied.
- In the center of the pit there is a peg to which the seedling is tied after planting.
- The roots of the layering must be straightened and laid out along the bottom of the hole.
- The soil must be carefully trampled down during planting.
- A round groove is made around the seedling so that water does not spread.
- After planting, the bush is watered abundantly.
When planting, it is important to take into account the subsequent growth of the shrub and its adult dimensions, so that later the plant does not have to be transplanted to another place
Further care depends on the variety. But there are a few general recommendations: the soil around the branches should be periodically loosened and watered. Shoots are pruned from time to time, and old branches are removed. Faded inflorescences are cut off so that the bush does not lose its decorative effect.
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Photo: Shrubs in the garden landscape
tips, ideas, ready-made solutions for landscaping the yard
Contents
- Landscape design
- Principles of planning a yard near a private house
- How to effectively arrange recreation areas
- Front yard seating area
- Backyard landscaping
- Paths and paving
- Yard plants
- Bulbs
- Conifers
- Lianas
- 0
- 0 0009 Lighting of a country house
- Landscape features of the yard
- Design of a small yard
- Design of a yard on a plot of 10 acres
- Design of a yard on a plot of 15 acres
- Design of a yard: photo
Landscaping
Before you start designing, you need to consider a plan of action. To begin with, we determine how you want to see your yard. Is it a picturesque garden or a place to spend time with friends? Or maybe you like to climb into a secluded corner to read your favorite books?
Improvement of the yard of a private house begins with planning. A good start would be to make a sketch on paper with a rough plan for the location of the main areas of the territory. Approximately you can mark:
- the house itself;
- other large buildings;
- places where pipes run;
- large trees you plan to keep;
- places of shade and sun.
If available, places with difficult areas (high humidity, large stones, etc.) can be mapped.
This will start a rough idea of what can be successfully implemented on your site. It will be more convenient to think over the location of zones, plants and decor elements. Taking into account the sunny and shady sides and soil moisture, we select suitable plants.
Principles for planning a yard near a private house
Of course, there are no rules for planning your own plot. But for convenience, it is better to think about the correct distribution of zones. Usually the house occupies only 10% of the site, if it is large, but for small areas, the parameters change to a third of the territory.
Even owners of small plots of about 6 acres should think about space zoning. To ensure that the style of the entire yard is harmonious and echoes, use similar forms of structures. Separate these zones can:
- decorative elements;
- light;
- plants.
For the convenience of the owners and guests, gazebos are placed not far from the entrance to the site - so as not to wade deeper every time you want to sit there.
Children's activities are located closer to home so that you can look after the little ones.
Those who like to grow food in the garden will prefer straight lines and paths. If you are an aesthete and only intend to admire the view, then the exquisite and unusual forms of both buildings and paths are for you.
How to effectively arrange recreation areas
In order to feel comfortable and quickly manage the household, it is better to have nearby areas that are close in purpose.
It is also convenient to combine zones for their subsequent use according to their actual purpose. For example, combine a terrace and a gazebo or a dining room with a kitchen. This is a good tip for owners of small areas.
Recreation area in the front yard
As mentioned above, the front yard is well suited for a gazebo. We also add plants and landscape composition here and get a beautiful view.
If space permits, large decorative elements can be added:
- pond;
- waterfall;
- fountain.
Water has a positive effect on the atmosphere of the recreation area. Just imagine how pleasant it will be to drink morning tea or meet guests in such an environment.
If you like solitude, then you will feel most comfortable without prying eyes while drinking tea or reading a book on a bench or in a hammock. Therefore, many people prefer to build a high fence around their site. But for some, frequent communication with neighbors is by no means a hindrance.
How to arrange a back yard
The adjacent territory of a private house suggests the location of a recreation area with secluded places. If you make a canopy, then even rain will not be terrible for the lover to spend a lot of time outdoors near the garden.
The backyard often has a barbecue, sports fields or swings. This area is also decorated with plants. Tall trees look good in this part of the territory.
Paths and paving
Before building roads on the site, you need to think about their location. It is best, as before, to take a sheet of paper and draw a plan. You can also use special programs on your computer. To begin with, we determine the main passages and after that we look for the most convenient location for additional ones.
Not all roads can be paved with expensive natural stone, but crushed stone can be used for auxiliary passages.
Well-thought-out passages will be a real lifesaver when moving around the area after rain.
A hard surface finish helps keep the area clean. Most of the territory is laid out with pavement tiles:
- paths leading from one zone to another;
- main area around the house.
It is more comfortable to walk on large tiles, on which the foot becomes completely, if you lay out a path with a distance between the elements (which looks very nice).
Paving stones are suitable for playground decoration. Decking is also used - a material that imitates wood. Often the paths are done like this: they put a curb and pour small gravel. This option is pretty easy to do. It will take a little longer to pave the necessary sections of the yard.
Don't forget about route coverage. Also, to make it more comfortable to move around the site, take into account the location of the pipes so as not to step over them every time. We also recommend paying attention to the following details:
- The relief of the site. A slight slope is created on the paths so that water does not collect if it passes through a lowland.
- If deciduous trees are supposed to be located above the path, then it is better to refuse bulk gravel or crushed stone paths, as falling leaves will clog the path and spoil the view.
- Do not make sharp turns or frequent bends in the trail, as a shorter route is usually cut across your lawn, which will subsequently be trampled in such places.
- The width of the road should be enough to pass freely and carry the necessary household items.
- Consider the overall landscaping of the yard when choosing path designs to match the overall style of the site.
Pre-calculate how much building material will be required in order to understand how much money will be required to invest. count everything together with the curb and keep in mind that not only the width of the paths is important, but also the depth when it comes to bulk design options.
