Add the WOW Factor! - With Landscaping Ideas for Your Porch Front Porch Ideas and More.com
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Add the WOW Factor!
With Landscaping Ideas for Your Porch
Front Porch Ideas and More.com
© 2008-2011 Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com
FRONT-PORCH-IDEAS-AND-MORE.COM
Porch Landscaping—it’s all about the soil condition, plant selection, water and design
Most porches look better with great landscaping. Porch landscaping can soften the look of the
porch and home while simultaneously hiding skirting, foundations, or other eyesores. Porch land-
scaping can also be used to create privacy or extend
the size of a small porch.
It creates curb appeal, assists in managing water run-
off, and can provide both flowers for decorating and
herbs for cooking. Porch landscaping ties the porch
and home to the surrounding landscape to give it a
sense of belonging. It can make your porch and home
less imposing and can break visual expanse.
Plants can also draw your eye to the front door, win-
dow, or other architectural features. Think of landscap-
ing your porch in layers. Most porches look best when there are multiple layers of plants, perhaps
with a mixture of shrubs varying in size to even a small ornamental tree. Some will look better with a
tailored look while others bask in a more casual arrangement. Porch landscaping is by far more in-
teresting if you have a variety of plants that range in height from ground covers to small upright
trees. Porch landscaping can be colorful. Start with evergreen shrubs and then add deciduous
shrubs, perennials, and then annuals for seasonal color. See our Plant Chart for recommended
plantings.
To get started, use our architectural guide for landscaping. If your
house is symmetrical plantings should match on either side of the
porch steps. As you move along the porch you can either match
those plantings for gradually use others to create interest. Most sym-
metrical style homes look better with geometrically placed and mani-
cured plantings.
If your home and porch are asymmetrical balance still counts but use
different rules. Consider balancing the plants with your architectural
features and not the
plants themselves. Con-
centrate on establishing
natural-looking mixed plantings that frame the home.
A low hedge in front of the porch on a ranch-style home
will highlight the home’s horizontal profile. Or, to break
the long look, use two small columnar shrubs on either
side of the steps.
FRONT-PORCH-IDEAS-AND-MORE.COM Likewise, trees, placed at the corners or sides will accentuate a tall home. To make it look shorter, place small rounded or long shrubs under windows or in front of porch railings. If you have several feet of exposed piers, foundation, or skirting under you porch you will need more massive plantings or shrubs. Highlight your front door. This is especially true if you have a small porch. Place slightly higher plants or shrubs on either side of the steps or landing. If you have a symmetrical door/window combination, that is you have two window panels, one on either side of the door, then match the shrubs on The larger the home the more depth you need for your porch landscaping. Narrow landscaping, e.g., a row of flowers, against a large home will not be appealing. Most porch landscaping is too narrow in width. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfectly horizontal to the porch. Consider both height and shape. Strong geometric plant forms complement formal homes; softer shapes complement informal homes. Establishing a good grade for water runoff Channeling water runoff and ensuring you have good soil are essential to great porch landscaping. Not only can water destroy your home’s foundation too much can ruin your landscaping. Soil can retain too much moisture which will in turn prevent plants from absorbing oxygen which causes root rot-killing the plants. Your soil must slope away from your home’s foundation and porch. A 5% grade is recommended; six is better. Use downspouts to direct water away from your porch. You can then direct this water at least 6- 10 feet from your porch. You have several options if you have water collecting near your porch. One, you can use additional soil to build up the area and create a grade so water will flow away from your foundation and porch. Or, if that is not feasible, you can dig a French drain. A French drain is a channel covered with gravel that collects and redirects the water away from your porch. You can also lay in drain tile or pvc pipe. Create a rain garden! A rain garden is a shallow plant filled depression that catches and holds the rainwater from your downspouts. As the water drains down through the soil it supplies water to the plants and foliage surrounding it. You can use this on borders or as “gardens” in your yard. You can make one large garden or have several smaller ones around your property. Just make sure they are at least 10 feet from your foundation. You’ll save money on watering, the gardens will add immense curb appeal, and you’ll be confident that the water will not affect your foundation.
FRONT-PORCH-IDEAS-AND-MORE.COM
Japanese Rush
RECOMMENDED PLANTS
FOR AROUND YOUR PORCH
TREES:
CRAB APPLE
COLUMNAR YEW
BRAZILIAN PEPPER
AMERICAN FERN PINE
Black-eyed Susans
PERENNIALS
AFRICAN BLUE LILY
BIG BLUE LILY
CHRISTMAS FERN
JAPANESE RUSH
BLACK-EYED SUSANS
LENTON ROSE Lenton Rose
PURPLE CONEFLOWER
SHRUBS
CHINESE JUNIPER Corabells
COMMON BOXWOOD
CHERRY LAUREL
JAPANESE HOLLY
HEMLOCK
PRIVET
BOXWOOD
Crab Apple
FOLIAGE
ADAM’S NEEDLE
CARDOON
CORABELLS
SPURGE
BLUE CARPET JUNIPER
WINTERCREEPER
SEDGES
CHINESE JUNIPER
ENGLISH YEW
FRONT-PORCH-IDEAS-AND-MORE.COM
Landscape walkways leading to your porch for added
appeal!
