We actually have grass, so that along with the removal of the ivy, has the front yard looking much better. There is one other addition out front though: a flower bed.
We had an azalea hedge along the walkway to the front steps. While I wasn’t against taking it out, A liked it there. We worked with Robby, from FlowerScapes Garden and Design, on a compromise and only took a section of the azaleas out. And we didn’t throw the bushes away, we transplanted the ones we removed to the side yard.
Now, instead of a hedge of greenery at the front door, we have beautiful blooms. Of course, it’s all freshly planted so they still have to fill in bit.
Robby also came up with a plan for the flowerbeds in the backyard. While we have enough sun for grass in the front yard, the backyard gets very little sun and it’s very hard to grow grass back there. I’m still searching for the ideal solution of some sort of easy, pretty ground cover.
In the area under this large tree, the tree roots were exposed and barren.
Robby created a shade rock garden. The plants, hostas and ferns, tend to do well without direct sun.
The small bed by the stairs to the deck is now connected to the bed near the back of the house. Here’s the before:
We now have two gardenia bushes and five gumpo azaleas. I’m excited about having gardenias both to block the view under the screened porch and to for their lovely smelling flowers.
Before, here’s what we saw when we pulled into the driveway and garage.
And now this bed is a butterfly garden (plants that attract butterflies) and it’s so much more welcoming.
There is one more bed to the left of the rock garden to finish up and then we will be done with the spring yard work this year. Have you done any landscaping lately? Did you come up with the plan yourself or call in the professionals?
-J
Sharing with Outdoor Extravaganza
Love how it tidied and freshened everything up. It looks great and will be even better once it all fills in. Thanks for sharing!
Nice transformation. The flower bed really is beautiful!
Love all the changes. Was going to suggest hostas for under the trees.
What a transformation! My favourite it is the tree area, looks spectacular!
Looks like my yard more trees than we want, but when I bought the house 35 yrs. ago and being from the city, the woods and all the trees & pines were appealing. Now the trees are 80 Ft tall and pine straw and leaves over the years have accumulated, not much grows! Slowly the trees are being thinned out close to the home either through having them cut down or they have fallen down, thank God no damages, yet to the house! Needed some ideas, ones that I could afford and DIY. Thank you…I’m getting some bricks or use the rocks scattered throughout the yard and add some bushes — already bought a butterfly bush, love the butterflies and hummingbirds. Thank You!
Oh I’m so glad you were inspired. Hope it turns out great!