Yesterday we posted an update on the small yard landscaping at the Beige Bungalow. Although it was completed a few months back, it took me a while to get around to writing the post. So I figured it was time for an update to show you all what a few months of growing time can do for a new landscaping design.
So before I get into it, a quick recap of what we planted:
- 1 satin chocolate ninebark
- 1 Bailey’s compact cranberry
- 7 Karl Foerster reed grasses
- 3 Calgary Boxwoods
- 4 Calgary carpet junipers
- And now a bunch of annuals
The goal was to create a unique design for landscaping the small front yard using plants with a variety of textures, heights, and shapes. We also added a large boulder to create contrast against the soft foliage.
Well much like creating an interior design, it’s not always perfect the first time.
So what exactly didn’t work out quite like we hoped in our small yard landscaping.
First, our mulch kept spilling out onto the driveway. Even though we had dug down creating a sharp edge at the driveway, it wasn’t enough. To fix this we used more rock to create a dry riverbed that starts at the end of the driveway and winds up towards the large boulder. Not only did this help tie the large boulder into the design, it also solved our mulch problem.
Second, we didn’t have any colour. This wasn’t really a mistake, as we knew we needed to include annuals. There was a very good reason we didn’t plant them at the same time as the perennials. We were searching everywhere for half wine/whiskey barrel planters. Turns, out they are much harder to find than we thought. In the end, we had to settle for cedar look-a-likes.
We ended up planting geraniums and cosmos in the main part of the front yard garden. In the cedar barrels we planted bacopa (trailing plant with white flowers), sweet potato vine (lime green plant in planter), argyranthemum (taller yellow flowers), and a dracena spike.
This photo gives you a better view of the satin chocolate ninebark on the far left, and the bailey’s compact cranberry near the planter. You can also see the reed heads of the karl foerster grasses under the bay window. These will remain all winter adding interest to the yard.
Finally, here is a full view of how we were able to use small yard landscaping techniques to create a beautiful front yard garden.
As of right now, we are quite happy with the front yard. It’s colourful, well laid out, and vastly improves the curb appeal of the house. Eventually we will get around to painting the house, as well as the window trim. Anything will be an improvement over that boring beige-y yellow colour.
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