Ideas for the area with the rocks? I want to remove them and put something here, but nothing grows well because of all the shade and it’s a drip line from my roof so it gets a lot of water when it rains.
Ideas for the area with the rocks? I want to remove them and put something here, but nothing grows well because of all the shade and it’s a drip line from my roof so it gets a lot of water when it rains.
Leave the rocks. Add some large rectangular planter boxes with plants that grow in that environment to change the space.
Delirious-Dandelion
This is the perfect spot for a moss garden 😍
ghostflower25
Hostas and astilbe. I also think you may be better putting planters on the rocks to control the wetness better.
Easy_Perspective_835
Small gravel would look nicer
RikoRain
Big pots (or medium) with plants that do well in partial sun. Idk how much it rains there but let that be your second defining trait with them. “Partial sun and infrequent floods” or “partial sun and few waterings”.
the_skies_falling
The fact there’s a drip line there makes me think it might be a French drain. I’d want to make sure before doing anything.
befitstayyoung
If you remove the stones, the dripping water will splash dirt onto the side of your house. Even potted plants can get stuff dirty. Perhaps create something with different types of stones? Almost like a pretty landscape mosaic?
OldArtichoke433
Potted plants OP
cww60
Alternate between hydrangeas and hosts in grave bed, their hardy plants in shade and during droughts.and heat.
LGreyS
A dry creek with plants such as hostas. Something along the type you’d find in Japanese gardens.
Aromatic-Thing-132
Google “Shade garden” then pick plants you like from there.
PinkyandtheB
I don’t know for sure but I suspect this might be a french drain. You can probably put some stuff on it but don’t let it obstruct the water from getting in if so.
TexasChampions
Turf with pavers. Add a couple drains.
AngryPrincessWarrior
Look into rainscaping
I added a tiny “creek” in front of the downspout of my garden bed and am OBSESSED.
It would be work but if you created a “creek” and planted potted ferns tucked into the rocks, it would look lovely there.
marenott
Bigger rocks and potted plants
OkFaithlessness3729
The first thing that popped in my mind is mini boardwalk – put down composite decking over the ground/rocks then use same material to create a ledge/bench that goes up and along the entire length of the wall below the window level. Get a whole bunch of cool planters and experiment what grows well there.
Prettier rocks? Landscaping places have a lot of options. I’d check that out first before making major changes. The rocks are there for a reason.
salsafresca_1297
Is this home in an HOA?
Just to throw in an option other than plants, are you artistic? Do you know someone who is? I would have a lot of fun removing the rocks and mosaic-scaping that area.
Gigi0268
Hostas are wonderful in the shade, and extremely easy to grow.
37 Comments
I like the rocks. Adding some fresh ones would help though.
Different colored rocks. Maybe pebbles. Possibly boulders. A fountain if you’re feeling brave.
I would add a few really big pots with hydrangeas or hostas in them, and set them on top of the rocks.
Hostas handle drip lines really well and they would thrive in those conditions.
Evergreen huckle berries, low growing Pieris, Corsica mint
Pavers, a bar and a shuffleboard table
Slip N Slide?
Try these out. They list the zone as well.
https://www.greatgardenplants.com/collections/wet-soils?pf_t_light=light%3Ashade&srsltid=AfmBOorlR_mPZWNyu7QTI426Ms2x6kMB4OnAtlQ1oK6CTTqfuMm7n-40
Ferns
Leave the rocks. Add some large rectangular planter boxes with plants that grow in that environment to change the space.
This is the perfect spot for a moss garden 😍
Hostas and astilbe. I also think you may be better putting planters on the rocks to control the wetness better.
Small gravel would look nicer
Big pots (or medium) with plants that do well in partial sun. Idk how much it rains there but let that be your second defining trait with them. “Partial sun and infrequent floods” or “partial sun and few waterings”.
The fact there’s a drip line there makes me think it might be a French drain. I’d want to make sure before doing anything.
If you remove the stones, the dripping water will splash dirt onto the side of your house. Even potted plants can get stuff dirty. Perhaps create something with different types of stones? Almost like a pretty landscape mosaic?
Potted plants OP
Alternate between hydrangeas and hosts in grave bed, their hardy plants in shade and during droughts.and heat.
A dry creek with plants such as hostas. Something along the type you’d find in Japanese gardens.
Google “Shade garden” then pick plants you like from there.
I don’t know for sure but I suspect this might be a french drain. You can probably put some stuff on it but don’t let it obstruct the water from getting in if so.
Turf with pavers. Add a couple drains.
Look into rainscaping
I added a tiny “creek” in front of the downspout of my garden bed and am OBSESSED.
It would be work but if you created a “creek” and planted potted ferns tucked into the rocks, it would look lovely there.
Bigger rocks and potted plants
The first thing that popped in my mind is mini boardwalk – put down composite decking over the ground/rocks then use same material to create a ledge/bench that goes up and along the entire length of the wall below the window level. Get a whole bunch of cool planters and experiment what grows well there.
Or install a gas line & build a couple fire tables like this:
https://www.woodlanddirect.com/cove-linear-gas-fire-pit-table—72/679812.html
Or if drainage is a problem, turn it into some kind of river rock drainage bed.
I have so many ideas but none really involve plants. Sorry. 😁
Rubber mulch and large potted plant containers.
Do you live in an area with wildfire risk? Leave it gravel.
I like to emphasize that the rocks and what is underneath are your gutters and prevent water infiltration into your home. Don’t eliminate them.
Lots of shade loving plants
Remove ugly old rock replace with others. Possibly large stones.
Astroturfing
pavers, nice outdoor couch, and some large potted plants that do well with lots of H20
Leave it. Great FireSmart design leaving the area close to the house bare (ignition zone). https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2025/01/06/what-is-the-wildfire-home-ignition-zone
Hostas
Prettier rocks? Landscaping places have a lot of options. I’d check that out first before making major changes. The rocks are there for a reason.
Is this home in an HOA?
Just to throw in an option other than plants, are you artistic? Do you know someone who is? I would have a lot of fun removing the rocks and mosaic-scaping that area.
Hostas are wonderful in the shade, and extremely easy to grow.
Artificial grass