Designated Spaces

An oasis has been created surrounding a backyard pool. Ornamental grasses, shrubs, and evergreens have been planted along the pool perimeter. The plants selected require very little maintenance and thrive in a full sun climate. The first grouping of plant species along the southside of the pool includes two transplanted Hostas, a globe-shaped ornamental evergreen, and alternating Mediterranean Heath and Pink Fountain Gaura plants. Along the west side of the pool are two species of Spirea alternating between Gold Flame and existing Little Princess varieties. Planted in the northwest corner of the pool is a Crimson Queen Japanese Maple, and a mix of ornamental grasses including transplants, Hakonechloa Gold, Little Bluestem, and Cheyenne Sky grasses. Three Emerald Green Arborvitae trees line the northside of the pool. The northeast corner of the pool features a dwarf Alberta Spruce tree, two Gold Mop Falsecypresses, a Blue Star Juniper, a Blue Rug Juniper, a Tuscan Flame Heavenly Bamboo, and a Soft Serve Cypress tree. The eastside of the pool has a very narrow space with a simple bed of mulch. To complete the poolside landscaping, the southeast corner has two Fine Wine Weigela shrubs.

All photography featured photographed by Designated Spaces, LLC.

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape Before and After

Poolside Landscape After

Poolside Landscape After

Due to a cold winter, some perennial plants were unable to survive harsh weather conditions. As a result, new front yard landscaping was desired and has been planned and executed in three phases.

Phase one included removing dead and overgrown plants shrubs in the front yard. With a 4×4 vehicle and heavy duty strap attached to the hitch and wrapped around the base of each shrub, each root ball was pulled out of the ground. The remaining plants were dug out with shovels and the soil was prepped for planting.

Phase two included selecting new perennial plants and shrubs based on species, projected growth size, fruit and bloom color, seasonal blooming, and climate tolerance.

Phase three was planting and lastly topping off the exposed soil with mulch to inhibit weed growth. The final outcome is an assortment of Azalea, Weigela, Kaleidoscope, and Burning Bush shrubs, along with a dwarf Weeping Ruby Falls Redbud tree. All of the plants were arranged to create a simple, low maintenance landscape with attractive curb appeal.

All photography featured photographed by Designated Spaces, LLC.

Front Yard Landscaping Before and After

Front Yard Landscaping Before and After

Front Yard Landscaping

When considering herbs and vegetables for a garden, it is helpful to think about species, vegetable or fruit type, projected growth size, insect and animal resistance, and climate tolerance. The herb and vegetable garden featured has an assortment of cherry and Roma tomatoes (not shown) and culinary herbs including basil, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Basil plants repel certain insects and are delicious for salads, pizzas, and pesto. Parsley is also an insecticide against onion and carrot fly and can be used in many Italian and Mexican recipes including tomato sauces and salsa. Sage, rosemary, and thyme appreciate sand and lime in the soil. Sage and thyme can also be added as flavor for tea.

The majority of the herbs planted are perennials and will continue to grow in acceptable weather conditions. If the winter is long and cold, the best way to preserve the herbs for the following year is to transplant them to pots and shelter them indoors. When transplanting herbs into pots, remember to find pots large enough to allow room for the root system to spread out and grow.

All photography featured photographed by Designated Spaces, LLC.

Herb Garden