Initially, I mentioned that I was just going to list out the plants, but as I have been sitting here I have decided to organize my thoughts a little more based on sections of the garden. This way I can keep them organized based on sunlight requirements. This doesn’t mean that some of the plants can’t have use in multiple areas, just that it is my initial thought of placement.
Weeping Cherry
Since the deer are eating the bottom tips, and since it’s deciduous we need to put a section of low evergreen shrubs at the bottom. The cherry tree will start to be stressed if it continually gets eaten, or if the branches get too short. Here are some full sun options:
- JC Raulston Viburnum
- Purple Daydream Loropetalum
- Encore Azalea – a dwarf variety –these azaleas bloom 2-3 times a year, and stay more compact.
We would mimic similar shrubs or style around the mahonia on the entry side of the garden. This will make the entry view from the living room more cohesive, and appeasing to the eye.
Middle Section / Half Way Down
These sections are more part-sun. The beautyberries and butterfly bushes are getting large, and either need to be moved to the back row of the garden or pruned. This way we will be able to see the other shrubs and flowers tucked in. On the other side, the peonies are in a beautiful curve. However, again both sides of the garden in these areas are deciduous.
So, I suggest that we add in some low camellia shrubs. One of my favorites that you would be able to admire from your living room is the October Magic Orchid. If we keep the beautyberries and butterfly bushes in their current spot, we can put the Alabama Beauty Camellia or Northern Lights Camellia on the back row in order to give you winter flowers. They get closer to 10 feet at maturity, but are only 5′ wide. Another option for the sunny side of the garden that’s a medium-sized evergreen is the Nova Zembla Rhododendron or Dandy Man Rhododendron (they have three different colors).
Shady Area
- Frost Pink Anise
- Variegated Pieris — sometimes I can find ones where the new growth is a beautiful pink, and it cascades beautiful white flowers
- Indian Flair Mahonia
Favorite Deciduous Shrubs
- Double Play Doozie Spirea
- Spring Bouquet Viburnum
- Mt Airy Fothergilla
- Little Prospect Witch Hazel
- Sunshine Bluebeard
- MyMonet Weigela / Purple Effect
- Bloomerang Reblooming Lilac
- Ninebark
Perennials
I am just linking to the images because each one comes in so many different colors and flower form.
- Salvia — I prefer the mounding blues and purples, but the tall pinks could be used as a backdrop.
- Veronica/Speedwell — I only use the ones that do not exceed 18″ in height
- Heuchera
- Firepot Dahlia
- Astilbe
- Bleeding Heart
- Foxglove
- Dianthus
- Stella De Oro Daylily
Finished Design:
Photos to follow