Plants in the design of the yard
For planting plants with their favorable development and the convenience of the territory itself, it is better to follow some rules.
It is not a good idea to place any coniferous tree, even a small one, in the front yard. They look beautiful, but the needles will spoil the view, falling to the ground, which will add extra work.
The same applies to deciduous plants near water bodies - fallen leaves will spoil the view and clog the pond.
In general, in order not to complicate your care of plants, unless you set yourself the goal of growing unusual species, it is better to choose the most unpretentious trees and shrubs.
Hedges always look good. Not too low for privacy and not too high for regular trims.
With minimal design skills, you can create a picturesque view from flowerbeds and lighting.
Vertical gardening is suitable for small areas. This option will visually expand the space and emphasize the improvement of the territory of a private house.
Bulbous
The design of the garden suggests that the flower beds of bulbous plants will be the brightest in your yard. They will flood the entire yard with spring colors and create a festive atmosphere. Lilies, daffodils or tulips are often used.
They do not bloom for long, but you can arrange the composition so that the flowers bloom in turn almost all spring.
Conifers
Planting conifers on the plot is quite an elegant solution. The tall trees behind the house look good. Spruces, arborvitae, junipers and pines will decorate the site for years. And owners of small territories can decorate the site with dwarf plants of the species without compromising space.
Ornamental shrubs
Shrubs can turn a boring fence into a work of art. They serve rather as a background for other bright plantings. But, for example, lilac will delight with aroma every season and at the same time hide households. building or garage.
Lianas
It is good to decorate the territory of the yard with such plants. Flexible clematis will beautifully braid the gazebo or arch, become the highlight of the fence and add comfort to the overall picture of the site. It is very convenient to create green screens with liana-like plants to delimit zones. In addition to clematis, climbing roses are popular. These plants look very elegant and bloom for a long time decorating the yards of private houses.
Country house lighting
We often think of the country house as a place where we go to relax after the fast pace of the polluted city. Therefore, here I want to see the complete opposite of the usual environment. Maximum silence, tranquility and unity with nature.
In addition to planning, zoning and plant selection, the beauty of the site is affected by lighting.
When we look at ready-made examples of design using lighting techniques, we admire the creative solutions of the authors. Proper lighting is an art. No matter how well the house and yard is decorated, the light often determines the originality of the whole style. You can give the house a mystery or a touch of medieval style.
A particularly interesting technique in lighting is accents. So you can select a specific object or composition (statues, columns, etc.).
Even the color of an object can be easily changed using color filters and give them a completely different look in the dark.
Popular types of lighting:
- Contour lighting. Created using LEDs and cords. Well emphasizes the contours of buildings or elements, looks quite impressive.
- Hidden lighting will illuminate the elements of the building and create the effect of volume and solemnity.
Designing with light is quite a challenge. It can be ordered from specialized companies or you can understand the intricacies of this creative and interesting process and make lighting with your own hands.
Peculiarities of the courtyard landscape
Not always the size of the plot determines the area of the courtyard. The owners can leave a lot of free space if they are going to garden. If rest is a priority, then all the free space near the house can be used for the area of \u200b\u200bthe courtyard and for zones with decorations.
Design of a small yard
When the plot is very small (6 acres or less), it is, of course, difficult to enlarge the yard. But on the other hand, it can be increased by visual effects due to the deception of perception, and the landscape design of a small courtyard will sparkle with new colors:
- Often a small, elongated pond is created for such purposes. It diverts attention from the rest and captivates guests.
- A raised fountain is also a good idea.
- Flowers are planted in narrow strips and do not interfere with the passage, while decorating the territory.
- You can plant flowers behind the fence, visually expanding the territory and moving the road away from the house.
- The garage is located in the corner of the territory, while parking usually remains behind the fence.
- A recreation area is organized behind the house and often the wall of the house is also the main wall for the gazebo in order to save space.
These little tricks will help you create a cozy and fit all the zones on your site and create a beautiful patio in a small area.
Yard design on a plot of 10 acres
Usually a house occupies 3 acres in such a plot. According to the classics, we have houses closer to the rear border, with a porch to the fence gate. So there is free space for arranging the yard. Not only a recreation area will fit here - there will still be enough space for classic decorations (alpine slide or roses) or creative author's solutions.
Since the garage is usually part of the site and the location plays a role in daily convenience, it is installed as close to the gate as possible. On a plot of 10 acres, you can place a parking space between the garage and the gate. Behind the garage, you can make a cozy seating area, as it will be hidden from views from the street. And so that the beautiful courtyard of a private house does not spoil the appearance of such buildings, they are decorated with plants.
Yard design on a plot of 15 acres
Important decorative elements will be flower beds that will lead along the edges of the path. Do not overload the general view with the color of the flower beds too much - this tires the eye.
The abundance of space will allow you to delimit the flower beds with hedges of low height.
A composition of stones will look good, especially on uneven terrain. Some even make artificial drops in the area if it is initially flat.
Also, a pond will undoubtedly add beauty. It can be a pond or a stream, decorated with decorative elements to match the general style of the courtyard.
Paths for private houses are best made of natural stone - this way they will last a long time and will look expensive and beautiful. Tiles or pebbles also work well.
For the outdoor dining area, furniture made of lightweight materials will be used, which will be easy to remove if necessary under a canopy (during rain) or bring it into the house for the winter. Of course, in addition to materials, you need to consider the design of furniture for a country house. A harmoniously designed recreation area will create a comfortable atmosphere and charge the owners with optimism for a long time.
You can also add a barbecue or barbecue area.