Front Garden Design help!

[sbradshaw]

We pulled out the old, tired looking shrubs but have no idea what to buy to complete our front garden! Photo below.

A few thoughts:

- Do I HAVE to have a tall shrub in between the two windows or is there another creative way to handle that space?

- Morning sun. We live in Southern Ontario, Canada.

- Would like to buy mostly perennials and keep it somewhat low maintenance

We have a side door, no front door, so it’s a bit of an odd exterior. Really hoping to improve curb appeal with a nice garden Thank you!!

 

[Marck]

How about either a shrub-espalier or a trellised vine between the two windows. Either of these would give you a more wide-open view than a thicker shrub would.

 

[sbradshaw]

Thanks Marck! Do the shrub-espalier stick to the brick? We have a vine (not sure what kind) there before but it got so out of hand, was climbing into the eaves, so I think we're looking for something that would be off the house.

 

[sbradshaw]

Also, thought on window boxes??

 

[Marck]

How about either a shrub-espalier or a trellised vine between the two windows. Either of these would give you a more wide-open view than a thicker shrub would.

No, it wouldn't attach to the house, unless you chose to anchor it in some way. Espalier refers to keeping a shrub or tree growing in a single plane, usually along a wall or trellis. This is done by pruning and training the branches.

 

[sbradshaw]

No, it wouldn't attach to the house, unless you chose to anchor it in some way. Espalier refers to keeping a shrub or tree growing in a single plane, usually along a wall or trellis. This is done by pruning and training the branches.

I see! Thanks! Yeah we're definately amateur gardeners so may need something more low maintenance

 

[Marck]

There are so many options. Probably the lowest maintenance option are basic foundation shrubs. Of course, you may have just removed something very similar to that.

 

[Wilty]

Go for a walk, see whats growing well in your neighbourhood and if you like it, post a picture if you need help to id the plants?

Espalier is low maintenance - its the prep work that's not so easy then all you do is just hack and slash, + it does give 'curb appeal'. Window boxes whats not to love? You could use them for annuals and grow low growing perennials underneath - continue with more hydrangeas?

 

[Winifred]

A trellis between the windows with a really vibrant color rose or clematis would look wonderful

 

[pionjane]

It seems to me that an alternative to the vine can be Common hop. It will decorate your garden, as well as delight you with a wonderful aroma.