For some a walkway is only a means to get from one end
to the other. For most of us, however, it can be a lot more.
Here are some basic walkway ideas:
Create intrigue - A curved walkway that disappears be-
hind shrubbery or hedges, for even an instance, can lend
itself to a little intrigue. What object or destination lies
ahead?
Create direction - A straight path leading right to the
porch unmistakably says "this way"!
Create pleasure - A walkway that meanders a bit and
lined with flowers, a front-yard garden, or mulched beds
tempts us to slow down a bit and enjoy the surroundings.
Create a mood - A walkway, even a straight one, can be
embellished with a row of stones, bricks, or pavers on ei-
ther side. Add some ground cover that spreads over the
edges to give it a softer look. Don't forget lighting! Use a
variety of outdoor lighting to create just the right look.
Create formality or informality - Larger traditional homes tend to have more formal walkways.
Hence, most walkways should complement the style of home. A meandering walkway with pavers
and ground covers would fit right in with a craftsman or cottage home whereas it probably would de-
tract from a formal contemporary home. The latter requiring perhaps a straight brick-laid path sur-
rounded with a meticulous yard.
Create color- The best way to tie your landscaping to your home is through color. Make your walk-
way color match the color of your home. This is easier than you would think. Most walkway materials
come in all colors. You can stain concrete. If that isn't enough, don't for-
get plants and flowers - colors can be limitless.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING IDEAS:
By pointing your lights skyward, you can add some drama and ambiance
to your front porch and home.
If you don’t want to figure out wiring, then solar landscape lighting may
be what you want. Solar lights are ideal for lighting paths and flower gar-
dens. Solar landscaping lighting comes on automatically as the light falls
below a certain lever and turns off as daylight increases.
If you opt for low voltage landscape lighting be sure that you have a time
to automatically turn the lights on and off.
FRONT-PORCH-IDEAS-AND-MORE.COM
SOIL PRIMER– ESSENTIALS FOR GROWING FANTASTIC PLANTS
NITROGEN (N)
Helps plants use carbohy- Plants deficient in nitrogen have
drates for energy. Nitrogen thin, spindly stems and their growth
controls how plants form and is stunted. Mature leaves turn yel-
function internally, makes pro- lowish-green from nitrogen starva-
tein for growth tion.
PHOSPHORUS (P)
Phosphorous helps plants Plants that don't get enough phos-
breathe, provide energy trans- phorous have weak spindly, thin-
fer and storage, and also help stems. Growth is stunted or short-
plants use water efficiently. ened, and mature leaves turn a dark
Soil phosphorus comes mainly bluish-green. Seed production is
from the weathering of rocks lessened. Phosphorous is scarce so
that contain the inorganic min- additives are usually required for
eral apatite. healthy plant growth.
POTASSIUM (K)
Potassium is very important Lack of potassium results in
for plant photosynthesis and stunted growth, weak root systems,
to help plants metabolize food. stems, and stalks. Mature leaves
Potassium controls water and appear burned. Plants are more
chemicals inside plants and prone to insects and diseases.
also controls the absorption of
water into plant pores.
It's best to have your soil tested before you start planting to see what nutrients it might be lacking.
Before you add any fertilizers to your garden we recommend you have your soil tested. It’s easy to
do and most counties offer it as a free service. Free is good! Contact your local County Extension
Office (a local nursery will probably have the contact information also). DIY kits are also available at
nurseries. Testing will tell you exactly what your soil needs in order to grow the plants your choose. It
will tell you what combination of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium are required for your gar-
den.
The test should also give you a ph indicating the amount of acid in
the soil. Some plants need high amounts of acid while others need
more alkaline soil. Add lime if it's too acidic or add aluminum sulfate
or ammonium sulfate if it’s too alkaline.
Adding organic materials like peat moss, manure or compost, will
loosen up your soil and also improve the ability of the soil to deliver
nutrients to the roots. The best time to add these materials is in the
spring before any planting. Once these materials break down (it
may take a year or two) you will see a big difference. Your soil will
be darker, easier to use, and will require less water.
Mobile Composter from Smith&Hawken
Planting Zone Map
Plant Hardiness Zone 1 Minimum temperatures: Only the hardiest plants will survive in the extreme winter cold
Below -50F/ 46C) and short growing season of Zone 1.
