NewsIf you’re looking to spruce up the outside of your home, foundation plantings can be a great starting point. The right plants can add color, texture, and even privacy to your landscape while increasing your home’s curb appeal. But how do you choose the best plants for your foundation? Look no further. In this article, we’ve rounded up ten of the easiest-to-grow perennials and shrubs that thrive in average garden conditions and look great planted in front of your house. Whether you have plenty of time to tinker around in your garden or not, these plants are low maintenance and will always be in tip-top form. From Stonecrop and Catmint to Ornamental Onion and Rose of Sharon, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out which plants are suitable for foundation plantings before you embark on your home’s next garden project.
Should you plant next to your foundation?
If you’re planning on planting around your home, remember to keep a respectable distance between your foundation and the planting area, at least two feet of space should suffice. This space not only allows for better airflow and circulation, but it also helps to avoid unwanted moisture build-up, a common issue when plants are watered directly against the foundation. Moisture build-up can lead to mold and attract pesky termites, which can cause costly damage to your home over time. It’s essential to be mindful of your home’s foundation when planning your garden or landscaping to avoid any potential damage and ensure longevity for your home’s structural integrity.
Should you plant right next to house?
When it comes to planting around your house, maintaining good air circulation is crucial for the well-being of your home and plants. Avoid planting right next to your house and leave a minimum of one foot of space between the foundation and the planting area. The reason behind this is to avoid moisture build-up, which can quickly lead to mold and damaging moisture levels that can compromise the structural integrity of your home. This space also prevents giving insects such as carpenter ants and termites direct access to your home, protecting you from harmful pests and preventing unnecessary damage to your home. By following this advice, not only will your plants thrive, but so will the foundation of your home.
What is the best plant in front of the house?
The front of your house is the first thing people see when they visit your home, and it’s important to make a good first impression. Choosing the right plants for your front yard can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Lavender, shrub roses, forsythia and hydrangeas are all great options for the front of your house, as they add color and texture to your landscaping. Lavender is not only fragrant and beautiful but also acts as a natural pest repellent, helping to keep pests like mosquitoes and flies at bay. Shrub roses are another excellent choice, as their stunning blooms will add beauty and elegance to your front yard. Forsythia, meanwhile, is known for its cheerful yellow flowers, which are sure to brighten up any home. Finally, hydrangeas provide beautiful big blooms that can be easily programmable to different colors to your liking. For a more diverse approach, Elle Meager recommends a variety of shrubs, plants, and flowers, which not only adds to the aesthetics but also supports wildlife and creates a natural privacy screen to protect your home. Choosing the perfect variety of plants for your front yard will ultimately come down to factors like your personal taste, climate, and soil condition, but any of these picks will provide a great starting point.
Can you plant shrubs next to house?
Planting shrubs near your home is an excellent way to add beauty and character to your landscaping. However, it’s important to be mindful of the distance between your shrubs and your home’s foundation. Low-growing shrubs such as yew, juniper, boxwood, and holly are good choices for foundation plantings as they frame the base of your home well and create a polished, finished look. It’s always important to maintain a minimum of a 3-foot clearance between the shrubs and your home’s foundation, allowing for optimum air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold growth.
Additionally, shorter shrubs tend to stay healthy when they have enough space between them and a building’s walls. When planting shrubs close to a home’s foundation, it’s important to keep in mind how the shrubs will grow over time, so the space between the house and the shrubs should be more than the casual space you’d provide for a typical garden bed. When done correctly, planting shrubs next to your house can add character to your property while also being structurally sound, ensuring the health and longevity of your home.
