The existing retractable white and green awning is perfect. Add a bird feeder and/or birdhouse, small ones, to attract more birds and sounds. Paint the containers same white as fence. Some lattice work above might be nice here too but could be too much. The planters should be treated as containers, with the traditional tall spiky plants, focal points, as well as overflowing vines: filler, spiller, and thriller. The bowl of the fountain will work as a bird bath also. A little wall-mounted stone fountain here would be lovely and both attract birds and give a pleasing sound. Greatly lightening up that end would help however, although some darkness is mysterious and draws one in. I don't recommend a mirror outside, which could cause glare issues or safety issues. One higher in the center and two lower on either side. The arches would be trompe l'oeil and suggest depth. The fence wall could have some nice lattice work, possibly in dark green to contrast against the white fence, perhaps with some arches outlined, but flat against the fence, and with climbing roses or clematis or whatever you like growing. Takes more watering and isn't perfectly ecofriendly, but it is just a small bit. In a very small greensward like this manicured grass is best, not too high and loose. This is a month or two after planting I really need to get back there now as it's had a year+ to fill in: I wish Houzz would make people say where they're located because there's no point recommending something to you if it won't work in your zone, but here's a front yard we did where all the sod came out and we went with a groundcover. What we like to do in situations like this is come in with a sodcutter, strip off all the existing grass, add 4-6" of topsoil (it'll settle about 30%), and seed or sod. 9 times out of 10 everyone's grass looks rough after a year because there's no organic matter. Most folks choose to keep the trees (I approve), and a shade-tolerant groundcover is a good lawn alternative, 2- Is it a new(er) home? Most homebuilders (especially the big ones) remove all the topsoil while grading your lot, then right at the end they spread a tiny amount back on before seeding or sodding. If this is the case, you may have to choose between the trees and the lawn. It's not just sun - that grass is competing for water and nutrients with big trees with established root systems. Here are some possible reasons: 1- Do you have a lot of large trees and shade? Even if the bag says it's for shade, you're going to struggle to grow grass under big trees. If you're a GARDENER, plant choice suggestions are not necessary here and you'll be anxious to get right out there and make your mark.Įspecially if budget's tight you really need to assess WHY grass isn't growing. There would be some deadheading involved. An alternative if you like SOME gardening, you could go for swathes of colour/texture with large plantings of daylilies, or rudbeckia, shasta daisies, echinacea. I would suggest pots by the front door but your shrubs are close there and there tubs might make the entry more crowded than welcoming. You could add impatiens in groups (not a row) along the edges of the path for summer colour. Something with a variegated leaf (hostas - some can handle sun). If you see gardening more as a job rather than as an obsessive/ compulsive NEED (me), maybe just add a few groups of short perennials in spaces between the shrubs you have to break up the same green colour these shrubs have. I know the mugginess and heat of summer can affect which choices southern gardeners make. I love the style I saw throughout NC and SC (and Savannah) of simple plantings featuring azaleas. Otherwise, you live in a wonderful area of the States for ornamental shrubs. If you like the idea of a tree or the play of dappled light, maybe someone from the south could recommend a small, open and airy tree with some blossoms. I agree that the nice tree in front of the window no longer complements the front view towards the house. That can lead you to colour choices in the garden. Do you need a handrail for steadiness on steps? Many people do. Maybe more large flat rocks in the wide 'path' to the front door. If the stonework makes stepping with nice shoes difficult, perhaps find someone who can get you some smoother stone for the main stepping places. Changing all over to brick would be pretty costly. Like the suggestions for more stone steps - wide and with deep treads and a shallow rise.
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