M&B—Part 2–Apex, NC
I am working to combine a few different elements for a back fenceline. The client is in a new development, and over the past few months, all these houses now have slight lines into their backyard. There is no way to screen them out, but there are ways to obstruct the view. They are also wanting to incorporate a couple of fruit trees to compliment their raised gardens.
The Project
Area:
* 56 feet long x 5 feet deep, corners are 8 feet deep
* Only sunny from noon – 3/4 pm
Goals:
* Create an evergreen screen blocking the two back patios on the same ground level
* Include two fruit trees, either peach or nectarine. Also, need flowers and shrubs that are cross-pollinators.
* Year-round interest and color to a shady area
* Colors— coral, orange, pink, bright
* Water feature in the center
*Curved retaining wall to maximize yard, but extend out to include fruit trees
*Low maintenance
Proposed Options
Option 1:
This is the most inclusive of all the designs. It incorporates all the listed goals. Plus, we could purchase all the plants reasonably at the size shown. Within three years, the arborvitaes would grow enough to cover the patio door in the center of the photo.
My only concern is that all the evergreens are heavily centered in the design, thus creating sectioned views depending on the season.
Option 2:
This option also incorporates all the listed goals. It creates more widespread visual interest in all seasons.
The only hesitation is that there is no screening for the patio door in the center of the photo. However, this design creates more visual interest against the large white house, instead of it looking like a blank canvas.
Option 3:
This is a combination of option 1 and 2. It also offers the most screening and privacy.
The only downside, is that I could not put a water feature in the center of the design. I would have to find an alternate feature, or not implement one at all.
Plant List
- Nectarine Tree
- Arborvitae ‘Emerald Green’
- Camellia ‘Christmas Carol’
- Hibiscus ‘Starry Night’
- Buddleia ‘Pugster Pinker’
- Hydrangea ‘Horwack’
- Gardenia ‘Dwarf Radicans’
- Salvia ‘Blue Marvel’
- Hemerocallis ‘Perceptive’
- Hosta
- Astilbe
- Heuchera
***Links are provided only to show images and specifics of named plants.***