Plant Hardiness Zone 2 Minimum temperatures:-50 to - Zone 2 is modified by the warming influence of large bodies of
40F = (-46 to -40C) water. As in Zone 1, the growing season is
Plant Hardiness Zone 3 Minimum temperatures: -40 to - The lower latitudes mean winter is not as cold as in Zones 1 and
30F = (-40 to -34C) 2, but frosts can still occur any night of the year and the growing
season is short.
Plant Hardiness Zone 4 Minimum temperatures: -30 to - Zone 4 generally falls at a more southerly latitude than Zones 1
20F = (-34 to -29C) through 3. Large bodies of water throughout much of this zone
also help to create warmer winter temperatures and a longer
growing season.
Plant Hardiness Zone 5 Minimum temperatures: Although gardeners in Zone 5 still experience winter cold, this
-20 to -10F = (-29 to -23C) zone benefits from lower latitudes and an ocean influence.
Plant Hardiness Zone 6 Minimum temperatures: Zone 6's southern latitude bestows a long growing season and
-10 to 0F = (-23 to -18C) milder climate than Zone 5. Eastern gardeners contend with hu-
midity, while in the West dry heat and a lack of rainfall are the
gardening challenges.
Plant Hardiness Zone 7 Minimum temperatures: Zone 7 is the middle ground of gardening in the United States.
0 to 10F = (-18 to -12C) With lower elevations and longer days, many plants thrive in Zone
7.
Plant Hardiness Zone 8 Minimum temperatures: Winters here are relatively warm, growing seasons are long, and
10 to 20F = (-12 to -7C) rhododendrons flourish. In the East, you'll encounter hot, humid
summers; in the Northwest, you'll enjoy mild summers with some
of the best American gardening climate; and in the Southwest
you'll have the definite winters and hot, dry summers of the de-
sert.
Plant Hardiness Zone 9 Minimum temperatures: This mild-winter region is characterized by a long growing season
20 to 30F = (-7 to -1C) and almost no winter freeze. Summers are either hot and dry or
hot and humid. Although it might seem that just about any plant
could do well in such a mild area, Zone 9 (and warmer) is not
good for plants that require a winter chill.
Plant Hardiness Zone 10 Minimum temperatures: Zone 10 is virtually free of winter chill and is dominated by balmy
30 to 40F = (-1 to 4C) ocean influences. Some of our most popular houseplants grow to
incredible dimensions outdoors in this zone. You can't grow ap-
ples, but you sure can grow tropical fruits.
Plant Hardiness Zone 11 Minimum temperatures: This is the true tropical paradise zone, with a mild year-round
40F and above = (4C and temperature and a growing season that extends year-round,
above) where gardening dangers exist far more from tropical storms or
the occasional volcano than from freezing weather.
FRONT-PORCH-IDEAS-AND-MORE.COM
Need extra income, want to teach Do You Have Interesting
real life business skills to your Porch Stories, Memories, Ideas, a Porch
teen, or have a hobby or passion Pooch or Porch Pictures to Share?
you’d love to pursue?
We know of a 14-year old who created a
web site and eventually paid for her college
education, friends who are working to add
additional income so they can take care of
her mom, a relative wanting additional
money for his family, and an author wanting
to sell more of his inspirational books. Us?
We wanted to create additional income Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com is all about our
streams, travel, and be able to visit our passion for front porches and the fond memories
grandchildren when we wanted. We that Dave and I have of time spent on porches. But
wanted something that worked for us 24/7, we want to give you the opportunity to share with us
365 days a year. We didn’t want to store and our readers your own stories and pictures. You
anything, ship anything, or “sell” anything. are the reason why we have our site so we
especially love hearing from you about your own
Fortunately we all discovered a way to do it. porch.
Site Build It!. As Ralph Marston of
GreatDay.com says: "Site Build It! is a
marvelously well thought out and Do you have a childhood memory about your
completely proven method for building a front porch? We love hearing from you and we
real, lasting Internet business. Quality and appreciate receiving heart-warming and fun stories
integrity all the way. Review some of the and pictures. Submit your favorite porch memory
Site Build It! case studies and you'll to us.
definitely find something that gets the
possibilities flowing in your mind. Site Build
It! handles all the technical details, and Do you have a porch decorating idea to share
provides you with amazing tools for with our site visitors? Some neat decorating idea
brainstorming, setting up, and growing your (large or small) you have done with your own porch
business. I cannot say enough good things that we could share for all to see? Submit your
about this. “ decorating ideas to us.
If you can search the internet, you can use
Site Build It.
Do you have a porch pooch to share with our
Do yourself and your family a favor. Take a site visitors? Share your favorite picture of your
look at Site Build It. Then review our Site pooch on a porch for all to see! Submit your porch
Progress at Front Porch Ideas and More to pooch pics to us.
see exactly what we’ve done and how long
it has taken us to create the site you are
visiting. Then see the About Us page and
you’ll see that I’m definitely not a techie (if I
can do this I know you can to). If you are a
techie what’s taken you so long? - Dave
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