| i live in a remolded farm house with country look gardens. i need idea for a shade foundation against front porch that is 30 ft wide. We like boxwood but want some color as much as possible in shade. |
| If this is the north side of the house, you are somewhat limited in what you can plant but here are some ideas for an informal, country, somewhat old fashioned look. You might try yews as the evergreen along with some Hydrangea arborescens (white flowers) towards the ends where it is sunnier. You could also grow hostas with variegated foliage for additional color and mixed ferns for texture. You might use some old fashioned perennials such as Dicentra spectablilis and old fashioned annuals such as caladiums for additinal color as well. Additional perennials to consider might include Solomon's Seal, Virginia bluebells, Pulmonaria and Tricyrtis. You could also consider using a flowering groundcover such as periwinkle (Vinca minor) or lily of the valley. Your local county extension and/or professionally trained nursery staff should be able to give you more precise suggestions based on a more detailed understanding of the growing conditions along the house and your overall design goals. I hope this helps you get started with your planning. |
