Tips For Landscaping colse to Decks, Patios and Porches
Once the weather warms and decks, patios and porches are back in use, queries begin arrival in requesting assistance in landscaping these areas. So, I understanding it would be a good idea to offer these suggestions to all of our readers. The first task is to sit on your patio, porch or deck and de facto look out (away from the exterior walls). What do you see? Do you see an open never ending lawn or, maybe it's a small enclosed area? What could you see as a focal point in your view? How do you feel about your deck? Is it quiet and cozy or more of an open space where you would prefer more privacy? The answers to these questions will dictate how you landscape around your outdoor living area.
Tips For Landscaping colse to Decks, Patios and Porches
Let's discuss patios and low level decks and porches first. Your point of view from sitting in your chair should give you finding into (not onto) the lawn area. Basically, the lawn becomes an extension of that outdoor space. Low level sitting areas take more benefit of the opening. Colors and textures can be used effectively from the immediate areas on to the outlying regions. The view will be complete from the tree tops all the way down to groundcover. So, be sure to add in lots of colorful perennials and shrubs into the outlying landscape.
Now, in landscaping around the perimeter of your low level deck (patio or porch), you will want to take plants with that in mind. If your exterior living space is large and extends out considerably from the house, consider placing decorative trees or other decorative plants. The following is a great listing of plants for this purpose.
Japanese red maple
Sky rocket juniper
Blue point juniper
Emerald green arborvitae
Crape myrtle
Kousa dogwood
Kwanzan cherry
Sourwood
Red bud
Sweetbay magnolia
Clumping bamboo
Sweetgum silhouette
Nishiki willow
Remember to allow for stepping stones or other passage to the outlying areas. In planting along the edges, take low growing plants so as to not block the outward view. Staying in the 3 ½ foot range and below should work quite well, especially with taller plants in that range that are airy at the tops such as decorative grasses.
The following lists plants that make perfect borders.
Barberry crimson pygmy
Crape myrtle Chickasaw
Crape myrtle Pocomoke
Coreopsis
Astilbe
Gaillardia
Heucheras
Lemon princess spiraea
Hydrangeas (Cityline series)
Hostas
Chamaecyparis pisifera compacta
Nandina dwarf firepower
Nandina dwarf harbor
Saliva
Russian sage dinky spire
Weigela
Liriope
Grass, Acorus Ogon
Grass, Sporobolus h. Prairie Dropseed
Grass, pennisetum Karley Rose
Grass, Pennisetum Hameln
Grass, Phalaris a. Strawberries and Cream
Verbena-low growing
Lantana-low growing
Rosemary
Lavender
Sage
When planning your landscape around high level decks and balconies, remember that you will be finding down onto the plants immediately around the perimeter and only finding the top portions of the plants in the outlying areas. High level areas truly take on a distinct view of the lawn than low level areas and should be landscaped accordingly. High level decks are considered to be (roughly) 5 and 6 feet and higher off the ground. Plant for fragrance, long blooming periods, lots of texture and slightly away from the deck so you are fully able to enjoy the plants. This list of plants works nicely in such situations.
White birch
Dogwoods
Serviceberry
Magnolias
Tulip poplar
Lilacs
Crape myrtles-tall growing varieties
Heptacodium, Seven son
Oakleaf hydrangeas
Magnolia Jane
Red bud
Flowering cherry
Flowering peach
Flowering pear
Sourwood
Laurels
Rhododendrons
Holly
Armed with this information, you can now confidently plan the landscape around your multi leveled outdoor living spaces.
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