July 2025
Everything is growing really well this summer. It must have been all the rain we got in June. What’s going on in the garden now?
Once your annuals get leggy, cut them back and fertilize them with a bloom booster fertilizer. Keep deadheading them all summer to keep a constant bloom. Because of the extreme heat we had last week, any container plants must be devoid of most of the soil nutrients with all the water you must have given them. So, I would advise a solution of water-soluble fertilizer now. Bloom booster is good. Never increase the recommended amount. Be sure the soil is wet when applying the fertilizer. It can cause burn if the soil is dry.
I thought for a change I’d talk about foundation plantings around your house. Foundation plantings became popular in the early 1900’s, once builders started to use poured cement and cinder blocks materials for house foundations. Before then, foundations were usually made with large stones or bricks, and no plantings were usually done. Homeowners liked the looks of these materials.When cement and cinder blocks were beginning to be used instead, they were considered unattractive. Then, foundations plantings became popular.
Today, what should you consider when planting a new foundation landscape? Is your house a traditional style, with equal frontage on both sides of your front door? Or does your house have an asymmetrical balance, considered as a contemporary design, with one side longer or shorter than the other with the front door off center. (These were seen a lot in mid century modern homes, 1930-1960). One way to visually counter the balance on the shorter side in a modern frontage is to swing out on the corner of your house with your plantings.
When selecting your materials, always look at the label to see the mature size of the plants you buy. Knowing that, plant 2 to 3 feet away from your foundation. This allows for easy maintenance of your house, painting, etc. It also gives plants good air circulation to grow properly. Using a border of gravel a foot wide next to the foundation will give you good drainage and deter insects. Also, it will keep the your house clean from rain splashing soil on your house. Then apply your mulch to keep weeds down and retain moisture for the planting.
Try to buy from a reputable nursery that guarantees your purchase. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Consider how much light and wind you get summer and winter. Also your soil type and what the direction of house is facing. Be especially careful about trees and plants with an invasive root systems that can cause damage to your foundation.
The front of your home is the first thing you see when entering. It should say “Welcome”. The basic principles of design pertain to landscape design as well. Balance, rhythm, contrast, dominance, proportion and scale. Contrast is especially important. Variation of height, textures and colors. A combination of shrubs, perennials and annuals will give you interest all year long. Using these guidelines should give you great success.
I also recommend installing a soaker hose especially in a new foundation planting. Cover it with mulch. This will allow for less evaporation than using over head watering system and you can control how long you leave it on. Lawn irrigation systems don’t water deep enough for a foundation planting. They are great for a lawn which has a shorter root system.
