I am clueless with gardening, so any advice is welcome. It is hard to tell in this picture due to the fallen leaves, but there was mulch lining the house, but the rain has washed it mostly away revealing the plastic weed barriers the previous owners installed. Once I remove that, is it necessary to replace with another weed barrier before adding more mulch?
I would also love to know what would look good. I do love the mini trees/bushes on each end that are usually bright green but I need to fill it in between. Should I stagger shrubs with flowers? How many layers of plants would look good?
Would like to also add I’m doing this myself and not looking to spend a bunch of money. Thank you!
by LastDoughnut5267
5 Comments
You’ve got a really nice base to work with already, it just needs a bit of structure and layering.
For the weed barrier, I wouldn’t bother replacing it. It usually causes more issues long-term, a good layer of mulch (2–3 inches) will handle most weeds on its own.
For planting, I’d keep it simple and go with a layered look:
• Taller shrubs or small trees in the back (you already have a good start on the ends)
• Medium shrubs through the middle
• Lower plants or flowers in the front to soften the edge
Staggering them instead of planting in straight lines will make it feel more natural and full.
You don’t need a ton of plants, just spacing them properly and repeating a few types will make it look way more put together.
I probably wouldn’t replace the plastic weed barrier. A lot of times it ends up being more annoying than helpful, and fresh mulch is usually enough. Just removing the old stuff, cleaning up the bed, and remulching would already make a big difference.
For planting, I’d keep it simple and budget-friendly — repeat a few hardy plants across the front instead of doing too many layers. That usually ends up looking cleaner and is way easier to maintain.
You can replace the plastic weed barrier with cardboard.
I’m an arborist not a landscaper. Don’t use plastic weed barrier You just get weeds on top of it it makes it harder for them to remove. And before you spend any money on plants etc to a soil test. Find plants that like your soil type. Pretty easy to Google, save yourself a lot of time in trouble
I’m doing something similar with my “new” house.
I would consider these questions.
Do you mind watering it in the summer? If not plant according.
How much work per year are you willing to invest. You probably have to put effort in every fall and spring no matter what, but some plants and flowers need more attention.
This is apparently called a foundation garden (someone correct me if I’m wrong). You can Google the term for ideas.
I’m relying HEAVILY on chatGPT to help me, but I’m doing a large native project. I’d use it to at least render images for you so you can picture the plants full grow and in every season.
I’m also in Missouri! Zone 6 ❤️