Garden Planning: Foundation Plantings

Before you dig in, here are some tips to help you plan these beds.

1. Look up. Many homes have large eaves, or overhangs. Anything directly underneath the overhang may be shaded (depending on the orientation of the house) and will be sheltered from the rainfall. If you plant beneath an overhang, be prepared to water these plants throughout the growing season. Note, too, that water cascading off a roof can damage plants below.

Notice how the trees and shrubs in this foundation planting are placed beyond the drip line of the overhanging eaves.

2. Look at the slope. In regions with significant rain or snowfall, the land around the foundation of a house should slope away from the house, to help water drain away from the foundation. Removing sod and digging beds can alter this slope and cause water to pool next to the house, and create the potential for a wet basement. If necessary, consider building up the area, rather than digging down, to preserve the drainage slope.

3. Look at the siding. Make sure that soil and mulch will not come in contact with wood siding, because this can lead to rot.

Sample Garden Plans
You may want to choose varieties that reflect the flower color and height of the plants we've chosen, or go with a different color scheme. For example, in our first garden design you might plant 'Stella d'Oro' daylily, with its sunny yellow flowers, or you might substitute in 'Grape Magic' daylily, with its striking purple blooms.

Plan for a Sunny Foundation Bed

• includes one large and two small evergreen shrubs
• mixed colors
• USDA Zones 4-8

Plant List