CURB APPEAL - Residential Landscaping?

Question

Where can I find photos of landscaping ideas for the New England area? There are two areas in the front of the house 5' x 10' each with a staircase in the middle. I need low maintenance ideas.

Answer 1

springhillnursery.com offers garden plans--you select a plan that appeals to you, and you can purchase all of the plants with one click.  You receive both the plants and layout showing you how to arrange them.

Answer 2

I have a garden with weed patches larger than that - LOL. Living in the Dakotas I bring that much plant material indoors for the winter just to ward off seasonal depression. I think I can visualize the type of space you have and you can't beat the "Sunset" books, I think they have  one titled New England. Pots pots and more pots filled with just enough to keep you happy without being a burden. Another idea would be an herb garden on the small space and salad greens on the other with a few flowers for interest. Vegetables gardens look like vegetable gardens if planted in rows, plant in small groupings with narrow paths. Skip any lawn it's a wasteful use of resourches.  RScott

Answer 3

Your best bet is to look around at what is growing in the neighborhood - on the same side of the street as your house.

That will give you a cue as to what will grow well there and will keep your house in the standard of the neighborhood (which is important in New England.)

For low-maintenance, stick with perennials. That way you don't have to re-plant every year.

Hostas are the easiest way to go. They're very strong and reliable. Plus they can grow in sun or shade. They're a little boring. So you need something around to jazz them up.

Lily of the Valley, Sweet Woodruff, Lamium, bleeding heart for shady areas.

Shasta Daisies, Dianthus (carnations), lavender, basil, thyme, and other herbs for sunny areas.

Answer 4

You might find some ideas and help from the New England Landscape Design and History Association.

Lots of links on thier site.